Paths of Peace

2011-12-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

My girls are so creative. I love this picture they took of themselves.

New Haircut!

2011-12-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

Katie's hair has been driving us crazy for a while. She wanted to let it grow up, but I just don't think it's in the cards for her. Her hair is so fine and fly-away!

Angels watching over us… Part 2

2011-12-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

Part 2 of the weird smell in the basement which lead to us calling the gas company, which lead us to finding the deadly levels of CO, which lead to us having to get a new furnace…
The smell lingered in the basement, but we thought that it was just the smell dissipating from the furnace. Dave brought home groceries tonight and had meat to put in the big freezer downstairs (in the basement near the furnace). A few minutes later he came running up the stairs dry-heaving. This is what happened…
There was a chicken - a whole, uncooked chicken - sitting on the top of our big, upright freezer. Rotten and stinking! That's what we had been smelling all along. A chicken is what caused us to call the gas company, therefore finding deadly levels of CO in our house. A chicken! Ok, here's the weird thing: none of us put that chicken there. I used the last whole chicken out of the freezer 2 weeks ago. I KNOW what meat is in the freezer because I plan the meals. God works in MYSTERIOUS ways!!!! That's all I can say. Sometimes I think that He just does these kinds of things just because He can!

Angels watching over us!

2011-12-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

God has His angels watching over us!

God is so good. We found out this morning that we need a new furnace. Dave is home today because there is not enough work and half of the guys are on standby. He was irritated and concerned about the lack of income. The girls (they have bedrooms in the basement) told Dave at breakfast that there was a weird smell down there. He went down to check and said he smelled something that might be natural gas. He called the gas company right away. They told us to get out of the house pronto! We took the pets and went out to our RV in the back yard. The guy from the gas company came out and tested for a gas leak. None. Then the furnace came on and his carbon monoxide detecter went nuts! After taking a close look, he found at least one large crack inside the furnace. I am so thankful for two major things: it's been an extremely warm December, so the furnace has not been running as much as usual. And Dave was home today. If the girls had told me that there was a weird smell, I would have told them to put some water down the utility sink because sometimes that sink stinks if it's been dry for a while. The man from the gas company said that the CO levels were deadly. Now we have to pray for God to supply for the new furnace.

An unplanned unit...

2011-12-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

I am not an unschooler by any stretch of the imagination! On the contrary, I love to plan, plan, plan… but, I have found that there is something lovely about being spontaneous. My 8 year old has been begging for more cursive, so I decided to use my Startwrite program to make her some cursive copywork pages. Last night, as I was organizing some books on an obscure shelf, I came across a book that I haven't seen for a while. Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat, a book that I picked up for 50¢ at the library sale table. I knew that Katie would LOVE it! Brainstorm! The cursive copywork pages could double as nature study! What inspiration!

She ran out of room and finished her sentence on another sheet of paper. :)

A lovely example of a living book. :)

I have absolutely no idea how long we will spend on owls, but today that's all we talked about! I started reading Owls in the Family to her… she loves it… so I read two chapters instead of the planned one. She did her cursive copywork, colored the picture that I put in the corner of the page, and then we went online to find out what a great horned owl sounds like. We listened to a few here, and watched a few videos here. We looked at the globe to see where great horned owls live. I read the section about owls in the Handbook of Nature Study. We are going to dissect an owl pellet… virtually… at this site. There are lapbook and notebooking resources from Homeschoolshare that might come in handy. Other books we will probably read: Owl Moon and All About Owls (by Jim Arnosky) and this site has wonderful poetry about owls. What fun it would be to use this to make an appliqué for the front of a pillow or wall hanging! :o)

This is what I'm dreaming of...

2011-12-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

WARM, white sand, WARM water, clear blue sky… sounds like Heaven! :)

My idea of a white Christmas!

2011-12-05T20:21:00.000-08:00

This is kind of fuzzy, but I had to share. :o)

2011-11-25T18:55:00.001-08:00

NEW WEBSITE!

2011-11-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

Which one are you today? lol! Katie's doodles.

Slaying the Dragons!

2011-11-17T11:47:00.001-08:00

My eight year old daughter and I had a very interesting conversation this morning. She has been dealing with several issues… unkindness, disrespect, and non-atentiveness. After a time of consequence this morning, I recalled something I read in Karen Andreola's book, "A Charlotte Mason Companion." There was story about how a mother became her children's ally against the temptations in their lives. I told Katie that I was going to help her face these "dragons" that are trying to master her. Being the imaginative child that she is, she came up with the idea to make a poster of the "dragons" named Disrespect, Disobedience, and "Unattention." She drew all of the "dragons" and then herself, dressed in her Armor of God, standing and facing them. She is going to hang it in her bedroom to help her to remember to fight in these areas of her life.

Brandon Heath - "The Light In Me" Official Music Video [HD]

2011-11-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been reflecting how much God has done in my life. This song says it all.

He is the One Who put the light in me. I had darkness in every cell of my body before He found me, saved

me, set me free.

I love you, Jesus.

You put the light in me!

Facing the Giants Wholeheartedly

2011-11-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

One of my all-time favorite movies is Facing the Giants. I watched it again tonight. This scene where the coach has the player do the death crawl with the 160 lb. team mate on his back has always gotten to me. I have never been able to watch it without bawling. Tonight was no exception.

You see, I've been feeling really worn down lately. I've been fighting boredom with everyday life. I know that this has been an attack, and I've been doing my best to fight it. But there has been something holding me back that I haven't been able to put my finger on. Tonight I got it.

In the above movie clip, the coach is down on the ground yelling at the kid to keep going. Don't give up. Leave everything on the field.

That's it. I haven't been leaving everything on the field. There are days that I know I'm doing just enough to get by.

How can I expect to get whole hearted results when I'm not living my life and fulfilling my calling in a whole hearted fashion? I've been "doing" it… but not with all of my heart to the glory of God.

Father, please forgive me for praying for rain but not plowing my fields in preparation. Help me to be a whole hearted follower of You. Let nothing in my life bring sadness to You.

School curriculum 2011-2012

2011-10-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

A collage of (most of) this year's curriculum...

Kylah's

Savannah's

Andrew's (he also shares some with Savannah.)

Reflections of time passing by...

