Take Root and Write

Do I Need A Personal Retreat?

 

 "Please pray for me," a lovely young homeschool mom asked me at church last week. "It's the middle of July and we are still finishing up last year's work. I feel so overwhelmed."

I smiled and offered a word of encouragement.

Later on that night, another mom contacted me on facebook. She was frantic. There was so much going on with discipline issues for her two sons that she could not focus on planning the next year.

"Please pray for me!" she begged.

I could go on and on. The economy has some of my friends who have been raising children, keeping their homes, and homeschooling at home for years, to have to get part-time jobs. Reluctantly, they left their home to earn some extra money. They continue to homeschool, but it is more challenging.

Another friend is dealing with health issues. Does she have cancer or is the lump benign? What do the homeschool books say about that?

Are You Ready?

It is almost time for the new school year to start, time to purchase school supplies, time to start a brand new school year. You may still be recovering from last year. In fact, your children may still be finishing up last year's schoolwork. You may be facing significant issues that are rocking your faith or testing your character.

We can shift into autopilot to do our lesson plans, purchase curriculum, buy supplies, and get everything ready. But is our heart ready for the new year.

I love homeschooling, but I can sometimes find it hard to focus the way I want to. In the past three years, I have lost my mother and father after helping them through difficult health issues. It was hard to take care of my parents and so much harder to lose them. I cannot tell you the miles and hours I logged in my minivan, traveling back and forth to be with my parents for another surgery or medical test. When I lost Mom and Daddy, the emotional pain was, and still is, intense. Nothing prepared me for the sorrow that I would feel after they died.

Homeschooling was hard. It was hard to focus sometimes. Homeschooling was not up to my usual standard of excellence and, often, I felt guilty. Can you homeschool effectively with a heavy heart?

My friend, Miriam, going through a painful relational struggle, admitted to me, "I don't even want to homeschool this year, but I know if I put my children in public school, things will just get worse for my family."

I nodded my head because I agree with Miriam. We sometimes think that everything needs to be "perfect" for us to homeschool effectively. We don't realize how much we are a blessing to our children by being with them 24/7, listening to their dreams, praying with them, reading the Bible together, showing affection, and modeling the Christian life for them.

When times are rough, stay the course. Read books together aloud. Focus on the most important subjects. Major on the majors and minor on the minors. But maybe, you need more than to just hang on. Maybe you need to be refreshed and encouraged by the Lord Himself. What about a personal retreat?

A Personal Retreat

To take a personal retreat, you need a quiet place for a few days, a comfortable place to stay, worship CD's, inspirational books, and your Bible.

Summer is a great time for a personal retreat because you can get last minute deals on nearby hotels who have cancellations. Or you might be able to stay a few nights in a friend's house while her family is on vacation.

Plan to spend plenty of time resting and sleeping so that your body is refreshed. You may consider fasting or, at least, eating healthy while you are away.Don't forget to exercise. Long walks along the beach or in the woods can refresh your spirit and get your blood circulating. 

Spend time worshiping with worship CD's and reading Scripture aloud. You might want to do a personal Bible study on a topic that interests you. Ask the Lord to refresh your spirit. Bring along books that will minister and encourage you--not books that will overwhelm you and add tons of stuff to your "to do" list.

Cover the school year ahead with prayer, committing it to the Lord and asking him to fill your heart with faith. Pray for His perspective and heart for your family and the teaching ahead.

Don't feel awkward or scared if you have never been alone with the Lord before. . .it is wonderful! You might just want to start with a day or half-day. Whatever you choose, get away with God and let him refresh your heart.

Honoring Homeschool Dads

Father's Day is over and life is back to normal. Dad is back at work. You are either homeschooling or taking a much-needed summer break.

It got me thinking about my husband and other homeschooling dads. Here are some things I hear often.

"I can't remember the last time my husband and I had any time alone together."

"I am up late working on the computer and he gets up early to go to work. We never see each other anymore."

"He just doesn't appreciate all the time I spend homeschooling HIS children."

"I wish he had a better job. We can barely get by on his income."

Often, when I talk to homeschooling moms, they ask me for advice on how to get Dad to do more or to be more supportive. Many times, in the hustle and bustle of homeschooling a houseful, romantic life with Dad is put on the shelf and Mom focuses on the children, maybe more than she should.

So, what can we do to honor and appreciate our husbands more and express criticism less.

Helpmates

We are God's girls first, wives second, and homeschooling moms third. Our husband is our second priority in life! We are given to him by our Heavenly Father as a gift to be a companion, help, and blessing. Ask  yourself each day, "How can I serve my husband today and fill his life with joy?" Focus on him and his needs. Teach your children the same thing!

Encourage Their Gifts!

What is your child's gift?

No, I am not talking about their gift from their last birthday or from Christmas. I am talking about the gift that God gave them. If we do not know the gift God has given them and do not encourage them in that gift, how can we expect them to fully worship God with their lives?

Jesus gave an interesting parable regarding talents. In this parable, Jesus states that a man was traveling far away and so he gave his servants different amounts of talents. The man gave five talents to one servant, two talents to another, and then one talent to yet another servant.

Eventually, (and without notice) the man returned to see what each of the servants had done with what he gave them. The man was pleased with two of the servants who had used the talents he gave them and actually increased their worth. Yet, the man was very displeased with the last servant who did nothing with his talent; instead, the man dug a hole and hid the talent in the ground. The man rebuked him as a wicked and lazy servant and commanded him to be cast out into utter darkness (Matt. 25:14-30 NKJV).

God has given each of our children "talents" to use in their lifetime. Some of our children will have many talents and some will only have one. Yet, regardless of the amount, the critical question is what will they do with what God gives them? Will they use it to the best of their ability and please God or will they disregard it and hide it underground and displease God? The answer to that question may very well depend upon what we (as parents) are doing to encourage what God has given each of them.

Clutter & Homeschooling

"What are you doing?" my husband asked. "Are you coming to bed soon?  You've been on the computer all night."

"And all day too. I'm making room on my hard drives. They are both full. I deleted 4,000 emails today. Now, I'm deleting duplicate picture files. My camera is 10 megapixels and the files are large. Also, there are a lot of video files from Shine and Phoebe..."

"Okay, Honey. It's fine. Don't explain. I'll see you in the morning."

I have 600 somethings on my computer. My computer friends told me that my computer has enough space that I will never fill it. Hah! Little do they know!

Clutter in my Life

I can fill anything--an empty drawer, an empty bookcase, an empty room, and an empty hard drive. I create piles of papers and books wherever I go. If I walk into a room, I will leave behind a pile of books.

But, filling up my hard drives was a wake-up call to me. I have a problem with clutter. There is clutter in my homeschool room and clutter in my computer. I might join a support group.

"Hi, I'm Meredith Curtis and I'm a pack rat. I hate to get rid of anything because one day I just might need it. How do other people live without collecting piles of things?"

2010 Schoolhouse Planner Review

"The 2010 Schoolhouse Planner is finished!" Heidi wrote in her email. Attached was the The Old Schoolhouse magazine's homeschooling and home management planner. This planner has to be the most thorough planner I have ever seen. As always, I was eager to look through this 614 page planner.

The brand new edition is here! Heidi Stawser and Kris Price have done it again. The 2010 Schoolhouse Planner is an administrative delight to those who love organizing and for those who can't stand organization, but know they desperately need it! This contains everything you need to manage your home and school.

Planning sheets, charts, logs, articles, recipes, and more fill the 614 pages in the newest planner from the Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Available as an E-book, you can purchase the 2010 Schoolhouse Planner from The Old Schoolhouse Store for $39.00.

The planner is divided into monthly sections (211 pages). This is followed by calendars (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), monthly calendars, miscellaneous education information (~50 pages), and forms (~300 pages). Like all of TOS's publications, this planner is attractive, easy on the eyes, and pleasant to read through. There is so much neat stuff to read--I found myself completely distracted for hours!

The Invisible Visible God

Santa Claus. The Tooth Fairy. These are just a couple of the endless imaginary people that children are exposed to.

However, as our children physically and emotionally mature they realize that Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy were never really real. At that moment, they no longer "believe" in them, but become aware that it was all fabricated to entertain them.

Fun as that all may be, it is frightening to think though that some children may place Jesus Christ into that category of imaginary people. We, as parents, talk about Jesus all the time, we read about Him, and we pray to Him, but do our children truly believe in Him? Do they know the difference between children fables and spiritual realities?

Every day I talk to my children about Jesus Christ. They are almost always attentive and receptive to what I have to say, but when they are scared or frustrated the truth comes out that they question His reality.

