Our Home School Journey #1

Over a year ago I began to want to home school my girls. I was hoping to start before middle school, but I didn't move quickly enough. I think fear has been holding me back.

I am blessed to know several women who home school their children. I have been bombarding them with questions and advice for weeks now. Finally, I decided that all this planning could go on forever and I needed to act. I still have a lump in my throat and a little fear about being responsible for my girls' schooling, but I know I can do it.

I sent the enrollment forms into a public Charter school, that is set up for homeschooling parents. With the charter school, you have liberty to school your children outside of a traditional setting. You are still accountable to the school and state of California requirements but you are able to select curriculum and teaching styles that are better fitting for your child. Each child enrolled is given an amount of money which is used to purchase school supplies and curriculum, pay for music lessons, swim lessons, sports etc. The time the child spends schooling or unschooling is considerably less than that of a traditional setting.

August and Kiley have been so stressed this school year with the ridiculous amount of school work they are expected to finish. I don't believe they have learned much. They are just trying to get it all done, all while retaining nothing. So sad.

We are planning to start home school by the first of March. I'm nervous, but really excited. I am grateful to the other homeschooling mothers I know. My wonderful friend Erica, really got me jump started. She gave me a bunch of books and plans from her previous 6th grade year, and some of her plans that I will need for next year. This was such a huge help and such an encouragement to me.

I will post again, when we get a little further into the process.

I don't care.

I received this in my email inbox today. I wanted to share.

Thought you might like to read this letter to the editor ~ ever notice how some people just seem to know how to write a letter?.
This one sure does!

This was written by a Canadian woman, but oh how it also applies to the
U.S., U.K. and Australia

THIS ONE PACKS A FIRM PUNCH

Here is a woman who should run for Prime Minister!

Written by a housewife in New Brunswick , to her local newspaper. This is one ticked off lady.

'Are we fighting a war on terror or aren't we? Was it or was it not started by Islamic people who brought it to our shores on September 11, 2001 and have continually threatened to do so since?

Were people from all over the world, not brutally murdered that day, in downtown Manhattan , across the Potomac from the nation's capitol and in a field in Pennsylvania ?

Did nearly three thousand men, women and children die a horrible, burning or crushing death that day, or didn't they?

And I'm supposed to care that a few Taliban were claiming to be tortured by a justice system of the nation they come from and are fighting against in a brutal insurgency.

I'll start caring when Osama bin Laden turns himself in and repents for incinerating all those innocent people on 9/11.

I'll care about the Koran when the fanatics in the Middle East start caring about the Holy Bible, the mere belief of which is a crime punishable by beheading in Afghanistan

I'll care when these thugs tell the world they are sorry for hacking off Nick Berg's head while Berg screamed through his gurgling slashed throat.

I'll care when the cowardly so-called 'insurgents' in Afghanistan come out and fight like men instead of disrespecting their own religion by hiding in mosques and behind women and children.

I'll care when the mindless zealots who blow themselves up in search of
nirvana care about the innocent children within range of their suicide bombs.

I'll care when the Canadian media stops pretending that their freedom of speech on stories is more important than the lives of the soldiers on the ground or their families waiting at home to hear about them when something happens.

In the meantime, when I hear a story about a CANADIAN soldier roughing up an Insurgent terrorist to obtain information, know this:

I don't care.

When I see a wounded terrorist get shot in the head when he is told not to move because he might be booby-trapped, you can take it to the bank:

I don't care.

When I hear that a prisoner, who was issued a Koran and a prayer mat, and 'fed special food' that is paid for by my tax dollars, is complaining that his holy book is being 'mishandled,' you can absolutely believe in your heart of hearts:

I don't care.

And oh, by the way, I've noticed that sometimes it's spelled 'Koran' and other times 'Quran.' Well, Jimmy Crack Corn you guessed it,

I don't care!!

If you agree with this viewpoint, pass this on to all your E-mail friends.? Sooner or later, it'll get to the people responsible for this ridiculous behavior!

If you don't agree, then by all means hit the delete button. Should you choose the latter, then please don't complain when more atrocities committed by radical Muslims happen here in our great Country! And may I add:

'Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Soldiers don't have that problem.'

I have another quote that I would like to add, AND.......I hope you forward all this.

Only five defining forces have ever offered to die for you:

1. Jesus Christ

2. The BritishSoldier.

3. The Canadian Soldier.

4. The US Soldier, and

5. The Australian Soldier

One died for your soul, the other 4 for your freedom.



AMEN!
Here Here!!! GIVE THIS LADY A STANDING OVATION!!!

Men are weak, bumbling idiots. Right?