2011-10-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

I seriously cannot believe that I have been at this - mothering and homeschooling - for this many years. The schooling all started when my oldest was a preschooler. I was not one of those moms who dreamed of homeschooling… it just "happened." :) Those were the years that I thought would go on and on and on. But they didn't. Now I see those moms with their littles buckled into those (way fancier than they used to be!) double strollers, and I fight the urge to stop and tell them to cherish each day because… Well, you know, when you are in the middle of those years, you can't wait for them to sleep through the night, be potty trained, stop drooling, talk clearly, and so the list goes. All of the sudden, they are taller than you are, and you spend so much more time on your knees… not to clean up the milk under the dining room table or the mud tracked in on bare feet, but asking the Father to watch over them as they try their wings.

Countless times I have heard people say "those teen years are just the worst!"(I know I was one of those "terrible" teens!) I held my breath as my children approached this dreaded time, but something really strange happened! Nothing. Well, nothing bad that is! I have enjoyed (for the most part) every stage that my kids have gone through, but these years - the dreaded teens - have been the best by far. I find that I can have such meaningful conversations with them. They are fun to be with! I honestly would rather hang with my kids than anyone else (besides my hubby - my best friend in the entire world). I was thinking about this and trying to analyze why I feel this way when so many others don't. I can't say that everyone that has a hard time with their teen is to blame for it. I know that isn't true, but I know that for my situation, the reason is that I won two things when they were little: their obedience and their hearts. We have gone through tough times, don't get me wrong! But through everything, we can talk. Through everything, they respect me and obey me. Even when I can tell it is taking everything inside of them not to rebel, they yield to my authority. It is interesting how this relationship has evolved over the years. I know that they will respect my wishes, and they know that I'm not going to boss them around just because I can. I know that I can leave them for a while without them doing something that is against our house rules because they know that it is a mutual trust that allows them the freedoms in their lives. I don't feel like I have to micro-manage their lives because they know how to think and make good decisions the majority of the time. They know they can come to me with problems because I'm not going to act like it's the end of the world. They have seen me screw up and have to ask for forgiveness enough times to know that I'm not perfect by any stretch of imagination.

I used to be a perfectionist. It was ground into me my whole life. Be perfect or don't be accepted. God has spent a lot of time "knocking" that out of me. I used to color-code the toy bins. I used to dress the Barbies after my daughter went to bed. They had to be wearing matching clothes and shoes and lying all the right direction in their box with the matching lid. Yep. I know, pretty nuts. Ask my husband, I would refold the laundry when he was helping fold, rewash/re-dry the dishes when he helped in the kitchen, and re-clean anything he would dare to help clean. I was a control freak. I still default to that if I don't guard against it. I expect a lot of myself, and I tend to do that to people around me if I am not careful. Mediocrity is not in my personality. I seriously HATE a job half done. I know when I can do better, and I expect myself to do it. God has used my family to mellow me out.

Through the years, I have gone through many situations that have shown me that I either chill or I will end up driving those I love away from me. Nobody likes being around someone who is demanding, controlling and perfectionistic. Nobody, including me. It has taken me nineteen years of marriage and four children, but now I don't care how t-shirts or jeans are folded… as long as they fit in the drawer. Dishes need to be dried with a clean towel, but other than that, I don't care if you dry the glasses first or the plates! If you want to mop my kitchen floor, I don't care if you use a mop or do it on your hands and knees with an old towel. I am still organized, I still like neatness, I still don't like sticky floors or counters, but I will go to bed if there are dishes on the counter or toothpaste on the bathroom sink.

Wow, this post has gotten really random. I think I'll sign off for now. :)

Oh, How the years go by...

2011-09-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 50: 25

"The Sovereign Lord has given me an

instructed tongue,

to know the word that sustains the weary.

He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught."

This is my Scripture verse for the year.

As my children grow up around me,

as my life changes,

as the world changes,

He is always the same.

He is the same yesterday,

today

and

forever.

This I am so very thankful for.

School has started.

Fall has arrived.

This year and next are my last years homeschooling my two oldest.

I feel my heart bracing itself…

Already calling out to the Father

for comfort,

help,

strength to let go.

It seems like yesterday that I watched them

giving their stuffed animals rides around and around the

dining room table.

If I listen hard enough,

I can still hear their giggles, echoing in my mind.

How could it be that they are almost adults?

How could it be that these two, amazing, godly, young people

could be those two little squirts with upturned noses?

How could it be that those tiny, baby fingers

which held onto my hand

are now bigger than mine?

How could time go so fast?

My one and only dream…

to have and be with my children,

has unfolded itself over the years.

Now,

as I look back,

I know that I grew up

with them.

They have been my playmates,

as well as my children.

They have been the anchor

that the Father used to

hold me during

tumultuous years

of healing.

They have been the "bigger than myself"

cause that has kept me going…

learning…

reaching…

healing…

being.

2011-09-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

Gearing up to start school again! Could someone please tell me where the summer went? I'm excited about the new school year, but honestly, I'd be more excited about it say, in a few more months! :o) Well, ready or not, here we go!

New Samples! Volume 3

2011-06-26T18:36:00.001-07:00

http://alivinghistoryofourworld.blogspot.com/p/volume-3-samples.html

Sooo proud of Savannah

2011-05-22T20:15:00.001-07:00

Savannah's first cover illustration!

There Will Be a Day slide show

2011-05-18T05:14:00.000-07:00

I made this slideshow shortly after my beloved dad went to the Place of No More Suffering. I miss you, Dad, but I'm so happy for you; you are in the very presence of Jesus now.

Is it really spring??

2011-05-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

The birds are chirping, the sun is warm… could it really be spring? Minnesota is known for its harsh winters, but this one has been just unbelievably long! We had snow flurries just the other day. Seriously.

But no matter how winter has wanted to hang on, spring has come. Yes, it's still nippy enough at night for the furnace to kick on. Yes, the buds seem like they are at least 2 weeks behind their usual schedule. But there will be leaves on the trees! There will be gardens full of flowers and veggies! It's God's promise! :) And this is a promise I choose to stand on!

2011-03-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

I'm still here! :) Very, very busy. I'll try to write a "catch-up" post this weekend.

So incredibly busy!

