I loved homeschooling my children ~ but don't get any impression that it was easy ~ this is hard work. But the benefits far outweigh the hardships.
First of all, if you children have been in a public or private school...you have to deal with all the "thats not the way my teacher did it", or "we always did language first not math", or even just your children raising their hand to answer a question or ask you a question.
Second, homeschooling your own children will not take the entire day, depending on their ages and the number of your children, it could only take a couple of hours per day for the core subjects. If you get done in just a couple of hours, you didn't do anything wrong ~ its more efficient to school a couple of children than a roomful of 25 wriggly 1st graders. Our core subjects were usually ~ language, math, science, history, assigned reading. In the later grades we added typing, spanish, online or computer generated classes.
Third, you can greatly streamline your curriculum to the individual child and their learning styles. Find what works and use that. There probably isn't a cookie cutter curriculum that is across the board perfect for all of your children. And because something worked for 1 child doesn't mean it will click with a younger sibling.
Fourth, if your children have a hard time entertaining themselves ~ you had better have some activities planned to occupy their time after schooling. Either gardening, researching, lego creations, cooking time with mom, home ec day (1 of my personal favorites!), crafting time, ministry opportunities, etc. Bored children make for really long days ~ avoid boredom.
Fifth, you set your own schedule. Mine was always to get up and get it done ~ I knew that if we didn't get to it in the morning, life would happen and we wouldn't get to it all day! Do what works for you. A friend of mine sets her school year to end early in April, but start back in July ~ her children suffer from asthma and the summertime months are too hot for them to be outside too long, so they enjoy the springtime and get back to work when the heat is really building in Miss. Along those same lines, what works for one family probably won't work for another one. Find what works for you.
Sixth, it takes more than 1 or 2 years to really know if homeschooling is for your family. Sometimes, family dynamics make it harder to be successful than others. Our first year was incredibly hard but we stuck with it. 18 years later ~ I do wonder how we got it done, but the Lord filled our very difficult days with grace & love.
Seventh, when choosing your curriculum, you can get what you want not what some bureaucrat says you have to do. A majority of the years, we had every subject from a different publisher. A couple of years, we didn't have a set History book or curriculum ~ we got to travel with Greg, and he always planned field trips to historic places for our little school. We collected a great many puzzles, game books, jr. ranger books & badges, and biographies. Why read about a Civil War battlefield when you can walk one and see where the enemy was approaching from? I would suspect that near your home, there are many places to visit that would enhance your studies. For several years, we purchased a National Park Pass ~ and used it to the limit and above! Be creative.
Eighth, have fun. School can be fun! Play Yahtzee for math, sort M & M's for color recognition, make puppets of historical figures, find crafts for time periods you are studying about, watch a movie in place of class one day (they do it in public school), read a book together, co-teach a class with another mom, if the budget allows ~ go on some field trips, skate days, bowling, etc, cancel classes and have P E all day or reading all day or popcorn and movies day. We didn't do the "cancel classes" too much but your children will remember the funtimes too!
Ninth, you will build awesome, incredible, long lasting relationships with your children. You will see them at their worst and they will see you at your worst. But the best comes out too. The Lord will give you grace for the hardest days and blessings for the best days.
Tenth, your relationship with these children does develop into a friendship. Its not just a mom/daughter, or mom/son relationship. It did take much longer to develop close ties with Rob & Andy than with Katie & Will, and one of the reasons was we weren't together all day. Plus R & A went off to college, so it was harder to keep those ties. But they are there and developed now.
Many times during the 18 years, I wanted to quit. It was hard, difficult, gut wrenching, tear jerking, and exhausting (just being honest). But it was also rewarding, loving, happy, joyful, fun, adventurous, exciting, enjoyable, and full of happy tears & happy times!
Many thanks to my Mom who helped the first 7 years ~ keeping baby Amy/ toddler Amy occupied was a huge blessing! And for going on field trips, field days, bowling, tennis watching, etc. I couldn't have continued without your love and support!
And thanks to Greg, who supported me even when he didn't understand homeschooling. Who let Katie & Will come home and learn with Amy and I. Who bought all the curriculum and fun stuff that I wanted for school. Who listened to all my frustrations and triumphs with schooling. Who prayed for us and supported me in schooling. Who took us on fun trips and planned great times together.
And now....its official
I am a RETIRED Homeschool Mom!
Our graduation is June 9th!
Friday, May 17, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Picture Update!