"How come I can't see Him?" or "Why can't I hear His voice?" are just some of the questions that are asked of us. I don't know about you, but when these questions come I find it difficult to explain to them how to believe in something that they cannot see, hear, or feel, but it is absolutely necessary that we do!

If we truly want our children to live a life that glorifies God then we must enable them to see Him, hear Him, and feel Him. When they do, then they will be able to see that He is not an imaginary person; instead they will see Him as He is and be in awe. The natural result of them seeing Him, hearing Him, and feeling Him will be to worship Him.

Hidden Art of Homemaking Review

"Hidden Art?  What is hidden art?" I wondered as I glanced at the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Book Table. It was the 1980's and I was a college student, majoring in nursing. I didn't want to get married until I was REALLY old...like 30!

But, this book caught my eye. I had already read a few books by Francis Schaeffer, a Christian philosopher and this was his wife. I was curious to find out what she had to say about homemaking because I grew up wanting to be a homemaker when I finally settled down and got married.

The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer is a book I have read many times since I first bought it in my college days. When I was single, it helped me to make my dorm room a home. In later years, this book inspired me to create a home for my family.

Over the years, I have read many books on homemaking, but this is my favorite! Edith Schaeffer is my heroine. She devoted her life to creating a home to nurture her husband, children, and all the people they ministered to in their chalet in Switzerland. From freshly baked bread to lovely music playing, Edith decorated her house carefully, filling it with art, laughter, beauty, and good books.

Why do I love this book so much? The premise of the book is being an artist, bringing art, creativity, and originality to our homemaking. The book opens with a chapter on the First Artist, the Lord. The book shows how the Lord is an Artist, filling our lives and world with His beauty to communicate that He loves us. We are made in His image, artists who can create too. What joy we can experience as homemakers when we seek to imitate the FIrst Artist by bringing hidden art into all areas of homemaking.

Dateable - A Homeschool Dating Solution

I ran downstairs to shower and get dressed. My 15-year old son just got the okay from a young girl his age that she could go to a 4 o'clock movie. We checked pluggedin.com to check for appropriateness and once this was settled, I had less than an hour to get ready.

I could just taste the movie buttered popcorn and the yummy raisinets. I was trying to decide if I would have a coke or an icee. As you can tell, food is an important part of going to the movies for me.

My son and I headed toward the theater. We made it down one street when he announced to me that he didn't want me to actually go "in" the movie theater with him, because he felt it would be embarrassing. My heart sunk a little, and I felt a pout coming.

I asked about the young girl's mom to see if he knew what she felt about them going alone to the movie. He already knew that her mom was fine with them going together. So bummer, I got bumped out of going to an afternoon movie by some nice young girl that my son is not "dating."

I think I was sadder about missing out on the munchies than not seeing the movie or really having any concern about them needing a chaperon in the middle of the day at the movies. I can't help but think, "Well so much for all the "dating rules" my husband and I made when our children were toddlers."

Little Man in the Map Review

"Look at this beautiful picture book!" I gasped as I opened the unexpected package that had arrived from the mailman as we were leaving for homeschool coop.

"C'mon, Mom, we're going to be late. . .Wow! That is beautiful! Where did you get that book? It's amazing!"

We brought it with us, passing it around in the car. I gazed at it intently every time I stopped at a red light. We were are entranced by the pretty artwork.

I was so excited to finally be able to sit down and study each page carefully. It made me feel little a little kid again. I wish I had learned U.S. geography with this book. It made everything so simple!

I wasn't the only one in the family who couldn't wait to sit down and spend time curled up with this book. Little Man in the Map was one of the most popular items with my children that I have reviewed!

And so began our introduction to The Little Man in the Map by E. Andrew Martonyi. This large and lovely picture book is the most creative way I have ever seen to learn the fifty states. Of course, I do love well-written beautifully illustrated picture books. Is there anyone who doesn't love them?

This book is filled with little clues to help you remember the fifty United States of America. Betcha didn't know that there is a state shaped like a chair, another like a cup, and one state is even shaped like a dining room table. But you have to start with the Little Man in the Map.

Honoring Homeschooling Mothers!

This Sunday, we will celebrate all mothers and give them the applause and honor they deserve for their love, sacrifice, and devotion. To all you homeschooling moms out there, this is my applause to each of you. You are my heroes!

Come On Over For a Visit!

If you could come over to my house, I would put the tea kettle on and make you a big mug of herb tea. Then I would serve you a slice of my gooey rich Tunnel of Fudge Cake, rich chocolate cake with a ribbon of creamy fudge running through it. We would sit and talk about life, homeschooling, husbands, children, world affairs. I would encourage you, tell you that you are doing a great job, and remind you that you are the perfect parent for your child. 

Then, I would give you a dozen roses, one for each year of homeschooling your children. I would ask you to smell the lovely fragrance and remind you that we are the fragrance of Christ to our children; and our whole family is the fragrance of Christ to the world.

We would tell each other stories and swap homeschooling tips, maybe even trade recipes. Soon, we would admit the really funny stuff, those stories that make us laugh until tears stream down our faces.

After our visit, we would probably discover that, in spite of all our differences, we have so much in common, especially our heart for our children.

Homeschool Moms are so Cool!

There are many great maternal figures in the world, but, after all, who else but a homeschool mom....

...Gets up early while it is still dark...oops, wait a minute, that's the Proverbs 31 Woman...teaches her children to fix their own breakfast at the age of two so she can grab a few more winks before she hits the ground running. After all, she was up all night nursing the baby.

Secret Code Time Review

I love meeting moms who have raised godly children and who are raising godly children. You see, I want to learn from women who have done it right and have good fruit to show for it. I also love meeting moms who are funny and spunky.

So, for me, reviewing this book was not like other reviews because I got to meet a happy, energetic mom who has run the race and is now enjoying her grandchildren. Her daughter is carrying on the principles her mother lived by and heartily endorsing them.

Secret Cody Time:  Creating an Unbreakable Bond between Parent and Child by Sky McNeill and Paula Stevenson is a book about relationships. This lovely book is not just for homeschooling families. Any parent that wants to forge a close relationship with his/her child will appreciate this book.

Secret Code Time is written by Paula and Sky, a mother/daughter team who believe in the relational principles of Secret Code Time and practice what they preach. Well written and engaging, the book is 142 pages long. Not a long book to get through. You will enjoy all the photographs through the pages of the authors and their family. The book itself looks lovely and would make a great gift for another homeschooling mom for birthday or Christmas.

Pray . . . at ALL times

 

I knelt down at the edge of my son's bed and leaned in toward his small body. I clasped my hands together and asked if he would say the bedtime prayer. He closed his tired small eyes and recited, "Thank you God for the food we are about to eat. Amen."

My son had been accustomed to praying only for dinner and praying at bedtime. At that particular moment he merely got confused about which one he was praying for and resorted to the dinnertime prayer. This instantly revealed to me that he believed prayer only came on two occasions: dinner and bedtime.

The Bible tells us to "[p]ray without ceasing,"  which means to pray at ALL times and never stop. (1 Thess 5:17, NKJV) I have shared this with my children on various occasions as a reminder to them that they can talk to God at anytime they want. I instruct them that they can pray for big things or small things. They can pray at any time during the day OR night.Prayer is an important part of Instilling a Life Long Passion for Worship to our Lord.

I recall when my first child was an infant. She would cry endlessly throughout the night. With swollen eyes and a weary body, I would drag myself to her crib and try to figure out what was causing her pain. I would change her pamper, feed her milk, burp her, massage her, cover her, etc. I remember thinking that I could not wait until she could talk so that I would know what she needed from me.

Lobster Network Review

"Where is Four Musketeers?" Shine asked all of us. "I have looked everywhere."

"Did you look on the literature shelf?" I responded, almost chiding.

"It's not there, Mom. I've been looking for it," Rose backed Shine up.

"The Godfrey's have it," Jimmy announced, looking up from the book he was reading.

"Oh, golly," I fumed. "Did they use the check out list on the computer at the top of the stairs?"

"Sometimes they forget," Rose reminded me.

"There must be a better system to keep track of our stuff and get it back when we need it."

Lobster Network to the rescue! This website was created especially for me and all the people in my life who borrow stuff from me. Not really, but it felt like that when I was sent to the website to review Lobster Network. I was so happy to find this because I spend many hours each week trying to figure out where on earth a book has disappeared to, finally discovering that it is at a friend's house. I have tried keep files on the computer, but then I have to get on that particular computer--hard to do in a household of nine people.

Ideal Curriculum Review

I remember those precious days when I was first starting out with homeschooling. Katie Beth was four years old and I just couldn't wait to begin! I bought Ann Ward's Learning at Home Preschool-Kindergarten and began teaching Katie Beth all kinds of nifty things! We made little shape books, cut pictures out of magazines to make collages, and wrote numbers and letters. What a fun year!