2011-03-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

I am so busy right now. This time of year is always hard for me, with its combination of Spring in the air making it hard to concentrate, school work that needs to finished, a book with a looming deadline, and a school play needing to be directed. I don't have much time for blogging… or sleeping!

Just wanting to let everyone know that I'm still here! :)

A Twin Lives Through an Abortion

2011-03-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

This is an amazing story!

A Twin Lives Through an Abortion

I'm creating a new blog!

2011-02-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

I am in the middle of setting up a new blog for "A Living History of Our World." I am seeing the need to separate "business" from family blogging.

Click here to visit the new page. I will work on moving all samples to the new blog by the end of the week.

Rainbow Resource is now carrying my history series!

2011-02-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

My history series is now at Rainbow Resource!

here

Together is good...

2011-02-14T20:56:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day has never been that big a deal for us…
We say that everyday should be the day we show each other how much we care…
We have been together for nearly 20 years and married nearly 19 of those…
Through the years, he has done a thousand or two special, caring acts…
So, today, just like every other day… together is good.
Today, just like every other day, is special…
Because… we're together.

Chloe Agnew sings ''Panis Angelicus''

2011-02-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love this. There are no words. :)

Il Divo - Amazing Grace

2011-02-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

The most beautiful rendition that I have ever heard of this hymn.

2011-01-30T07:07:00.000-08:00

My blog is under construction! Please forgive any dead-ends :)

Pictures from 2010

2011-01-29T21:56:00.000-08:00

The last of the random pictures… I think! :)

Pictures from 2010

2011-01-29T21:53:00.000-08:00

Another field trip… Apple Jack's Apple Orchard!

Kylah and her good friend, Melissa.

Pictures from 2010

2011-01-29T21:47:00.000-08:00

Fall 2010

Pictures from 2010

2011-01-29T21:40:00.000-08:00

Our first field trip of the 2010-2011 school year. We went to see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Minnesota Science Museum.

Left to right, my son, Andrew, Matt and Melissa Carlson, my girls, Kylah, Savannah and Katie.

Pictures from 2010

2011-01-29T21:36:00.001-08:00

Some pictures taken by one our buddy photographers, Savannah. :)

Pictures from 2010

2011-01-29T21:29:00.000-08:00

Other random pictures of 2010.

Pictures from 2010

2011-01-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

Jump for Joy dance pictures of 2010.

Lifesong - Casting Crowns

2011-01-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

If you are a homeschooler, or if you have ever braved that frontier, you know what I'm talking about when I say the word "insecurity." I am in my 11th year of home-education, and it is my #1 battle. Besides the fact that I have had countless people say, "You are so organized!" (I always want to retort, "Oh yeah!? Then where the heck did I leave my brain!") or "I don't know how you do it all!" (To this I want to say, "Do it all? Do it all? I don't remember the last time I actually did it all… whatever the heck ALL is!") I have come to conclusion that I am an Un-perfect homeschooler (and yes, I know that's not really a word). Yup, there you have it! But you know, I am finally ok with that. You see, God didn't call me to be perfect for my children. He called me to be a willing vessel that HIS perfect grace and instruction can flow through. When my "I need to be perfect at this" agenda is in the way, it not only blocks the flow of the Holy Spirit, it leaves me feeling so inadequate, burned out and just plain discouraged.
So, I encourage all of my fellow UN-perfect homeschooling friends to hold out their un-perfect lives to the One Who makes all things work together for those who trust Him.
Besides, who would you rather have teaching your children? You, who doesn't know the days of their lives, the hairs of their heads and the future they will live? Or would you rather have their Creator, Who knows all of these things be their Instructor who teaches through you?

2011-01-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

thoughts...