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| My little quilted purse for a fair entry |
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| with matching change purse ~ hopefully will get a blue ribbon for cuteness~! |
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| baby squash |
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| new blueberry Will planted for me |
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| the blessing of peaches |
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| One of Gregs grapevines |
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| baby cucumber ~ its doubled in size since yesterday! |
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| new rose bush from James |
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| green beans are growing! |
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| this rose bush is taking off this year! |
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| My massive lantana ~ thats just 1 plant |
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| our first 2 tomatoes! |
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| Oreo, the wonder chihuahua! |
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
"Joyfully Helping Your Husband"
Thursday at the conference, Amy and I attended the "Joyfully Helping Your Husband" talk by Victoria Botkin. Here are the notes that I took ~
*Man needed a helper to help him fulfill his life mission, to help him with his life work. ref. Genesis 2:18
*The foundation of a woman's Biblical role of helper is submission.
*Men and women naturally slip into roles that are opposite of what God intended.
*We can have a tendency to maneuver our husbands into what we want.
*We are supposed to help our husbands do what God wants them to do not what we want them to do.
ref. Genesis 3:1-6
*What kind of mindset would help us to submit?
Submission = obedience to God ref. 1 Peter 3
God tells wives to submit to their OWN husbands (not to anyones elses husband. ref. Ephesians 5:22,24 and Col. 3:8
*The thing that makes submission doable~
We are to submit because our trust is in God ref. 1Peter 3:4-6, Luke 12:32, Isaiah 41:10, 2 Tim. 1:7
*Is Submission simple obedience to orders?
Submission is getting on board with your husband to help him carry out His plan.
He is the operator (final decision maker) you are the co-operator ref. Phil 2:14, Col 3:23
*Show respect to our husbands help them have confidence in all they do ref. James 3:5-10
*The most crucial way we can show respect is with our words ref. Mat.12:34-37, Prov. 14:1, Eph. 4:29
*As ambassadors of Christ, we must speak words of grace and words of life. ref. Prov. 31:10,11-31
*Publicize your husbands strengths not weaknesses. (ex. don't badmouth your husband to your girlfriends or family) Pour out your frustrations, disappointments, etc. to the Lord. ref. Neh. 8:10
*When submission is hard, cry out to the Lord for his strength & grace.
*To be a better helper ~ give up your own life ref. Matt. 16:25, John 12:24, Psalms 37:4
When you delight yourself in the Lord, the desires of your heart will change.
*Pray for your husbands ref. 1Thes. 5:16-18
*Give thanks for your husband
*Become interested in his interests
*Ask privately your questions to your husband (this is difficult sometimes to do because the circumstances may need a question right then)
*Set an example to the children of enthusiastic cooperation.
*How to help when he is wrong ref. Heb. 12:15, Eph. 4:31-32, 1Peter 3:1-2
Make sure its not your own attitude or bitterness making you think he is wrong ~( and yes, husbands can be wrong in thoughts or decisions ~ this is where having a close relationship with him and with the Lord come in handy...also having a husband who respects your opinion or input ~ but keep in mind, we all make mistakes, NO ONE is perfect)
*The secret of being able to joyfully help our husbands
Faith ref. Rom 10:17, Psalm 119:38
The Bible ~
*Read It
*Live It
*Learn It
*Love It
Donna ~ I realize this is a "sticky" subject and not at all popular. The Biblical view of submission is not "He's the boss and I must do everything he says" ~ thats not anywhere in the Bible. It is a view of leadership in the home ~ Greg is our household leader, I am his co-leader/helper in our home. He definitely has preferences over how he wants stuff done, and I try to accomplish this..ex. dinner at a certain time, menu selection, tv viewing, etc. We discuss big purchases and things that come up day to day, he doesn't come home "lay down the law" or make big decisions and tell me what we are doing. Marriage is a partnership not a dictatorship. I make the daytime decisions, picked all the homeschool curriculum, do all the grocery shopping, set our schedule, etc. ~ he has a fulltime job, he doesn't need to worry about the little things. But if he needs something done by a certain time, then he lets me know and we get it done.
*Man needed a helper to help him fulfill his life mission, to help him with his life work. ref. Genesis 2:18
*The foundation of a woman's Biblical role of helper is submission.
*Men and women naturally slip into roles that are opposite of what God intended.
*We can have a tendency to maneuver our husbands into what we want.