With the children that followed, I never did any kind of formal preschool/kindergarten work. They tagged along with the older ones while we did school. I would give them paper, markers, pencils, books, and math manipulatives to play with and keep their hands busy while I read to the older kids. Somehow, they picked up everything that I so meticulously taught Katie Beth. When they were ready, we began learning to read with Sing, Spell, Read, and Write and started Bob Jones Math 1.

Nineteen years have gone by quickly since Katie Beth started homeschooling with me. Now, she is working on her master's degree and there are only three children left at home. But those days are still so fresh in my mind.

Ideal Curriculum's Month 1 Kit arrived in my email inbox to review. Yes, it arrived via the internet and is packaged in pdf format. The thing I love about E-Curriculum is that it is so easy to store in the computer! No need to make more room on already crowded bookshelves. Although, I adore my over-crowded bookshelves full of treasured, beloved books!

Finish Well

 "The skit was excellent. But, unfortunately, that is exactly how my family is," a man admitted to my husband at the Finish Well conference. He was referring to the skit that opened up the conference on Friday night portraying the communication problems that many homeschooling families experience in their homes. This skit revealed the spiritual battle that occurs when we try to communicate.

After the skit, many fathers listened attentively as Pastor Mike challenged them to lead their homes. Pastor Mike walked the fathers in attendance through the process to win back the heart of a rebellious teen. In fact, you could hear a pin drop. Every eye watched Pastor Mike and listened intently. I never knew the problem was so intense in homeschooling families. People needed hope. When an altar call was given, dads rushed forward to ask the Lord to help them, and anoint them.

Wow! I did not dream the Finish Well Homeschooling High School conference would begin like that. Well, actually, the conference began with airsoft games in the late afternoon. Maybe that was foreshadowing of what was to come. Later, in the evening, the battle in our homes was revealed. Still later, the Lord began to be victorious in men's hearts, winning the battle!

Family Mint Review

Saving money is an elusive goal for many families. Debt reduction is a big deal right now with our country's economic woes. But, at all times, money is a big issue for any family. Often, as parents, we are in the situation of wishing that we had managed our own money better in the past. How we hope that our children will start out in their new homes better than we started in ours. But how do we train our children to be wise, frugal, and generous? 

Family Mint is a free online training tool that aids in teaching children to manage their money wisely. It offers tools to help parents provide guidance for their children to manage money and cultivates the skills needed to do so.

Family Mint is an online system that is high-tech and fun! You, the parent, are the banker. You name your bank, create a profile, and let your kids create their own profiles as well. You determine the interest rates for each account and can set up matching deposits on important savings accounts such as the college fund. The parent/banker also sets up an automatic allowance deposit.

Courting - It's Like Dating

Guy sees girl. Girl sees guy. Guy and girl talk, dance at a great distance, sit on a bench. . .and, it feels good inside! The ride home in the 'courting' wagon can be very eventful. . .hands move, heads turn, lips touch, oops! The buggy mirror gets all steamy. (I just hate when that happens to my buggy!)

Blink. . .blink..oh, I don't live in an Amish world. People don't have courting sofas in the parlor anymore. Maybe that is it! If I would only have a courting sofa made for my children when they have a 'friend' over.

Can't you see it? They can sit on this special sofa to remind them that they are courting, not dating. Oh, my house doesn't have a parlor. Could the front porch be as effective? So much pre-planning to be concerned about in a courting world!

"Courting" is what many homeschool parents desire for their children. I will confess right away I was one of those homeschool parents, and might still be, to some degree. We want our children to believe courting is how a godly person finds a future spouse.

Some families don't even use the d-word (dating), hoping their children never learn there is an alternative to courting. This means the family will be watching the weather channel and cable news, renting only G-rated movies and staying away from magazines in the grocery stores. And clearly, a church youth group is also on the 'not-to-do' list.

Review of Keyboarding for the Christian School

I remember typing class in seventh grade. We had a big picture of the keyboard in the front of the room, but all the keys on our typewriters were blackened out. This forced us to look up while we typed. That developed a habit that I appreciate today because it allows me to type more quickly and efficiently.

I have often wondered, how on earth do you learn to type on a computer keyboard? Should I blacken the keys and put a big poster on the wall? My husband's disapproval has prevented me from trying this method of teaching my children.

Keyboarding for the Christian School by Leanne Beitel is a back-to-basics curriculum. It's nothing fancy; no bells and whistles. I like it!

This 107 page e-book contains 42 lessons that take you from the basics to formatting, footnotes, and addressing envelopes. The first 20 lessons help the student learn the location of the letters. Then the students become proficient at typing numbers. Here is a list of all the lessons.

Review of The Zion Covenant Series

"Are you going to turn out the light, Honey?" my husband barely murmured, while covering his head with a pillow.

"Just one more paragraph," I replied, not taking my eyes off the page I was reading.

"Honey, this is the third night in a row. Are you ever going to sleep again?"

I did not reply because I was too busy reading book 7 of The Zion Covenant series. I had given up cooking dinner, washing the dishes, and checking my facebook. I rationalized it by telling myself that I was just giving my daughters the opportunity to learn homemaking skills. Really, all I wanted to do was read these books.

The Zion Covenant is a series of books set during the time of Hitler's Nazi Germany and World War II. This set of nine books has captured my attention. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I love the authors, Bodie and Brock Thoene.

A big history buff, I appreciated the historical accuracy. My mother, born in 1837, knew men and women who had personally experienced the horrors of World War II. She was always sharing information with me. Like many others, she wanted to make sure that history will never repeat itself. Facts and anecdotes I already knew about Hitler and World War II came alive for me in a brand new way, breaking my heart in two.

This is an emotional series of books, covering a heart-breaking portion of history. When you read of ships of German Jewish refugees sailing from port to port due to the rejection of nation after nation, including our own, you feel sad. When you read about individuals named Aaron and Rebekah with their five children aboard a refugee ship, you will weep as I did when the ship went down in a hurricane after the United States refused to let the ship ride out the storm in one of its harbors.

Christ-centered, these books tell the story of Christians who were brave, salvations, God's interventions, and miracles in the midst of dark evil. 

Learning about St. Patrick

Holidays are always a great excuse to get off track a little bit and enjoy a scenic "rabbit trail" from the usual routine. This is especially true when spring fever is attacking even the most disciplined homeschool mom. So, since St. Patrick's Day is coming up. . .

Who is St. Patrick? Isn't he an Irish priest? Is he a leprechaun? Is he a legend or a real person?

St. Patrick was an English missionary and Apostle to the nation of Ireland. He was captured by Irish pirates as a young boy. St. Patrick is a Christian hero that your children will enjoy learning about.

In a day where our heroes are robots, terminators, or men lacking integrity, it is so good to learn about a true hero, brave in every situation.

Kidnapped!

Born in England during Roman times, Patrick enjoyed life in a Roman colony seaside village. His father was a priest in the Celtic church, but Patrick did not want to serve God like his parents did. It took a disaster to bring him to the Lord.

One day, Irish pirates stormed Patrick's seaside village and killed many of the inhabitants. At the young age of fourteen, he was kidnapped, taken as a slave to Ireland, and worked as a shepherd. Ireland was a land of pagans and Druids who worshiped idols. Patrick felt very homesick.

During his captivity, he remembered his parent's faith in God and surrendered his life to Jesus as Lord and Savior. He grew closer to the Lord during these years and did his best to be a shining light for His Messiah.

Review of America's Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty

We are studying American History this year. Five families have united to co-op every Tuesday in my living room, kitchen, backyard, and nearby park. We have listened to numerous books, read aloud, shot arrows from bows, worked on time lines, recited famous speeches, and created many hands-on projects. The fascinating thing to me about American History is the deep devotion to God that once lived in the hearts of men and women in this nation. Even those who rejected the Gospel, admitted that God had His hand in the formation of this great nation.

 Once, faith in the Lord led to core values that helped to make our nation great:  personal responsibility, integrity, and love for fellow man. My daddy always said, "You are responsible for your own actions. If everyone jumped off a bridge..." Your daddy probably said the same thing to you. Concern for the welfare of others led to charities and neighbors helping neighbors. People expected their politicians to be men and women of integrity and honor.

There also existed a great love of freedom so strong that people were willing to die to hold on to freedom. There was great pride in being a citizen of the United States of America. George Washington urged unity above political party affiliation. Patriotism, love of freedom, and a desire to move forward to make the world a better place for the next generation all united Americans.

While we cannot go back in time, we can pass on a Godly heritage to our children, reminding them of the providential blessing that has hovered over our nation. We can pass on the same values that led Daniel Boone across the wilderness, Teddy Roosevelt to storm San Juan Hill, and Lincoln to speak at Gettysburg.