2010-11-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

I look back on my life, and I can see distinct "sections," or phases if you will. The first seventeen and a half years of my life were spent in a cult. Those words sound really strange coming out of my mouth…and look anomalous typed here. It is not something that I have shared with just anyone. I learned early on that telling people about my earlier life garnered some very strange looks; you know, the kind you would get if you had revealed that you had been born with two heads and had had one amputated.
That was the first section.
The second section started when I left the cult. In one year, I gained my freedom, lived with my parents in our own home for the first time in my life and met my future husband. The following year, I got married. That was also the year I started experiencing chronic pain and fatigue. It would be three years before I got my diagnosis of fibromyalgia. I had all of my children while I was in my twenties. Those were good years, for they brought to me the first unconditional love I had ever felt in my life. I had the childhood I had missed when I was young.
But some of those years were extremely difficult, too. We faced serious illness with our oldest child, bankruptcy of a business, the loss of a home and marital issues. We made it through them, though, and came out on the other side stronger and wiser. Those years were filled with slow, painful healing for me. I often compare my spiritual healing to pealing an onion. Each layer stinks worse than the previous one.
I suffered with severe pain from the fibromyalgia for twelve years. The whole time, I begged God to heal me. At times, I shook my fists at the heavens, demanding an explanation for the pain. All the pain. Pain in my childhood. Pain in relationships. Pain of feeling unloved. Pain of not being able to love. Pain. Pain. Pain. At times I sobbed at the tiny glimpses of His love evidenced in my babies' soft, little cheeks pressed against mine. At times I laid awake, staring at the ceiling as I counted my heartbeats throbbing and pounding in every joint of my body. Those were years of emotional and spiritual awakening. Those were years of wearing off of the numbness.
Then it happened. The start of the third section.
I was twenty-nine. My forth baby was six months old.
One morning, I laid in bed trying to go back to sleep. My husband had left for work, and the kids were still sleeping. It was still very early, and I wanted to snooze an hour more. I was just dozing off, when I was startled awake by someone standing next to my bed. I remember thinking that it was Dave; maybe he forgot something and had had come home to retrieve it. As I turned my head to see the person, my sleepy brain was just registering that there was no one there when I heard a voice. It was a man's voice, and it was calm and reassuring. I don't remember the exact words said to me that morning, but I know the voice told me that He was sending angels to deal with every person who had ever hurt me in His name.
At the same moment, a sensation of heat started in my left foot, quickly moving up my leg and continuing up the entire left side of my body. As the heat sensation moved up to my head and then down the right side of my body, I knew that I was being healed.
I sat up in bed and swung my legs over the side. It had been at least 10 years since I had been able to stand up quickly after waking up in the morning. I stared down at my feet and noticed that usual swelling was not there. I stepped down hard. There was no pain in my feet, ankles or knees. All that day, I felt the pain leaving different areas of my body. No headache. My hands, which I had not been able to fully open or close for twelve years, were completely healed. The swelling was gone. My wedding rings, which had been made bigger to fit over my swollen knuckles, were almost falling off. I did not tell anyone all day long. It was all I could do to not call Dave and let him know.
When he came home from work, I asked him to give me his pointer finger. He looked at me questioningly but obliged the strange request. I grabbed his finger and squeezed. His mouth fell open in shock. As I told him about what had happened, and showed him my feet and hands, he sobbed and fell to the floor. I had been healed. Completely and miraculously healed.
I have had absolutely NO pain and fatigue symptoms since my healing.
Over the last 7 years, I have been on a journey. I have gotten to know my Healer. There are times when I feel overwhelmed that He has chosen me. I am completely overwhelmed by His love. I am completely amazed at His mercy, grace and persistence.
Do you know who Mephibosheth is? He was the crippled son of Jonathan, son of Saul. In 2 Samuel 9, King David asked if there is anyone left of Saul and Jonathan's house. He wanted to honor the covenant friendship he and Jonathan shared, by blessing someone from his family. He learned that there was this young man named Mephibosheth who was a son of Jonathan. Mephibosheth was a cripple, which at that time was looked down upon. David was overjoyed to find out about him, though, and invited him to come and eat at the king's table.
So what does this have to do with me?
Just this: I know I would never have learned to walk with God on healthy feet if I had not sat at His table as a cripple.
Recently, I have come to the realization that if it had not been for those twelve years of physical pain, I would not be a follower of Christ right now. Let me explain.
I can look back over the years and see how God has had His hand on me in so many ways. First, even as a child, there was something that just didn't sit right with me about my surroundings. Even though I had been born and raised in it, and it was the only thing I knew, I questioned everything. When I left, I didn't know who I was, where I was going or what I was going to do when I got there. I didn't know what I believed; I only knew what I didn't believe. I was 17. I had never been allowed to express feelings for the opposite sex. I had never been allowed to make any decisions about anything in my life. Even my clothing style was decided for me. I had never had any freedom whatsoever. Period. All the sudden I had all the freedom I wanted. I could wear what I wanted. Get a job if I wanted. Date if I wanted. It was recipe for complete and utter disaster!
Looking back, I am so thankful that God saw fit to have me meet my husband almost right away. He was a Christian. He was normal (well, more normal than I was, anyway). He kept me from swinging like a pendulum.
The pain of the fibromyalgia was a physical pain. It was a pain that I could not ignore. It permeated every single area of my life. It kept me in contact with God. Even if the communications were more like me screaming at Him in anger, at least I was acknowledging His existence and presence in my life.
In the last couple of months, I have come to the place of thanking Him for those years of pain.
I kneel on healed knees in absolute amazement of His love. I wonder, why me? Why in the world would the God of the universe, choose me?

Right brain flashcards

2010-10-18T20:01:00.001-07:00

This is one of the cards to help teach math facts. :)

Lapbooks from through the years...

2010-10-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

These are some lapbooks from through the years. Some of these were made by my now-teenagers. Sweet memories!

Math Lessons for a Living Education

2010-10-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Here is what I've been working on for the last couple of months! My secret is out… and at the printers.

Things that make life sooo much easier!

2010-09-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, I come across something that I love so much I can't believe I ever made it without it! Ok, so I'm being just a little melodramatic! But seriously! This handy-dandy teacher's tote is making my life so much easier! I picked this little baby up at Michael's for about $10!

First day of school 2010

2010-08-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

We had our first day of school today… It was the best we have ever had! There are always a few "tweaks" that happen in the first couple of weeks, and I'm sure this year will be no exception. :o) But over all it was wonderful. So a couple of tweaks that happened before school even started… I had purchased the Notgrass American history curriculum for my 10th grade daughter. We sat down and looked at it together and came to the conclusion it was really not going to work. We both loved the anthology of American literary works. It contains speeches, poems, and short stories from American history. That part of it is a keeper! So what to do about the history portion? Think, think… Oh! I got it! Why not use "A Living History of Our World, America's Story, Volume 1?" Yes, we know, it's written toward younger kids, BUT… if you do two books in one year instead of one book in one year… and you add in a little civics/government, and read the anthology of literary works from the Notgrass curric. Hmmm…. this is looking pretty good! So, she is starting the year with America's Story volume 1, and by the time she is done with it around Christmas, I will be done writing Volume 2. And since it is due out for sale early January… yes! this is going to work for us! Along with some really good, classical American literature such as "To Kill a Mocking Bird," and "The Hiding Place," and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," just to name a few.
So, I'm not going to bore you out of your skulls with all the details of every ones school material for this year!! But I am going to say it's a good line-up if I may say so. :o)
Our first day went swimmingly! Thank goodness. I do feel like I got run over by a train. But that's to be expected. Yup! a good first day. :o)

2010-08-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

Kylah and Savannah, ready to go on stage! "The Music Man!"

I have a secret :o)

2010-07-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

And I'm not telling you what it is! :oP I will say that it has nothing to do with babies! It's an exciting secret though… and one you will find out soon. I promise!! :o)

Drama Club blog!

2010-07-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

I set up a blog for the drama club. It's going to be a great place to keep everyone posted on what's going on. I pray that we have a good turn out for this year's play, the Happiest Millionaire ( adapted to a children's stage play by myself and Savannah). I am so excited to see how this comes together!!
Here is the link to the Drama Club blog: http://sonrisedramaclub.blogspot.com/

Finally, a new post after way too long!