*We are supposed to help our husbands do what God wants them to do not what we want them to do.
ref. Genesis 3:1-6
*What kind of mindset would help us to submit?
Submission = obedience to God ref. 1 Peter 3
God tells wives to submit to their OWN husbands (not to anyones elses husband. ref. Ephesians 5:22,24 and Col. 3:8
*The thing that makes submission doable~
We are to submit because our trust is in God ref. 1Peter 3:4-6, Luke 12:32, Isaiah 41:10, 2 Tim. 1:7
*Is Submission simple obedience to orders?
Submission is getting on board with your husband to help him carry out His plan.
He is the operator (final decision maker) you are the co-operator ref. Phil 2:14, Col 3:23
*Show respect to our husbands help them have confidence in all they do ref. James 3:5-10
*The most crucial way we can show respect is with our words ref. Mat.12:34-37, Prov. 14:1, Eph. 4:29
*As ambassadors of Christ, we must speak words of grace and words of life. ref. Prov. 31:10,11-31
*Publicize your husbands strengths not weaknesses. (ex. don't badmouth your husband to your girlfriends or family) Pour out your frustrations, disappointments, etc. to the Lord. ref. Neh. 8:10
*When submission is hard, cry out to the Lord for his strength & grace.
*To be a better helper ~ give up your own life ref. Matt. 16:25, John 12:24, Psalms 37:4
When you delight yourself in the Lord, the desires of your heart will change.
*Pray for your husbands ref. 1Thes. 5:16-18
*Give thanks for your husband
*Become interested in his interests
*Ask privately your questions to your husband (this is difficult sometimes to do because the circumstances may need a question right then)
*Set an example to the children of enthusiastic cooperation.
*How to help when he is wrong ref. Heb. 12:15, Eph. 4:31-32, 1Peter 3:1-2
Make sure its not your own attitude or bitterness making you think he is wrong ~( and yes, husbands can be wrong in thoughts or decisions ~ this is where having a close relationship with him and with the Lord come in handy...also having a husband who respects your opinion or input ~ but keep in mind, we all make mistakes, NO ONE is perfect)
*The secret of being able to joyfully help our husbands
Faith ref. Rom 10:17, Psalm 119:38
The Bible ~
*Read It
*Live It
*Learn It
*Love It
Donna ~ I realize this is a "sticky" subject and not at all popular. The Biblical view of submission is not "He's the boss and I must do everything he says" ~ thats not anywhere in the Bible. It is a view of leadership in the home ~ Greg is our household leader, I am his co-leader/helper in our home. He definitely has preferences over how he wants stuff done, and I try to accomplish this..ex. dinner at a certain time, menu selection, tv viewing, etc. We discuss big purchases and things that come up day to day, he doesn't come home "lay down the law" or make big decisions and tell me what we are doing. Marriage is a partnership not a dictatorship. I make the daytime decisions, picked all the homeschool curriculum, do all the grocery shopping, set our schedule, etc. ~ he has a fulltime job, he doesn't need to worry about the little things. But if he needs something done by a certain time, then he lets me know and we get it done.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Awesome Time
We've been in St. Louis this week at the "Family Economics Conference" put on by Generations with a Vision ~ Kevin Swanson. We have heard incredible speakers, bought some great books, been inspired to at the very least come up with our 5 year plan for our family. We've got lots of praying to do, lots of plans to discuss, and things to implement. And yes, Amy's future does include cupcakes!
Today would have been Greg's graduation day from Mississippi State University with his Masters Degree in Engineering. He gave up the ceremony for us to be at the conference. This morning he did find out that his status had gone from student to graduate. Greg worked very hard for this advanced degree while working full time, putting 2 kids through college, helping with our homeschool, 2 childrens weddings, and several mission trips to Honduras & Haiti. I am very proud of him for this accomplishment. And very appreciative that he gave up his moment of fame at graduation to bring us to the conference.
BUT, he did get to walk across a stage tonight. There was a Historical Trivia contest and by some miracle....we came in 2nd of all the families there. The top 5 families went up on stage to compete for the grand prize......we didn't win it. But had a lot of fun!
And of course a highlight of the week was seeing this little guy ~
He liked his birthday gifts we brought (he will be 1 next month) and he has turned into quite the little ham......posing and smiling for the camera! Amy got him to make vrooom noises tonight while playing with his toy airplane and had him kissing a toy stuffed lion that Will brought him. She tried to teach him how to quack with his rubber duckie and we are taking his ca ca ca sounds as quacks! He enthusiastically eats his dinner and snacks & loves waving hi & bye!