The American Heritage Foundation is serious about teaching students the truth about the United States of America and current events. Historically, the United States of America is Modern History's first attempt at self-government. This adventure was bathed in prayer and led by men who feared the Lord and understood biblical principles.

This non-profit organization was formed to teach American history and to promote patriotism in young American lives. Though a non-religious organization, it promotes conservative, family-friendly values. Lesson plans have been created for use in public schools to fill in the gaps in public school history and government classes. Their lesson plans are offered free to homeschoolers too!

Less Than Perfect Homeschool Family

Our family will never be on a reality TV show for homeschooling; unless they did a series on homeschool horrors. Don't be alarmed! My children can read, write, and do their arithmetic. But...what we couldn't do were homeschooling unit studies, textbooks, charts, schedules, chores, singing hymns, lesson plans, read-a-loud classics, tests, handwriting, spelling, Latin, logic, and music theory. Besides that, we’ve had great success!

Fancy unit studies were not for us. I couldn’t convince my children to pretend we lived in a pioneer village for a few months. I, myself, struggled to get all the books, crafts, and real-life supplies gathered.

As for other popular methods...note-booking our learning experiences, making nature diaries, and writing creative journals barely got started, much less completed. I marvel at the wonderful notebook binders I have seen made by other families with drawings, photos of handmade items (like full-functioning cabins built with popsicle sticks), and those precious book reports that made parents squeal with delight at the learning accomplished while their kids simply played.

Beauty Secrets for Homeschool Moms

Who doesn't long to be beautiful? As homeschooling moms, very little times exists in our lives to dedicate to outward beauty. We are rushing, moving, working throughout the day, making the world a better, brighter place for our family.When we finally get some make-up on our face and a pretty outfit on our body, it is more than likely to be spit upon or spilled on by one of our little ones.  

If we have several children, our bodies are not as trim and firm as we would like them to be. There are also those pesky bags under our eyes from sleepless nights of nursing a sick child or comforting someone who's had a bad dream.

Beautiful Moms

Yet, I think that there is nothing more beautiful than a homeschool mom!

Motherhood is beautiful. The gaze of love that a mother gives her child is breathtaking to behold. The look of joy on a young woman's face when her little one learns to read, or pee-pee on the potty, or recite his multiplication tables is lovely.

There is a beauty about pregnancy, nursing, and motherhood that is impossible to duplicate. Moms lugging a load of laundry to the washer, washing dishes at a sink full of suds, or bandaging a boo-boo are pleasing to the eye. How delightful to watch a mother giggle with her toddler or gaze in wonder at a butterfly with her young child.

Review of The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell

"We are just starting out," the young woman informed me with shining eyes. I thought that she was a high school homeschooler with her fresh smile and "girl-next-door" looks.

I smiled to myself as I remembered those days. Was I ever a young mom who didn't need to reach for her reading glasses to check a writing paper or look at the numbers to explain a math problem? How wonderful those early years were when we enjoyed making volcanoes of paper mache and going to the zoo for a field trip.

"I need all the wisdom I can get," my new young friend interrupted my thoughts.

"Well, have I got a book for you!"

Though I have read many books on homeschooling over the past twenty years, this was my first time reading The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell (sent to me by Apologia Press to review).

The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling by Debra Bell is an honest look at educating children at home from a mom whose run the race with joy and success! Debra is honest and insightful. She doesn't sugarcoat homeschooling. Debra and her husband, Kermit, have four children who are all homeschool grads. Saved in college, Debra never envisioned herself teaching her children at home. However, she saw good fruit in the lives of home educated children in her church. This led her to pursue homeschooling for her own family.

Debra homeschooled her children and built friendships with other homeschooling families. She mentions the support group, co-op, and home educator friends in her book over and over. As she speaks about her family, you can tell that she values relationships. Her life, and the lives of her children, have been changed in these relationships.

Finish Well, Running the Race Together! - Part II

In a race, it is more fun to run with others. Sometimes running together is the only way to finish. We may find ourselves knocked down and on the sidelines, watching the other runners pass us by. It's at those times we need another runner to stop, give us a hand, and help us get back into the race.

In Finish Well, Running the Race Together! we discussed how our relationships with our husbands and children help us finish the homeschooling race well. Today, let's talk about homeschooling with other families and our support system.

Homeschooling with Other Families

Most of us homeschoolers reject age segregation. Instead, we believe that life is best with all ages mixed together. Unfortunately, the rest of the world is not on the same page. Even at many churches, the family is divided up--teens to youth group, kids to Children's Church, and parents to the "Married with Kids Sunday School Class." Of course, the church is waking up and ridding itself of age segregation in some parts of the world. Maybe you belong to a church like mine that mixes every age together.

Homeschooling families long to connect with others who are on the same page when it comes to being together as families. Many parents want to be with other parents who not only like having their kids around, but also the children enjoy hanging out with their parents. What a wonderful thing to be friends with other homeschooling families, not just to co-op together, but to enjoy life and ministry together.

Review of Celebrating High School by Cheryl Bastian

"How about if I just make the brochure and you just relax? I edited your course descriptions too. Could you check them and see what you think?" Cheryl asked me over the phone. We were talking about an upcoming conference that we were both speaking at. My Daddy had just died, so Cheryl took over the bulk of the administrative details. What a blessing she was and is in my life.

It was at that time that I learned just how truly remarkable and administrative Cheryl is. I should have realized it before, seeing that she started a homeschool group and led it for nine years, while she was busy homeschooling and having lots of babies (6 total!). The longer I know Cheryl, the more I appreciate her many gifts and talents.

We speak together about homeschooling high school  and I am always so thankful that she is there to answer all the administrative questions, not my greatest strength! Just how do you keep up with transcripts, SATs, visiting colleges, applying for colleges, and applying for Bright Futures and other scholarships? I thought that I was organized with all the high school stuff until I met Cheryl. She definitely has her homeschooling high school act together and she has written a book to help you do the same thing.

Finish Well, Running the Race Together!

In the homeschooling high school race, it is in our best interest to finish well. How you finish sometimes depends on who you are running with and who is cheering you on. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't believe it takes a village to raise a child. I believe that it takes a family. One reason I think homeschooling is so effective is it puts raising and educating a child in the hands of the people who love him most:  the parents!

With that said, we all require people in our lives to be effective and productive. God made us to need one another. This includes the area of homeschooling as well. Some of the most important people necessary to homeschool high school effectively are our husbands, children, other homeschooling families, and a support system.

Your Husband

In this day of single parent households, you are so blessed if you have the privilege of being married. Your husband is a gift from God. You can be thankful for his roles in the home as leader, protector, provider, and brother in the Lord. If he works hard all week so that you can stay home and homeschool your children, then be sure to appreciate all he does. Remind him often how grateful you are to have a hard-working husband. If he is a believer, you are even more blessed. Build him up as a brother in the Lord. Encourage him to be all God wants him to be according to I Peter 3 which says the following:

Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives, (I Peter 3:1-2 NIV)

Exploracise Gymathtics

"Is this an exercise video? Is this a math video?" I wondered aloud when Exploramania Gymathtics arrived in the mail to be reviewed.

The answer to my question is YES! It is an exercise video and it is a math video.

What a fun, colorful, exciting video to watch! Our hostess, exercise leader, and math teacher is energetic and upbeat. She reminds me of my spinning teacher at the Y. Her name is Carrie and she is the creator of Exploramania. The exercise video is a high-energy aerobic workout with a twist. The twist is that you are always doing math while you move and sweat.

"Isn't exercise fun?" perky Carrie asks throughout the 30 minute workout.

"Yes, Carrie," I have to agree. "This is fun!"

Exploracise Gymathtics is a 30 minute exercise DVD. It is also a 30 minute math DVD. Let me explain. Carrie, an energetic mom, wanted to provide something educational for her high energy children. Would there be a way to help her children learn math and be physically active at the same time? I think that Carrie has her answer now because her motherly concern led to the birth of Exploramania, a company dedicated to learning in a high-energy, active way.

This brain and body workout promotes healthy living while reminding children of math concepts children need to hold on to so that they can be successful in school.

The workout, like all good workouts, starts with stretches. These stretches, however, are line, circle, and polygon stretches. With your arms, you make parallel lines and intersecting lines while you stretch. There is a side portion on the screen showing you parallel and intersecting lines, the way you would see them in a math book.

Books and Beyond

"I needed to hear what she had to say," Blanche admitted, referring to the speaker. "I brought my children home from public school, but I still treat them as if they are doing homework, rather than homeschooling them. Does that make sense?"

"Well, I think so," I mumbled. I didn't want to admit it, but I wasn't following her yet.