2010-05-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

When I wrote last fall that I was going to write a book or two, I had no idea what kind of bend in the road lay right in front of my faltering feet! I am so thankful that I live for the God of the universe Who knows every hair of my head and every day of my life. This past winter has been full of the evidence of His love and grace.
God knows what doubts have ravaged my soul through this whole step! Don't you find it amazing that He knows what we need before we do? In November and December, I worked to put together a sample of the book I was writing. On December 5th, I sent out the sample to several big name publishers...nothing happened! Even though I had pre-arranged with the representatives from each publishing company, I did not hear back from them. I was beginning to feel that perhaps I had missed the whole thing, and I was possibly not supposed to be doing this at this time. I felt to pray that whomever God wanted to publish this book would contact me first.
One week later, I received a general email (sent out in mass I'm sure) from Sandi Queen of Queen Homeschool Supply, Inc. I had not sent her a sample of the book, so she had no way of knowing that I was writing one. Her email asked if anyone was writing a book that they would like published! I sat and stared at the message for a minute...then I answered. :o)
We communicated back and forth over the next day, and after seeing the bits and pieces of the sample I sent, Sandi asked me if she could publish it. During that 24 hour period (while we were communicating), I received answers and offers back from the other publishers I had sent samples to. But I knew who God had lined up to publish the book...she had contacted me first! Not only had she contacted me before the other publishers, she had contacted me before I had contacted her!
So, "A Living History of Our World: America's Story Volume 1" is finished! To order click here: http://www.queenhomeschool.com/productpages/History/livingworldhistoryframe.html

While you are there, look around! Queen Homeschool Supply carries a large array of wonderful books for the Charlotte Mason style educator.
Blessings!

2009-10-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

I have decided to write a book (or two!). A Living History of Us is underway! I have been very busy writing and illustrating the first in a series of books written in the style of Charlotte Mason. My goal is to make an easy to use, child friendly and interesting resource for the teaching of American History. Please pray for me as I endeavor to keep Christ at the center of this book writing. I will be posting a link to the website that I'm working on to promote the book.

It's finally mine!

2009-08-19T10:14:00.001-07:00

I have been wanting to get this book into my possession for quite some time now. I finally got it! I have and love all of Karen Andreola's books. She is the one that has helped me understand and implement Charlotte Mason's teaching techniques in our homeschool.

This book is perfect for my children, especially Andrew. It is based on the method of narration. I am looking forward to using this with my kids this year!

A new school year...

2009-08-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

As usual, I've been considering and pondering the starting of a new school year. This is our tenth year of homeschooling and I finally feel a little like I know what I am doing. This year (2009) has been a tough one for our family so far. My beloved dad went home to be with Jesus in February. It has been an adjustment in the extreme. Some days are better and some days I miss him so very much that I have a hard time functioning.

But, life goes on. My children still need their mom and their education, my husband still needs his wife, and I still need to continue living. I have honestly struggled with wondering if I can do this...if I have what it takes to face the challenge.

My friend and I have been doing the Beth Moore bible study, Esther, It's Tough Being a Woman. I am so thankful for this study! It is speaking so directly to my life...AMAZING! His mercy is truly new every morning!

I have been in the throws of making curriculum decisions...as usual. I am starting my youngest child in "full time" school this year and I want to make good decisions concerning her education. Last year I started with Learning Language Arts Through Literature (LLATL) Blue book, which is their phonics program. I ran into difficulties with this program with this child. It never ceases to amaze me how different siblings can be. This program worked wonderfully for Kylah when she was learning how to read several years ago. But it doesn't work for this one. So, I've been going back and forth and looking at what I have available to me. I have come to the conclusion that I finally have the perfect opportunity to use a completely Charlotte Mason approach with one of my children, right from the start! I wasn't introduced to CM until my other children were already past the beginning of school and even though I have faithfully used CM techniques with all of them with wonderful results, I have never used a complete CM program for any of them. (Wow! that was a long, rambling sentence!)

So this is my chance! I have an amazing amount of wonderful children's literature provided through Sonlight core K and a large number of Five in a Row books. I just reread the above book, A Charlotte Mason Education, and am again impressed with the simplicity of the Charlotte Mason technique! I love it! I know that this exactly what will work with this child. Narration, copywork, hands-on approach to math, good literature, living books, nature study! Wonderful stuff! I love the fact that I have it all laid out for me and I can just pull it out and teach.

So, He has renewed my strength, joy and resolve.

Even Jazzy wants to see the Sonlight books!

2009-08-16T14:44:00.001-07:00

Sonlight boxes are met with great enthusiasm at our house! Here Jasmine, our little girl kitty, wants to see!

Food for Thought!

2009-07-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish.. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period.

I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too.. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina). Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

In light of recent events. terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr.. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay.Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.' Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully, Ben Stein

family times!

2009-06-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

The beautiful flag box that John made Mom with the flag from the

funeral in it. This was set up at the memorial service.

The fruit kabobs for the memorial service. Savannah took
this picture.

My helpers! Rachelle, John and Kira making the fruit kabobs.

another Savannah picture.

Clowning around!

More clowning!

More Family get together pictures

2009-06-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law, Cindy, and my sister, Rachelle.
Mom and Kira

Mom with Rick, Cindy, Brian, and John

Very proud Grandma with her oldest grandson, John

My oldest brother, Rick and Dad's youngest brother, Lee.

Tuohy Family get together

2009-06-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Various pictures of family just hanging out together. This was the first time in my memory that all six of us siblings were together in one place!

This picture is driving me nuts! It keeps flipping sideways!

Saying Goodbye

2009-06-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

How do I say "Goodbye"?
Especially to someone who
seemed to fill my whole
universe?

I suppose it comes in stages.
First is the letting go...
prying my fingers loose...
realizing I can't make him stay...
There is a time when my
hands... my heart are grabbing wildly
for something to hold onto...

That's when the Father's
hands are closest.
As my hands sweep
the vast emptiness,
searching for
SOMETHING
to grasp, the Creator of my
soul is reaching to grab
hold.

His is the grip that holds...
His hand is the only one
I will never have to let go
of again.

"You have been King of my glory, will You be my Prince of Peace?"

Funeral Pictures

2009-06-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends in the world, John my nephew and me.

After the honor guard, gun salute and flag presentation, there were a lot of tears and hugs. One thing is for sure, my dad's passing has definitly brought our family closer together.

Funeral Pictures

2009-06-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

John and Steven.

John, in full dress uniform preparing to escort my mom to the funeral at Fort Snelling.

Fort Snelling Funeral

2009-06-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

My mom with all of her six children around her.

another one

John, my dad's brother, Lee, and

my brother, Rick.

another one.