We are headed home tomorrow and ready to sleep in our own beds.
Happy Graduation Day Gregory! We love you and are proud of you!
Today would have been Greg's graduation day from Mississippi State University with his Masters Degree in Engineering. He gave up the ceremony for us to be at the conference. This morning he did find out that his status had gone from student to graduate. Greg worked very hard for this advanced degree while working full time, putting 2 kids through college, helping with our homeschool, 2 childrens weddings, and several mission trips to Honduras & Haiti. I am very proud of him for this accomplishment. And very appreciative that he gave up his moment of fame at graduation to bring us to the conference.
BUT, he did get to walk across a stage tonight. There was a Historical Trivia contest and by some miracle....we came in 2nd of all the families there. The top 5 families went up on stage to compete for the grand prize......we didn't win it. But had a lot of fun!
And of course a highlight of the week was seeing this little guy ~
We are headed home tomorrow and ready to sleep in our own beds.
Happy Graduation Day Gregory! We love you and are proud of you!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Pondering ~~~~~
Today we were inspired by some awesome preaching & teaching about Scriptures, the Family Economy, loving our brothers & our brothers in Christ, working together as a family, and following the Lord with our whole hearts and lives. Greg, Amy, Will and I are at the Family Economics Conference put on by "Generations with a Vision ~ Kevin Swanson".
We heard Doug Phillips, Kevin Swanson, the Botkin Family, Dan Ford, Erik Weir and RC Sproul Jr. We split up to hear as many speakers as possible, with the exception of the opening & closing. Amy and I went to a talk by Anna Sophia & Elizabeth Botkin and then one by their parents Geoff & Victoria Botkin. A highlight was meeting Victoria.
Tonight we all attended the closing session together. A young man sang a beautiful version of "How Great Thou Art". Amy and I looked at each other when he was done and our response was WOW! He was incredible!
RC Sproul Jr. was the speaker tonight ~ I've listened to his sermons on the computer but never heard him in person. I took notes as fast as I could....Here are some thoughts he presented ~
*The world is made of Gods word. He spoke everything into existence.
*Reality flows out of the very mind of God.
*As Christians we have a different agenda, values, and purposes than the rest of the world and we should live that way.
*Stupid was born right out of sin.
*The Dominion Mandate survived The Fall ~ be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.
*Satan calls us to question the word of God.
*Jesus came to this world as the 2nd Adam to succeed where the 1st Adam failed.
*We are to be about the business of reflecting the image & word of God.
*God speaks & it is so!
We heard Doug Phillips, Kevin Swanson, the Botkin Family, Dan Ford, Erik Weir and RC Sproul Jr. We split up to hear as many speakers as possible, with the exception of the opening & closing. Amy and I went to a talk by Anna Sophia & Elizabeth Botkin and then one by their parents Geoff & Victoria Botkin. A highlight was meeting Victoria.
Tonight we all attended the closing session together. A young man sang a beautiful version of "How Great Thou Art". Amy and I looked at each other when he was done and our response was WOW! He was incredible!
RC Sproul Jr. was the speaker tonight ~ I've listened to his sermons on the computer but never heard him in person. I took notes as fast as I could....Here are some thoughts he presented ~
*The world is made of Gods word. He spoke everything into existence.
*Reality flows out of the very mind of God.
*As Christians we have a different agenda, values, and purposes than the rest of the world and we should live that way.
*Stupid was born right out of sin.
*The Dominion Mandate survived The Fall ~ be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.
*Satan calls us to question the word of God.
*Jesus came to this world as the 2nd Adam to succeed where the 1st Adam failed.
*We are to be about the business of reflecting the image & word of God.
*God speaks & it is so!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Colonial Knots
One of the categories in the fair is Candlewicking. Its supposed to be done on beige fabric with beige thread (or cotton candle wicking). I did this last year ~ a scallop shell, which I really liked but it is hard to see beige on beige. So this year, I decided to diversify my entry ~ beige fabric with purple thread ~ my favorite color! Last year I did mine with french knots instead of the colonial knot ~ but I guess it didn't bother the fair folks too much cause I got a blue ribbon on the entry. Hopefully their sensibilities won't be upset with my purple floss this year, its my creative license! I did decide to learn the Colonial Knot.