"I don't have the homeschool lifestyle down yet. It's still just about academics, not relationships. It's all about them just getting their work done, not about spending time with them, helping them grow up to be godly men."

"Yes, I understand." I nodded at her reassuringly. "It sometimes takes time to shift your mindset from one thing to another. Don't throw academics out the window, but focus on being with them, learning together, loving them.

(Blanche and I continued our discussion, making plans to follow-up the talk at a later date at sandwich shop. God was breaking through, giving her a paradigm shift. I was excited!)

Cleaning Beans . . . of the Heart

"What are you doing Mom?" my 7-year old curiously asked.

I was in the midst of cleaning beans, which involved intently looking at each bean to determine its condition and taking out the old or rotted ones. I peered down at my daughter's innocent face and God instantly put a message on my heart.

I began to explain to her that I was cleaning beans and I explained what it entailed. I then begin to tell her that God does the same thing to our hearts if we ask Him to. I   described that when we ask God to forgive our sins, He also takes out the rotted and old (sin) part of our hearts and makes it clean. I went on to tell her that in order to truly worship and fellowship with God, our hearts must be cleaned on a daily basis through the asking of forgiveness of our sins.

Children must be taught at an early age the importance of asking forgiveness from God. The most well-known Christian prayer is the one found in Matthew 6: "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen" (Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV).  You will notice that it is asking for DAILY bread and the forgiveness of debts--on a daily basis.

Every night, I tuck each of my kids in their bed and pray with them. The length and deepness of each prayer differs with each child depending on their age. With my 7-year old daughter, I delve deep into prayer, with my 5-year old son the prayer is a little lighter, and with my 3-year old son I get straight to the point as soon as possible before he loses interest and begins jumping everywhere.

Finish Well!

If our homeschooling journey is like a race, then high school is the final lap. We all want to run in a way that we can win the prize, crossing the finish line to the shouts of affirmation from Heaven. We long for kudos from our Heavenly Father, to realize that He is pleased with our hard work. We desire to see good fruit and success in our children's lives, to know that our labor has not been in vain.

Our children are the measure of success in our homeschooling endeavor. Are they godly men and women who love Jesus, serving Him with all their hearts or do their hearts wander to things of the world? Do they resist temptation or do they cave in to the devil's tricks and schemes? Are these ladies and gentlemen confident and courageous, or do they shrink back, afraid to live life to the fullest? Are people important priorities? Do they enjoy healthy relationships?

We can look at our children at graduation, ten years after graduation, and at their children to see the results of our homeschooling. But that is in the future. What about now. In the homeschooling high school race, how can we finish well?

First of all, we take homeschooling high school seriously, realizing that the results of our efforts will last a lifetime. Homeschooling is not a "part-time job," a hobby, or something to try out for a year or two. Homeschooling is a calling from God. He sets us apart for this ministry to raise up mighty men and women of God for Him!

Answer this call from God with an act of consecration. Dedicate yourself to him...Again! Yes, you may have done this before, but do it again. Tell the Lord that you are committed to follow His plan for your life, including His call to homeschool. Then pray and give yourself to the Lord fully for this mission. Get ready for God to do amazing things. He just waits for hearts to be fully consecrated to Him!

Where is my Hairbrush?

 "Where is that necklace," I fumed, searching frantically through my dresser drawers. I was rushing off to sound check, running late, trying to get dressed and out the door. Suddenly, I had an inspiration.  Rushing down the hall, I entered my daughter's room, opened her drawer and quickly examined the contents. There was my necklace!  I scooped it up and headed to church!

God has blessed me with four daughters and one son. Life with five children is wonderful! I dreamed of having a big family as a little girl. The Lord has made my dreams come true! I never imagined that Jesus would give me such amazing children. If they weren't mine, I'd want to go out and adopt them!

There are some things, though, about sharing a home with four other women that make life challenging.  For example, if I get a really cute shirt, I'll never see it again...except on one of my daughters. My make-up walks on its own to another bathroom because everyone denies borrowing it. And worst of all, I can never find my hairbrush! 

Over the years I have bought hundreds of hairbrushes. I always put one in my purse and one in my bathroom drawer. Lo and behold, they always disappear within twenty-four hours of purchase! Believe me, I understand why banks have their pens on chains. I have considered chaining my hairbrush!

Instilling the Fear of God

 

Children are afraid of many things. Some of those fears are warranted, while others are hard to understand unless seen through the eyes of the fearful child.

Like many young children, the dark scares my two sons. Both of them refuse to go to sleep at night unless their bedroom lights are beaming in their tiny faces. Somehow they are able to fall asleep in their brightened rooms; it is then that I tiptoe in and turn out the lights. On the occasions the clicking switch wakes them up, they wake up screaming in terror because they are engulfed in darkness and  I have to turn the lights on again.

For those of us that have suffered with fear (adults and children) it can be a paralyzing and devastating experience. However, there is a fear that has the opposite effect; a fear that is frees and comforts its "victim"--the fear of the Lord.

When we tell our children that they must fear God, their undeveloped usually struggle with understanding how they can fear God and love Him at the same time; it's the ultimate contradiction in their minds. Yet, in the book of Psalms King David commands, "Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord" (Psalm 34:11 NKJV). King David had much insight and godly knowledge to share, and must have felt that the fear of the Lord was important to understand. 

Review of Zeezok Publishing's Stephen Foster and His Little Dog, Tray

Growing up in Florida, I learned to sing "Way Down Upon the Swanee River," a Stephen Foster composition. As a piano student, I played "Camp-town Races" and "Oh,Susanna" in recitals, more songs from this famous composer. Stephen Foster composed American Folk Songs that reveal the flavor of the times he lived in. Listening to his music is part of USA history class in our homeschool, because it genuinely expresses the style and culture of Early America. Times have certainly changed and music has changed along with those times, but for those of us who enjoy remembering, Stephen Foster is a true American musician.

Originally published by E. P. Dutton Co., Inc in 1941, Stephen Foster and His Little Dog Tray by Opal Wheeler and illustrated by Mary Greenwalt is a biography of Stephen Foster with music scores of his most famous works included in the book. The story is lively and engaging, beginning with his birth into a large, slave-owning family in Pennsylvania.

From the very beginning, Stephen loved music! When he was two-years old, he "borrowed" his sister's guitar and plucked a melody. Soon, he was plucking piano keys with lovely results to his family's delight and enjoyment. Stephen's music was profoundly influenced by Negro spirituals sung by the black slaves of America. His songs often adopt the style or melody of a specific spiritual. Because of this, I had always assumed that he was a "Southern Boy," but it turns out he spent most of his life in Pennsylvania!

This biography is easy enough to be read and enjoyed by young children, but interesting and full of enough information that older children will enjoy it too. My first thought: a great family read aloud book! Best of all, the Bible is mentioned, as well as the family's devotion to God!

The study guide, Stephen Foster and His Little Dog Tray Study Guide by Judy Wilcox, impressed me! This slim book and companion guide was full of great information and divided into four sections. Each section covered a corresponding section of the book with maps, time lines, tidbits of interest, reading comprehension questions, and a focus on character qualities evident in Stephen Foster's life.

I love the time lines!  The time lines at the beginning of every chapter include all the pertinent information in the book about Stephen Foster's life, but also included musical events and composers, as well as United States and world history events of significance. I felt that the choices were perfect.

The time line gave me an idea! You could read the book aloud for a week with your homeschool crew, turning the book into a mini history unit study. There was enough information to study from the time line, plus comprehension questions could easily be turned into writing assignments, and music to listen to from the CD.

It was awesome to see them focus on character traits evidenced in his life. What a wonderful way to challenge our children to grow in godliness! While I didn't feel he was sugarcoated, I did feel that Stephen Foster was presented in a positive light and as a good role model.

I liked the comprehension questions too! They were easy questions and, best of all, the answers were included.

Now, let me tell you about the companion CD. Stephen Foster's music is combined with Edward MacDowell's music on this CD. (Edward MacDowell also has a biography and study guide in the series!) The music on the CD is not Foster's complete works, but only the selections from the biography. Reading the book aloud while stopping to listen to the selections on the CD would make a great way to learn!

The book, Stephen Foster and His Little Dog Tray by Opal Wheeler, is available on Zeezok's website for $12.95, the study guide, Stephen Foster and His Little Dog Tray Study Guide by Judy Wilcox, is available for $4.95, and the companion CD for $7.95.

There are several more musicians in this series, each with a biography, study guide, and companion CD. Here are the musicians.