My handsome hubby, Dave.

Dad's Memorial service

2009-06-08T06:10:00.000-07:00

One more of just the six kids and Mom.

Family Pictures

2009-06-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

We had a memorial service for Dad this past week. We also had a funeral service at Fort Snelling the day before the memorial service. these pics were taken at the memorial service. We all look tired and red-eyed but this is the first time in my memory of all of the siblings being together in one place.

My second to oldest brother, Tim, and myself. Look at the red-eyes!
The gang that was there. If everyone had brought their spouses and kids, we would have about doubled.

Mom and her oldest granddaughter, Kira.

My three brothers. L to R, Rick (oldest), Tim (next oldest), Mark (youngest)

2009-05-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

Me and my honey :)

2009-05-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Kylah and Savannah goofin' around with friends.

still more dance pics

2009-05-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Kylah at the recital, so pretty in pink!

Kylah and her friend, Melissa. They're so cute!

Me and my girls

the bun!

the ham!

more dance pics

2009-05-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

Different costumes. These are beautiful.

Savannah, winner of the Radiant Rapunzel award!

My beautiful Kylah! She is growing up so fast!

more dance pics

2009-05-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

These are pics I took before the recital. The girls did a dance to a song about good triuphing over evil. They started with black shirts over their white ones and by the end, the black shirts were off. These are pics of them in their soldier costumes. Melissa Carlson has her white to show she is the good winning over the evil.
Good on top, evil on bottom.

Stick em' up!

oh! scary! but pretty.

my two beautiful "evil" soldiers.

another shot together

Jump 4 Joy Dance Recital pictures

2009-05-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Savannah, Kylah, and Katie had their dance recital last night. I am so proud of how they did! These are some pics that I took of them in costume before the recital. I took some of the recital too, but they didn't turn out well.

dance caught in action

2009-04-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

a funny shot of Savannah's feet!

pure concentration!

back row

Kylah's group

A very funny shot. Hmmm... I think we need a longer shirt!

Here are some shots of the girls that I caught during practice tonight.

tea party!

2009-04-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

Ka5 and I did The Bee Tree a few weeks ago. We did The Tale of Peter Rabbit over the last couple of weeks. We decided to combine our hospitality party with biscuits and honey with a tea party like they have in England. We also wanted to try chamomile tea. It was a lovely tea party with Grandma and older sisters. Peter Rabbit and The Bee Tree are some of our favorites!

more dance practice pictures

2009-04-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

part of Katie's dance group. She's the second from the right.

Looking quite pleased with herself!

Beautiful Kylah

The last dance practice before the recital

2009-04-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

My girls

Beautiful Savannah, waiting her turn for pictures.

This is the first year the girls have been in Jump 4 Joy, a Christian dance academy. They have been working hard on learning their dances. This evening, they had their last practice before recital. It was also picture night but we decided that we were going to use our digital camera and take pictures of them ourselves and save a little money. Actually, there is another reason that I want to do this. It always seems that the pictures turn out better when they don't have this fake smile and a huried expression on. These are some pics of them tonight at practice.

My neice meets Sarah Palin!

2009-04-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

My sister and her family live in Haines , AK. My 10 year old neice won a contest through Alaska Airlines. They asked all the school kids of AK to design a special design to paint one of their airplanes for the 50 birthday of AK. My neice won the first place prize for 4th grade, state wide. They are going to go to Disney Land for the prize. A couple of days ago, my sister called me in great excitement. Gov. Sarah Palin was coming to Gabrielle's school! She called me a few hours later even more excited! She and Gabrielle had the chance to meet her in person! Gabrielle had her pic taken with her.

Silly friends

2009-04-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

My wonderful (and crazy) friend being silly with a gummy worm. gotta love it! We had a totally fun and crazy Easter. The church service was awesome, the music wonderful and the fellowship was the best!

funny picture of Katie

2009-04-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

We were at a friend's house for Easter and Katie came down dressed like this. Notice the candy at the corners of her mouth. The way I took the picture makes it look like she has flowers growing out of the top of her head. Don't you just love the wig? LOL!!

My argument paper...kind of a long read.

2009-04-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Of course this is written in perfect MLA format but pasting it into a blog post messes that up. Anyway, the content is the same. :)

Angela O’Dell

Homeschooling vs. Public Schooling Special Needs Children

It is part of the American dream to supply each of our children with an exemplary education. But what about our children who have special needs? While there are many well qualified and caring special education teachers that work in our nation’s public schools, many special needs children benefit more from home education. These special children are thriving in a loving atmosphere, being taught by family members that have personal interest in their futures.
When you think of homeschooling, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Do you share the opinion of those who think that it is weird or reclusive? The purpose of this argument is to open your mind, not only to homeschooling in general but to the home education of special needs children. My hope is to show the flexibility, the customization, and the ability to reach each child through an education that meets their unique academic and social needs.
Homeschooling is the oldest form of education in our country. According to the HSLDA article entitled, Compulsory Education Laws: the Dialogue Reopened, “The First compulsory attendance law was adopted in Massachusetts in 1852”.(hslda.org paragraph 3) Today, home education has become a quickly growing and accepted form of education. In this way, many Americans are returning to their roots.
Among other arguments such as constraint of time and money, socializing is the number one argument against homeschooling. (Shaw, Isabel Familyeducation.com) Through observation and studies on this subject, the conclusion has been reached that homeschooled children are, in many cases, better socialized than their public schooled peers. Following is a quote from the forward of a book entitled Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum by Laura Berquist. This was written by the author’s mother, Donna Steichen, a well known Catholic journalist.
The homeschooled child escapes the common agonies that go by the name of
“socialization”- petty cruelties of the playground, the scalding classroom snickers at his
mistakes, his infirmities or even mere differences. At home, he is taught by those who
love him and know him best, who know the weaknesss he needs to overcome and the
strengths he might be too shy to display in public, and whose deepest desire is for him to
become all he is capable of becoming, in both his intellectual and hi spiritual
development… Adolescence is more manageable in a home setting, where there
is no appeal beyond the parents, then in the classroom milieu, where the child newly
testing his limits is abetted by an army of rebels. Homeschooled children retain their
appealing innocence long after their contemporaries at the local junior high have been
turned into precocious, and often foul-mouthed cynics. (Donna Steichen)