So, who do I blame for coming up with this knot? Someone from the late 1400's to the 1700's or later. I think you should have 3 hands to accomplish all the twisting and turning around the needle. I did find pretty clear directions with pictures on pinterest and followed the link to this blog http://mysweetprairie.blogspot.com/2012/02/saturday-stitches.html ~ its really not this gals fault that I am uncoordinated!
Here are pictures of the project so far....I've decided sitting at the computer, staring at each step over and over again is really helpful! To me, there is a visible difference between the french & colonial knots. The colonial knot is pouffier looking. Now I have to decide if I am really going to blow the fair ladies minds and do the center of the flower in yellow!
4 hours later.....
So, who do I blame for coming up with this knot? Someone from the late 1400's to the 1700's or later. I think you should have 3 hands to accomplish all the twisting and turning around the needle. I did find pretty clear directions with pictures on pinterest and followed the link to this blog http://mysweetprairie.blogspot.com/2012/02/saturday-stitches.html ~ its really not this gals fault that I am uncoordinated!
Here are pictures of the project so far....I've decided sitting at the computer, staring at each step over and over again is really helpful! To me, there is a visible difference between the french & colonial knots. The colonial knot is pouffier looking. Now I have to decide if I am really going to blow the fair ladies minds and do the center of the flower in yellow!
4 hours later.....
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Happenings
This week ~
we got lots of rain...lots and lots
last night the temps were in the 30's ~ today its in the 70's
got my embroidery machine back (fixed finally) ~ so I've had fun working on projects that I had stacked up waiting for embroidery
Cut out a 2 tote bags from old jeans ~ needed 4 pairs of different colors of denim ~ found 4 different blues and have cut out the strips ~ this is a pinterest project
Will got to visit the dr. 4 times this week ~ for an ingrown toenail. Next visit is Monday ~ they may be to do additional surgery on it to clear everything up.
Greg got a "new to him" car since his other one was totaled from the hail storm 6-8 weeks ago.
Went to JoAnns today to buy more embroidery thread ~ I had lots of 50% off coupons that expired today. When I got there, the thread was buy 2 get 1 free...so I couldn't use any coupons. Got the ones I needed and got to the register ~ they didn't ring up at the sale price so the guy took all my coupons...much better deal for me. I also found a cute fabric for the lining on my denim bags I am making.
Amy has the house smelling awesome ~ today she baked Double Chocolate Cookies and Peanut Butter Cookies to take on our trip next week!
Garden
Greg got the chicken wire up for my beans to climb on...the boxes are filling up.
The squash have blooms on them.
The cucumber plants are covered in blooms.
I have 1 tomato! I am praying for an overabundance of tomatoes to can for next winter! And to eat all summer ~ yum~
Tomorrow is Graduate Sunday at church. So Amy & Will will both be recognized with the other graduates. They will also be singing in the service tomorrow with the Youth Choir. So I am anticipating an emotional morning!
we got lots of rain...lots and lots
last night the temps were in the 30's ~ today its in the 70's
got my embroidery machine back (fixed finally) ~ so I've had fun working on projects that I had stacked up waiting for embroidery
Cut out a 2 tote bags from old jeans ~ needed 4 pairs of different colors of denim ~ found 4 different blues and have cut out the strips ~ this is a pinterest project
Will got to visit the dr. 4 times this week ~ for an ingrown toenail. Next visit is Monday ~ they may be to do additional surgery on it to clear everything up.
Greg got a "new to him" car since his other one was totaled from the hail storm 6-8 weeks ago.
Went to JoAnns today to buy more embroidery thread ~ I had lots of 50% off coupons that expired today. When I got there, the thread was buy 2 get 1 free...so I couldn't use any coupons. Got the ones I needed and got to the register ~ they didn't ring up at the sale price so the guy took all my coupons...much better deal for me. I also found a cute fabric for the lining on my denim bags I am making.
Amy has the house smelling awesome ~ today she baked Double Chocolate Cookies and Peanut Butter Cookies to take on our trip next week!
Garden
Greg got the chicken wire up for my beans to climb on...the boxes are filling up.
The squash have blooms on them.
The cucumber plants are covered in blooms.
I have 1 tomato! I am praying for an overabundance of tomatoes to can for next winter! And to eat all summer ~ yum~
Tomorrow is Graduate Sunday at church. So Amy & Will will both be recognized with the other graduates. They will also be singing in the service tomorrow with the Youth Choir. So I am anticipating an emotional morning!
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