• Edward MacDowell
• Franz Schubert
• Frederic Chopin
• George Frederic Handel
• Joseph Haydn
• Ludwig von Beethoven
• Wolfgang Mozart
• Robert Schumann
• Sebastian Bach
• Stephen Foster
• Johannes Brahms

Music is one of my favorite things in the world. History and music history is another favorite thing! This biography series covers both of these wonderful school subjects in a delightful, engaging way!

More than this biography series, there are several other series available too!

• Civil War series (The Guns of Bull Run, The Guns of Shiloh, The Scouts of Stonewall)
• Shining Sword (book and study guide)
• Ancient China To Wall and Beyond
• Presidential Penmanship
• When I'm a Daddy
• When I'm a Mommy

Be sure to check these books out! I enjoyed the opportunity to review this lovely series of musician's biographies. Seriously consider looking into these books. As Christians, music is part of our heritage and a tool we use to worship our heavenly Father.

A New Year Year & A Brand New Start!

The 2009 holiday season flew by for me! Before I had finished baking cinnamon rolls, it was time to pack up for our Christmas Eve traveling dinner. There were cookies, soda cans, cheese balls, and crackers to pack in our cooler and picnic basket to mingle with our friends' offerings of baked ham, turkey, pita bread, fruit trays, and veggies with dip. All that yummy food combined with laughter, affection, and celebrating filled all our hearts.

The next thing I knew it was Christmas morning and we were trying out Katie Beth's new Belgian Waffle Maker while Jimmy made sausages. Dara fixed eggs, and Mike cheerfully tasted everything. But, most of all, we put candles in the cinnamon rolls and sang Happy Birthday to our beloved Savior! Christmas devotions are always my favorite; especially the millions of Christmas carols. Opening presents takes our family hours as we go around and around, each person opening one at a time. Soon friends arrived to join us in a big meal around the lace covered, china laden table. New games had to be tested out and kept us up until midnight.

Then, a wonderful surprise! Our dear friend, Steve, was called in for his new kidney! After two years of prayer and waiting while Steve endured dialysis, it was time to begin to live again. Dropping their two children off at my house for ten days, Mary hurried with her husband, Steve to the hospital to await the surgery that would prolong his life many years!

Soon it was New Year's Eve and we found ourselves at Maria and Gene's house ringing in the New Year! Laughter and silliness were interrupted by times of prayer for Steve, who was now recovering in ICU. Did I mention that there was more delicious food at the party? I ate 57 chicken wings. Did I mention that I'm still full from the holidays?

Farewell

Have you ever thought about what that word means? It's a wish that the person to whom you're saying good-bye will fare well as she carries on with her life.

Well, I must say farewell to you right now. I'm sorry to say, but I've really had to pare down my commitments and I felt that I just could give this ministry what it deserves of my time. I don't want to be an uninvolved participant, but I simply can't do more than I was--and even that became a hardship.

Blessings to you all and to this ministry. Thank you so much for your time, love and prayers.

Christmas Life Skills Training for Teens

Christmas is a great time to prepare your teens for life! Yes, they can learn to decorate the tree, to bake the family's favorite dishes, write and send the annual Christmas letter, and make handmade Christmas gifts. But, there is more to the Christmas season for than homemaking skills. We hope to create a picture perfect Christmas, but the reality is that Christmas season is sometimes full of disappointments and problems that need to be solved. One thing that we can teach our teens at Christmas time is the life skills that need to be present to turn every problem into a possibility, every disaster into a happy ending. This is the essence of life, living victoriously in a fallen world!

What are some life skills that you can impart to your children this time of year?

 Problem Solving

It is just Murphy's Law that if you are trying to plan a "picture perfect" anything, there is bound to be some kind of complication changing our "picture perfect plans" into a problem that needs to be solved. Challenges are not a disaster, but rather an opportunity to exercise problem solving skills.

One Christmas, half of the family had the flu. We opened presents while holding buckets in our laps and rushing periodically to the bathroom to vomit. Our friends, who were bringing half of the meal, wisely canceled joining us for dinner. So, we had a very different Christmas, but we adapted and adjusted our expectations, but definitely an unusual Christmas.

When something goes wrong, let your teen in on the problem solving process. Explain the problem to your teen and brainstorm together ways to turn the challenge into something positive. Look at different options and choose one to work with.  

Stretching Money

There never seems to be quite enough money at Christmas time, something that many encounter at least a few times in their lives. Teach your teenager the art of stretching money. Look for bargains together at stores and in sales flyers in the paper. What is the wisest buy? When you find a bargain, share it with your teen and how much money that you have saved. I went to Kohl's last week with "Kohl's cash" from the day after Thanksgiving shopping and hit an amazing sale. I also brought a card that had come in the mail that took 15% off the entire bill. With all my "savings," I ended up spending $75.00 and saving $183.00. I was so excited. I took the time to share all the details with my teens so that they will save money in the future and on their own Christmas spending now. 

Learning and Loving and Living At Christmas

Next week is Christmas! There is so much left to do. By now, homeschooling is finished until after New Years Day except for that child that is "catching up" on math or some other subject because they are so behind! But is school ever over? What things does God have to teach us and our precious children this holiday season. Gather around, my dears, and let me share some Christmas lessons. 

There's not always time to do everything we want to do!

So many Christmas dreams beat in our heart! If you are like me, you want to be the "perfect mom" doing all the perfect Christmas things and making our family enjoy the best of everything Christmas has to offer. There is simply not enough time to do it all.  As God to show you what beats in HIS heart and to order your schedule. No one will be heartbroken if you do not make Aunt Edna's Cole Slaw on Christmas Eve, but maybe the homemade eggnog is just too yummy to not make. Try simplifying recipes and traditions so that preparation time is shorter and family togetherness time is longer.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps," (Proverbs 16:3).

God often supersedes our plans for better plans!

We made our plans, tie them snugly to our heart, and put our whole heart into bringing them to pass. When inconveniences or surprises happen, they catch us off-guard, making us hurt or angry. But, God is on the throne of your life! Only what He allows to happen, happens. Even if it is an attack of the enemy, it has to get through God's protective hands, so relax when your plans change. I hate this as much (maybe more!) than you! But I know in my heart of hearts that when God disrupts my plans, He is often testing my heart. Will I respond with a submissive, obedient heart or will I fail the test. Make plans, work to bring them to pass, but, ultimately, leave the results to God. He is good at running your life!

Review of Bertie's War by Barbara Tifft Blakely

"Where is that book I got in the mail to review?" I asked no one in particular.

No one admitted to taking it, so I began searching through the house. I finally found it next to a cup of hot chocolate and some cookies. It was dog-eared near the end of the book.

I picked the once perfect copy of the book up and examined it closely. There was now a stain on the front cover! The book was worn, that worn look that comes from aggressive reading! What happened to my brand new book? Where was the fresh-off-the-press copy that was neat and clean? What had caused this well-loved look to come over our new book, MY new book!

"Oh, sorry!" Shine admitted sheepishly, walking into the room that I was currently searching, "I borrowed your book and read it!"

My annoyance subsided. After all, how can you get mad at children for reading books?

"Did you like it?" I queried.

"I love it!" she replied with gusto.

Ah, I have a reader to interview for the review. So, here is the opinion of a thirteen year old girl who loves Jesus and reading with all of her heart.

 
Meredith: Shine, you read Bertie's War by Barbara Tifft Blakey. What did you think of the book?

Shine: I really like it!  It was interesting and I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. Sorry I borrowed it without asking

Meredith: I forgive you! Who are the main characters in the book?

Shine: Bertie, Aaron (younger brother), Tamara (older sister), and Bertie's parents. They are a Christian family who really love the Lord.

Meredith: Are they a happy family?

Shine: Yes, they seem to be really happy and her parents had rules and made sure their kids obeyed them. These rules came from the Bible. They lived by the Bible. When her siblings do something bad, they go to the woodshed and Bertie doesn't know what happens there because she always tries to be good.

Meredith: What happens in the story?

Shine: Bertie is afraid of everything, especially her father. She doesn't want to disappoint him or disobey him. So, she tries her hardest to always be good so she doesn't disappoint him. She can never stand up to anyone. She is always trying to earn the "nod of approval" from her dad, but when she does try, she always messes everything up. She is also always playing make-believe. All kinds of things happen in Bertie's life! I won't give you all the details. People will have to read the book and find out!

Meredith: How does Bertie change in the book?

Christmas Homemaking Class & Credit for Teens

Christmas is a great time to learn new homemaking skills! So many life skills come into play at Christmas from budgeting to sewing, from interior decorating to baking. Why not make Christmas preparation a homemaking class this year with the goal to teach your teens how to "Do Christmas."

One of the great joys of being a mother/homemaker is preparing holiday dinners and carrying out the family traditions. A dad has a big role in Christmas festivities too. A great tradition for a family to have would be a special craft or dish or baked good that Dad makes with the children (without burning the house down!). You could teach your son the skills he needs to someday be that dad!