Because of religious differences, the above quote does not completely reflect the opinion of this argument. It does, however, touch on some very interesting points about peer pressure. How much does peer pressure effect a special needs child? Personal observation would answer, just as much or more than “normal children”.
Let us discuss the slightly “abnormal” child who has been put into the special needs classroom. He goes to school every day, and because there are too many children in his mainstream class, he doesn’t get the needed one-on-one with his teacher even once a week. The decision is made; he needs an I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan). He is then sent to the special education classroom for so many hours a day. This child may not have any “behaviors” like the other more severely handicapped children. Over time the evidence of peer pressure on these children is seen in the development of behaviors that were originally not there. The parents wonder why their child has a certain behavior during the school year that mysteriously lessens or disappears over the summer when the child is home and away from that setting.
How does any home educated child learn how to speak to people if they are at home and not in a classroom full of people their own age? It has been observed that homeschooled children, many times, know how to converse more intelligently with people not only in their own age group but with older and younger also. This comes from the fact that these children are not kept in a classroom closed off from the real world for up to eight hours a day. They are in the real world experiencing a variety of socialization. Their social skills are built through interacting with not only their parents or siblings, but with the lady at the bank, the elderly people at the nursing home, the neighbor who is teaching them Spanish, or their piano, dance, or karate instructor.
There are also many co-ops and locally run homeschool groups that have many activities, such as field trips, group classes, dances, and sports events. All of these social experiences are lived by “normal” and special needs children alike. Special needs children are no different than any other children when it comes to their need for social skills. Following is a quote from Susan Mielke, Homeschool Special Needs consultant, concerning the socialization needs of special needs children.
…I have spoken to many people, both homeschoolers and non-homeschoolers, about the
issue. What I told them is something that was told me years ago about the issue: When a
a ship is built it is built in dry-dock. This is done to make the ship strong so that when it
is put out to sea it can weather the storms it will encounter. The same is true for our
children. I would rather keep my children home and build them up through virtue and
character education so that when they do go out in the world they can weather the storms
they encounter. (personal interview)

So, the question is this, is the best place for acquiring social skills an artificial atmosphere with other special needs children? Maybe for some of them, but for the vast majority, homeschooling is much more beneficial. The flexibility that comes with homeschooling is an incredible tool for teaching these children. While it is convenient to be able to customize a curriculum for a normal child, it is crucial to be able to do this for a special needs child.
This is spoken from a personal standpoint. An amazing change comes in a child’s confidence when they finally get something that they have been struggling with for a long time. That confidence grows and blossoms into self esteem. A special needs child, more than any other child, needs someone to believe in them. What better person to do this than the people that have the most invested in them?
Any family that has a special needs child knows that it takes much time and many resources to meet the needs of that child. There are often therapies that the child participates in, counseling sessions (often for more than just the child!) and special diets. So why would you also add homeschooling to this list? The answer is not an easy one. In fact there is not just one answer. There is a unique answer for each unique child.
For a little 10 year old boy named Andrew, the answer was complex; as complex as he was. He was a square peg being pounded into a round hole. It was a painful hole for him. With every pound, his self-esteem crumbled a little more. He was diagnosed with Aspergers’ syndrome, sensory integration disorder, and a major language processing delay. They said not to expect much from him because he was too limited.
Have you ever looked into the eyes of a child who knows people don’t believe in him? The very people that are educating him are destroying his self confidence and with it, his future. If you have ever had the privilege to see those eyes, empty of self-confidence, full of pain, than you know there has to be something better.
Many skeptics doubt the ability of a parent, who may not have a teaching degree, to teach their children. Studies have shown the opposite. The EPAA gives statistics showing that, on the average, homeschooled children score considerably higher in their end of the year achievement tests. (eppa.edu charts 3.3-3.6) According to Lawrence M. Rudner, “Controlling for grade and parent education level, there is no significant difference in the achievement levels of home school students whose parents are certified and those that are not.” (eppa.edu chart 3.11)
Let’s take it a little deeper than achievement test results. After all, these tests do not show the character of a child. There is no grading scale that scores self-esteem, or the ability to look someone square in the eye and tell the truth. You cannot put a grade on the joy in a special needs child’s eyes when they stand up in front of Grandma, Grandpa, uncles and aunts and recite a five stanza poem. There is in no grading curve for the love of learning. There is no built in fortune teller to show what great things these special little people are going to accomplish.
Many homeschooled special needs children still participate in therapies and counseling through outside sources. Between the carefully thought out academic program lovingly administered in a comfortable atmosphere and the help of carefully chosen therapists and counselors, the child has the best of both worlds. There is no need for artificial life-skills classes for these children. They are learning real life skills by observing and being included in on the everyday hubbub going on around them.
At a very young age, they are learning critical thinking skills as they help sort and match socks on laundry day. They are learning small and large motor skills as they help stir the muffin batter and spoon it into the tins. Waiting for their turn to sit on Mom’s lap during story time or for their turn on the swing in the back yard teaches cooperation in a natural way. As they grow, their skills grow too. They naturally progress from sorting and matching socks to mowing the lawn and, depending on their ability level, even doing jobs around the neighborhood.
Homeschooling is a big commitment and is not to be taken lightly in any case. Taking the responsibility for any child’s education is monumental. When that child is a special needs child, it becomes even more outstanding. Consider the time we have here on this earth. Each day counts. Each decision matters. When you are a parent, life is more than decisions about yourself. No matter what our religious beliefs are, it is on our shoulders to raise, train and educate our children. When there is a special needs child in the picture, those decisions become even more important.
We have been trained by our culture to think that the schools, the government, and even the church know what is best for our kids. Sometimes we forget that we are the ones that are ultimately responsible for our children’s lives. There is one question to ask ourselves. Do we think that the norm is good enough for our children, whether they are “normal” or special needs? Maybe a good education does start at home. Yes, maybe it does take self sacrifice. Perhaps it will make us, as parents, step outside of what we view as accepted by our culture. After all aren’t we the ones shaping our culture? If a child’s future isn’t worth it, than what is? Without them we have no future, no American dream.