Make a list of the family events, traditions, and activities that you already do each year. The list might look something like this (I have added "subject/assignment categories" next to each activity):

• Christmas caroling (music/homemaking)
• Church Christmas pageant (drama/arts)
• Christmas cards/family letter (writing)
• Cookie Baking (homemaking)
• Candy Making (homemaking)
• Making Gifts/Baking (homemaking)
• Making Gifts/Crafts/Sewing (homemaking/art)
• Christmas Shopping/Gift Wrapping (homemaking)
• Planning menus for holiday meals/parties (homemaking)
• Grocery shopping for meals/parties (homemaking)
• Decorating Inside/Outside (homemaking/interior decorating)
• Cleaning for holidays and company (homemaking)
• Preparation for out-of-town Company (homemaking/life skills)
• Family Devotions (Bible)
• Hospitality (Character/homemaking)
• Making & Sticking to a Budget for the Holidays (homemaking/life skills)
• Scheduling to Fit in all Family & Church Events (homemaking/life skills)

Now, go over this list with your child and explain that he/she will be managing Christmas this year for school credit. You will be helping them each step of the way, but with the goal of teaching them to "do Christmas." Is there anything else your teen would enjoy doing over the holidays for school. Here are some additional Christmas activity suggestions:

A Family That...

A Family that Plays Together, Stays Together

One wonderful benefit of having a large family is that you always have plenty of people for playing any kind of game. Board games, team sports, charades, etc...anything goes. Do you play games with your family? Do you like it or do you participate reluctantly?

If you prefer to send the kids upstairs to play a game while you watch television, or if you let the kids go play football with the neighbors while you clean your house, consider trying something different and see how it goes. Join in the fun and make some memories that will last.

One thing I've learned is that the time goes so fast--way too fast. I look at my one-year twins and my 17-year old, and it becomes all too clear just how quickly the time passes. I can promise that when your kids are grown and out of the house, you'll never say, "Boy, I wish I hadn't wasted all that time playing Monopoly with my family when I could have been folding laundry instead."

A Thankful Heart

"Say thank you" I commanded, "Thank you" my son halfheartedly responded as he eagerly gripped the chocolate granola bar and then darted away.

As parents, we continually try and embed thankfulness in our children. We constantly remind them to thank us when we do something for them or to thank others when they do or give them something. Usually, our primary goal in doing this to instill manners in our children, so that they learn how to be respectful. However, how often do we remind our children to thank God for all that He has given them? Sure, we insist that we say a prayer of thanksgiving before we eat at the dinner table, but do we encourage or require prayers of thankfulness to God beyond that?

At our home, before we eat dinner there is usually the sound of little children arguing over who will say the prayer. All my children are eager to be the one to pray and usually the two older ones prevail.  However, sometimes my youngest, the three-year old, gets to pray and when he does we usually sit there for quite some time. As he begins to pray, he lists everything (one by one) that he is thankful to God for. He thanks Jesus for the couches, the televisions, the chairs, etc. As he takes inventory of our home we try and make eye contact with him, nod our head to confirm the ending of the prayer, and very noticeably mouth the words "Amen". Yet, instead of halting his beautiful display of sincere thankfulness, we should be encouraging it.We should encourage our children to thank God for every thing in their lives, both big and small.

In a child's little world, they believe that they are entitled to everything they see. From the very moment they take their first breath, food and comfort are supplied to them at their every request. This continues on for a few years (in some cases it never ends) instilling the belief in them that they are entitled to everything, hence their legendary remark "Mine!" Children believe that everything is about them and they begin to exemplify a prideful attitude and heart. Yet, the Bible says, "A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor" (Prov 29:23 NKJV).

Review of Maestro Classics Classical Music CD Stories

Ballet. Classical music. Two loves of my life! How thankful I was when the girls were little and donned their ballet shoes to took lessons. Katie Beth continues to choreograph worship dances for church celebrations that are beautiful. The girls have also enjoyed attending opera and ballet. My son, however, is less interested in classical music and ballet lessons don't seem to be the way to introduce him to classical music.

The Tortoise and the Hare arrived in a small white package to be review and I was blessed. I couldn't wait to investigate the classical music story CD from Maestro Classics.

This CD, The Tortoise and the Hare, comes in a bright cheery cover that immediately gets a positive response from everyone I showed it to, especially young children. The Tortoise and the Hare is a delightful piece of music played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Stephen Simon.

Stephen Simon is a conductor, composer, and expert in the music of George Frederic Handel. He has delighted audiences, young and old alike, for years with his insightful explanations of the music he is conducting during his concerts. His warmth and humor shine through in this CD. I couldn't help but think about how much fun it would be to take the children and their friends to see Stephen Smith conduct an orchestra in our own town!

His wife, Bonnie Ward Simon, is an art director, music educator, and writer. She and her husband, Stephen, have teamed up to bring this wonderful series, Maestro Classics, to children all over the world. Capturing the feel of a live concert, Stephen narrates the story while the music plays in the background for the first twenty minutes of the CD.

Stephen is a good story teller and children will enjoy his rendition of this classic fable from Aesop. This short story has been expanded in an amusing way with a very cute personality given to the tortoise. He is "slow and steady" in all he does with an almost Eeyore personality. The story is set in France with bits of French music thrown in here and there. I only wish the music was a little bit louder compared to the talking. The next track features Bonnie teaching children about the story itself, fables, and other interesting facts. Younger children may be a little lost during this section.

Gift Ideas for Homeschooling Families

Christmas is here and it's time to go Christmas shopping. Yes, our intention was to be finished by now and have the presents neatly wrapped, but, even if we've begun to shop, there are still people on our lists.

Gifts to Give as a Family to Neighbors, Friends and Extended Family

We often do a unit study in December. We also take lots of Christmas field trips. Part of our Christmas unit study is making gifts. We make wreaths, ornaments, quick breads, cookies, and, even, perfume. All the gifts we've made for others fall under the subject of homemaking or art. You can teach sewing, serging, quilting, cross-stitch, baking, cooking, canning, and handwriting during the gift making process. 

Beside the usual fudge and Christmas cookies, here are some ideas for gift giving:

• Pretty dish with a casserole inside that just needs heating up
• Ceramic loaf pan with a loaf of freshly baked bread
• Photo album or frame with pictures in it
• Scrapbook with a page finished by you and the kids
• Inspirational book
• Christmas mugs with hot chocolate packets or herbal tea bags in them

Celebrate the Savior Bible Study Review

"Look at this baby book!" I grabbed Laura's arm and pulled her over to the table with the baby book on display.
Laura, who was gazing at science curriculum, reluctantly allowed herself to be dragged away. We were at the FPEA Homeschool Convention in May, 2008 at the vendors' hall.
"Look! It's a baby book for Jesus! Is that not the cutest thing in the whole world?" I cooed, picking it up and flipping through the pages. "Look, it says "Before Jesus was born, he was creating the world!" and this page says, "Here are the gifts baby received..." And, here is a page about His parents, God and Mary."
By now, Laura was interested. We scanned through the book several times, and, of course, I had to buy the unit study.

Celebrate the Savior by Charlene Notgrass is a Bible Study with history and crafts. There are craft projects and creative writing assignments. The children make two booklets: a Baby Book for Jesus and a Christmas Traditions around the World booklet. With fifteen lessons on the birth and life of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, this book is a great way to teach your children about Christmas!

Charlene and Ray Notgrass have been homeschooling since the 1990's. They have three of their own children and three adopted children. Both Ray and Charlene write curriculum. Check out Ray's history curricula, Exploring America and Exploring World History. With a heart for conservative Christian values and truth, they equip homeschooling families to educate children effectively!

Celebrate the Savior is a unit study that begins with a closer look at the birth of Christ Jesus our Savior revealed in Scripture and progresses into a look at the history of Christmas celebrating and traditions. Bible, history, geography, writing, music, and art are covered in this unit.

Home School Kids Give Thanks for Homeschooling

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

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it just seems like the perfect time for children to thank Mom and Dad for investing in their lives by homeschooling them. 

"I am thankful that my mom and dad homeschool me because...

"... I learn more about God, I have less temptation form the world.  At school they called me names and now I have new friends that love me, I get up later, and my dad is reading to us."  (Christina, 13, Oviedo, FL)

"...I am able to cultivate relationships with Christ, my family, and my church, in a way I couldn't do otherwise! It's given me a firm foundation on biblical truth that I will carry into the rest of my life." (Jennifer, 17, Lake Mary, FL)

"... I don't have to get up at 6:00 a.m., I can stay home and do my work, and I don't have to go to school all day and come home to do MORE work!" (Nicholas, 15, Oviedo, FL)

"...it provides a positive and biblical atmosphere. It also provides a flexible schedule that allows for sleeping in and spontaneous field trips." (Cody, 17, Sanford, FL)

"... I like my math book work, get to cuddle with Mummy while she reads me books and I play fight with my brothers!" (Declan, 6, Australia)

"... I get to draw pictures, be with my baby brother, and build Legos with my big brother.  I can get a hug from my Mum anytime I want. I don't think that kids who go to school get that. (Kairon, 4, Australia)

"...She does everything nicely and she's able to teach me.  And she teaches me from a Christian perspective." (Mae, 11, Sanford, FL)

"...She teaches me about math and I get to do it better. She gives me a good education." (Saxon, 9, Sanford, FL)

"...I can combine my studies and interests together." (David John, 13, Abu Dhabi)

"...I learn more skills like cooking and sewing. I also can read, read, read to my heart's delight." (Deborah John, 10, Abu Dhabi)

"...The atmosphere isn't as secular. When I was in public school, I was taught unbiblical principles and untrue information about the world and the things of the world. Now, I'm being taught biblical principles and things that are true about the world through biblical references and people." (Josh, 14, Sanford, FL)

"It is more Christian Based than secular, like when I was in public school.  I can work at my own pace." (Lance, 14, Sanford, FL)

"...It keeps me away from the public school system, in which I've had bad experiences in the past. My mom keeps me working on task and to the best of my abilities." (David, 16, Sanford, FL)

"...I'm in a place where I'm not surrounded by unbelievers to be tempted. My mom's an awesome teacher!" (Jim, 11, Lake Mary, FL)

"...I get more freedom in what I learn. It brings me closer to my mother." (Phoebe, 14, Sanford, FL)

"...I get a better education. I don't have to be around bad influences. (Joshua, 13, Sanford, FL)

 Here are a couple of homeschool grads to answer a similar question. "I am so thankful my mom homeschooled me because...

"...of the responsibility that was instilled in me. Also, the morals and values that my mom taught me. It's caused me to stand firm in college." (Marla, 20, Student at Stetson University, Deland, FL)

"...It allowed me to get firmly grounded in the beliefs and principles I hold to now. It allowed for a more personalized education." (Zack, 19, Sanford, FL)

"...I received a rigorous, well-grounded academic education and personal spiritual discipleship. And because I built close family relationships, that caused me to value people and the Lord above the values of the world." (Katherine, 23, Lake Mary, FL)

"...it has equipped me to minister to all kinds of people in order to extend the Kingdom of God by force, as a forceful woman of God." (Julianna, 20, Lake Mary, FL)

It is a good and joyful thing to give thanks. It is good for our children to appreciate the sacrifice and time we invest in homeschooling them. What a glorious heritage we are giving our children each day as they receive an education that is priceless. So, before you give in to discouragement again, sit back and realize what a great impact you are making on the young lives entrusted to you. And stop and give thanks for the freedom and opportunity to homeschool your precious little children.

Have a Thankful Thanksgiving and be Blessed in all You Do Today! 

Calgon, Take me Away!

Several years ago, the Calgon company aired a commercial portraying a frantic, busy mom in her chaotic home. Kids are yelling and chasing each other, dogs are barking and tracking in mud, and the phone is ringing. One thing is apparent in the scene: she is well past her limit. She has had enough! The noise, the demands, the constant commotion--she's spent her day trying to keep it all together; keep things flowing  and moving along at a peaceful but steady pace. It's finally become too much for ever her--the supermom. Amid the chaos, she utters that still-famous line, "Calgon, take me away!" Miraculously, she is instantly transported to a silent bathroom where she is alone, soaking in a luxurious bubble bath.

Was that mom wrong for needing to get away from the chaos now and then? Should she have stayed in better control of her mood, her tolerance, and her frustrations? Or, perhaps you feel that she should have stepped away sooner, before she reached her breaking point. 

Even Jesus needed an escape from the constant throngs of people swirling around him. He needed to find a quiet place to pray and think. That didn't make Him a bad friend or Master; it simply proved that He was human. He had limited physical capabilities, and He knew the importance of protecting Himself in those human weaknesses in order to do His very best for those He came to serve.

Review of Nutrition 101: Choose Life!

"I'm fasting all healthy food," I declared to my family as I popped a bad cholesterol-building cookie in my mouth. "Can someone pick me up some eggnog?"

I know, I know, at my age, 47, healthy food choices are important. Oh, how I wish I had been a healthier eater when I was younger. I knew something about nutrition, but obviously not enough because my heart leans to white chocolate Resee Cups, M & Ms, Moose Tracks Ice Cream, and Whoppers.

Maybe this review isn't about sharing information with you, but learning and cleaning up my own nutritional life.

Nutrition 101:  Choose Life A Family Nutrition and Health Program by Debra Raybern, Sera Johnson, Laura Hopkins, and Karen Hopkins is a 448 page E-book published by Growing Healthy Homes. This book is based on the premise that the "cures" to most of the dreaded diseases (cancer, heart disease, and diabetes) is changing the way we eat. Surely, eating healthy will go a long way in preventing these diseases.

 This book is meant to be worked through together as a family. Neat! The idea of the book is to learn together and CHANGE together! The goal is to become healthy eaters in 448 pages. The authors recommend that the family using this curriculum together...

• Get rid of junk food
• Make a list of healthy food each family member likes
• Each family member eats the healthy foods they do like
• Thank the Lord for each food and involve His help in changing
• Try at least one new thing at each meal
• Find healthy alternatives to those old favorites

The book is divided into 6 units, each unit containing 4 chapters. Every chapter has discussion questions, activities, additional resources, and recipes. One of my favorite things is all the "Fun Facts" scattered throughout each chapter. Here are the units:

• The Brain and Nervous System
• Digestion and Elimination
• Respiratory and Olfactory
• Muscular and Skeletal Systems
• Cardiovascular and Immune Systems
• Endocrine System and Emotions

The best thing about Nutrition 101: Choose Life! is that it is Christ-centered. Scripture is woven into every chapter with application to the subject at hand. I love that! You may want to read Fearfully and Wonderfully Made and In His Image by Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey.

What are the Personalities of the Kids you are Teaching? - Part 2

Let's continue our look at the personalities you are teaching in your home! We talked about Cholerics and Sanguines last time. Now, let's look at the melancholy and phlegmatic personalities.

Matt & Meagan Melancholy

Matt and Meagan like to sleep in because they stayed up late last night writing a brand new song or story. Melancholy personalities tend to be extremely gifted and talented, though often insecure about their abilities.They often focus on what they can't do, rather than what they do well. They will complete a project that looks absolutely perfect to you and dissolve into tears because of some invisible flaw that only they can see.

Idealistic is the word that comes to mind when I think of my melancholy friends. They are often perfectionists who think that something worth doing is worth doing well. (I agree!) But, they will take this to an extreme so that if something isn't done perfectly, it is unacceptable. This makes it difficult for them to try new things that they are not gifted at such as sports, singing, playing an instrument, math, art, driving a car, babysitting, or really anything. They will procrastinate because they fear failure.

Craving the Word

I don't like my children to drink coke and only on rare occasions will I allow them to have some. When my three year old son was only two, he had a taste of coke--big mistake! My husband and I often drink coke for dinner and one night I left the table to get something and my son slid down from his chair, grabbed my coke, and took a big gulp. I quickly ran back and retrieved the coke from him, but it was too late--he had already got a taste of the goodness of coke! Ever since that one taste, my son begs for a drink of coke because he craves it.

We, as parents, should diligently seek to instill a craving for God's Word in our children. We should give them the initial taste, so that they taste its sweetness and crave more. How do we do this? First, we allow them to see our own craving. You see, my son saw me drinking coke often and he must have concluded it tasted good if I drank it so often. The same applies to the Word of God. If our children see us reading God's Word often and getting excited about what we read, they too will yearn to read it and see what is in it that makes it so exciting.

Children are excellent impersonators; they closely look at our actions and try and do what we do. Just tonight, I was talking with my husband and as we were talking I saw my five year old son standing next to him mimicking him. While we were talking, my son had ran into his room and put on a t-shirt that matched my husband's t-shirt. He ran back in the room and stood next to my husband with his matching t-shirt and arms crossed just like his daddy. It was cute and funny, but oh what a perfect example of how closely they watch us and how eager they are to mimic us.

If our children see us reading the Word of God, they too will want to read the Word of God. They will be curious to know what is so special about it that keeps us interested and reading it so often. However, if they never see us reading God's Word or they see us reading it sporadically, they will conclude that it is not interesting or important and they will not develop a craving for it.