Works Cited

Berquist, Laura and Donna Steichen. Designing Your Own classical Curriculum, Ignatious
Press, San Francisco, CA, 1998, pg. 9 Forward

HSLDA.org, The Homeschool Report, Compulsory Education Laws: the Dialogue Reopened,
paragraph 3 September/October 2000 , read on 4/5/2009

Mielke, Susan. Homeschool Special Needs Consultant, personal interview, March 10, 2009

O’Dell, Angela. Personal Experience 1998-2001, 2003-2009 Homeschool teacher of special
needs and non-special needs children.

Rudner, Lawrence M. http://epaa.asu.edu/epaa/v7n8/ Education Policy Analysis Archives,
written 3/23/1999, read 4/5/2009

Shaw, Isabel. Familyeducation.com/home-schooling/parenting/29861.html?page2&detoured=1
paragraphs 1-4, ND, read 4/5/2009

2009-04-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

a cute picture of Ka5 and Cubby, our very chubby kitty!

Bee Tree week!

2009-04-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

We also watched our Moody Science DVD, City of the Bees. What amazing creatures!

more Bee Tree

2009-04-03T20:48:00.001-07:00

We made and filled out these little flapbooks after watching City of the Bees

The inside of the hospitality flap book.

The outside of the Hospitality flapbook. I think she did a great job coloring!

We chose 5 vocabulary words this week. Katie used the word "charming" all week!

The inside of the Michigan flap book.

The Bee Tree

2009-04-03T20:28:00.000-07:00

Her scripture bear and cover of the Michigan flap book.

The first page of the Bee Tree section in her journal.

Making honeycomb with her hexagon shaped pattern blocks.

Katie and I have worked on The Bee Tree this week. We are going to wrap it up with a "hospitality party" in a couple of days but these are some of the things we did with completely wonderful story.

A really cute old picture

2009-04-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

I found this picture on one of my photo cards. Oh my goodness, how fast time goes by! This was taken when my youngest was about 8 months old. so cute!

2009-04-02T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here is the front of the folder Kylah is creating for Cricket. I will add some inside shots when we are done with the unit.

2009-04-02T14:30:00.001-07:00

We are doing so many fun things with Cricket! We have several Your Story Hour CDs. This one has the story of Mary Jemison, the girl (in Colonial time New York) that was kidnapped by the Indians. I also found a very cool book with a cd about Mozart. The cassett is the Blue Danube recording that I found in the library.

The Cricket in Time Square

2009-04-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

Most of the science resources we needed I own. There is a really awesome dvd from Moody Science Inst. called Animal Kingdom. It has a wonderful section on migration. It talks about butterflies and salmon. Very cool!

Thoughts on homeschooling

2009-03-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

As I draw near to the end of the school year, I find myself thinking back over not just this year, but all of our years of homeschooling. This is our 9th year. Our first year was 11 years ago when my two oldest children were preschool and kindergarten age. I really didn't think of it as homeschooling then. We just had a lot of fun together. We made tents and forts with blankets and chairs. We made cookies, and read books. Our third child was a baby and the other two loved to take care of her. It was a wonderful, cozy year.

We moved the next summer after loosing our business and having to sell our hobby farm. We had to live in a very small trailer and homeschooling took on a new meaning for us. Our oldest 2 were getting closer to "school age" and the pressure was on to teach them to read and all the other things that children "need" to know. Somewhere along the way, I lost the love of learning. I lost the love of being with my children. These were very hard years for all of us. After 2 years of short tempers and daily break downs, we put our two older children in public school for 3 years.

I became pregnant with our 4th child in the second year they were in public school. The last year they were in public school, I knew that it would be the last. I spent that year with our third child, then 5 yrs old and the new baby. Somehow I had recaptured the love of learning and teaching! I had never even heard of Five in a Row, Charlotte Mason or Sonlight. We just read, played with playdough and worked on learning numbers and letters. We played with the baby and took walks. We watched birds and earthworms. In other words, we just loved spending time together.

The following spring, we moved again. We bought a wonderful house in a nice neighborhood out in a country town. What an amazing change in our lives. In our new home town and in the surrounding towns, there are dozens of homeschooling families. The Lord is so wonderful! He has put us right in the middle of a huge support system. Our children are thriving! I am thriving! My husband is thriving! It hasn't all been easy. My husband got laid off from the job that brought us out to this area. He is now commuting back to the cities where he used to work when we lived there. Money is tight. House repares are always there... but so is God.

In the last 2 months, we have lost my dad. Never before have I been so thankful that we homeschool. I didn't have to worry about sending my grieving children to school. My mom and I have been spending time with the children just reading, doing our usual schooling when we can and mainly helping each other through this hard time.

When people ask me why we homeschool, my answer is always "relationship"!!! When I brought my two oldest children home from public school almost 6 years ago, our relationships were strained. Three years of just getting eachother's left overs had taken its tole. It took us the entire 1st year to work through it. Now, my relationship with all of my children is absolutely the most priceless thing in the world.

I can't wait for next year!!

Apple Pie

2009-03-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

We went to the apple orchard to pick apples! What fun! We used the apples to make a delicious apple pie. What a fun way to "tie up" our How to Make an Apple pie and See the World study!

The Very Last First Time

2009-03-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Very Last First Time was special to us because of family members that live in Alaska. Here Katie and Kylah make igloos out of sugar cubes. Kylah has very fond memories of FIAR, she has now graduated to BYFIAR and Sonlight.

Lentil

2009-03-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

When we did Lentil, we tested acoustics. Katie tried playing her harmonica in different places in the house. It was decided that the bathroom was the best place for the sound waves to travel.

Katy and the Big Snow

2009-03-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

We really liked Katy and the Big Snow! Katie wanted to make a town and "keep it!". We decided to draw it with permanent marker on a new white pillow case. It turned out sooo cute!

Making an Apple Pie

2009-03-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

More Apple Pie and See the World pictures. We had so much fun making a really yummy pie for the family!

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

2009-03-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

I have used and LOVED Five in a Row unit studies for about 5 years. I was introduced to them when I was searching for a better way to educate my children. I fell in love with this curriculum. This year I am using it with Katie. We have had so much fun with this! I will post pictures of the journal we have made with these and also the lapbooks we made in the years past.

Angela'sfamily

2009-03-27T06:39:00.001-07:00