Lately it has come to my realization that a vast majority of TV commercials and shows are portraying men as bumbling weak idiots, and women as the stronger more intelligent sex. This is extremely sexist. If this was the other way around the feminists would be lined up around the block to castrate those men. Oh, wait! They already have. Society has become so determined to make women even with men that it has stacked against men and masculinity.

How sad for young boys to watch these shows and ad's and grow up thinking they are useless, weak and idiotic. Where are the hero's and knights in shining armor? Television shows teach children. Believe it or not. They see it and want it. They see it and believe it.

How sad for young girls to think that their fathers, brothers and future husbands are bumbling, weak and stupid. They have no knight to look up to.

I saw a commercial the other day where a husband was trying with all his might to open a jar. Soon, his wife walked in and without so much as a thought opened the jar with no problem. This irritates me. (a stupid bumbling idiot weak man)

A new movie just came out showing a man in a pink fairy costume. Again portraying the man as an idiot. Men don't want to be fairy's they want to be knights in shining armor saving and protecting their women and families.

In an H&R Block Commercial. The guy uses the boxed tax return and gets stuck, his wife tells him to ask the box for help, and the guy does!!

A new commercial shows a grown man dressed up as a baby, while he lays there again like an idiot, throwing milk and food all over. (I do not think babies are idiots)

Do you notice a majority of sitcoms about families, the husband is always a dumb fat guy who always gets himself into some kind of mess and the wife is always a hot and smart woman who gets him out of trouble? This is not real life.

Lifetime television shows portray men as violent, rapists, murders and wife beaters.

Women openly insult men on TV, and people laugh, but if a man says something sexist to a woman, you hear gasps, and people frown.

The teenagery shows all have effeminate weak male roles and loud obnoxious female roles. This again teaching young males and females that the males are weak idiots.

Why do they want to de-man our men? Geeze women don't even need a man to get them pregnant anymore. Women have made men obsolete but are baffled that they can't find "MEN".

I see/hear so many women complain about not being able to find "real men". Men act according to the way women treat them. If women allow them to be disgusting heartless jerks, they will be. If women allow them to sleep with them on the first date, they certainly will and they almost always will not call again, and move on. Men have always and will always hold a double standard. You can't change that.

Men desire to be treated like "men" not like heartless idiots. It took me a little while to figure out my husband thrives as a father and husband, when he is treated like a man. He will break his back working for us because he is respected as the man of the house. This leaves me free to be a woman. I feel so much happier and fulfilled when I am free to express my feminine roll. I LOVE being able to depend on my husband, he knows this and works hard to take care of us. Men desire to be depended on and wanted. I am much happier being home with my children, teaching them, watching them, keeping a warm cozy home for them. I love preparing a huge yummy dinner to serve to my husband when he walks in the door after nearly killing himself at work all day. It's wonderful to see the happy look on his face when he walks through the door and a handful of little girls knock him over with hugs and excitement. I often times wonder why on earth would he work so hard for us? Because he is a REAL MAN, and he loves taking care of his family. In return his family is grateful and lets him know how much.

I have so much respect for my husband now that I have to rely on him to be the man and take care of us. He, I'm sure has more respect for me as his wife, for allowing him to be the man.

The attitude and ego of a man is completely determined by his wife. Wives we are the keepers of our husbands ego's. When their egos are respected and stroked, they behave like warrior men.

There is nothing wrong with gender roles. Women should embrace and be proud of their gender. We are the makers of the babies, the ones who were given breasts to sustain our infants. We (most of us) are loving and nurturing and desire to care for our families.

I'm not talking about women being weak. Women should be well educated, strong and able bodied. Men don't want to be married to idiots any more than women want to be married to idiots.

It would benefit both sexes to be educated in gender differences and the delicate need for each gender to be treated accordingly. Instead we teach disrespect for the opposite gender. This is creating broken relationships, homes and families. Women can't do it all. Men can't do it all. Each gender completes the other bringing what the other is lacking. Children benefit best when they receive what each gender (mother and father) bring to the table. Wow, God is smart.

Do you notice that teenage girls are having sex younger? Getting pregnant? Dressing slutty? Why??? They want attention from men. Little girls (and boys) need daddies. They are lacking a masculine role model. Divorce and the lack of strong alpha men in the home has created chaos.

Male and female were both created equal, but equal does not mean the same.

This post is not meant to encapsulate all men and all women.

Count Your Blessings

I woke up today happy and began to county my blessings. And, I wondered how many of us forget to count ours? How often do we go through our day complaining. Boo, I don't have money, the job I want, the car I deserve, stylish clothes, etc. We complain while sitting in our homes, watching TV powered by electricity, wearing clothing, eating snacks, showering in hot water, adjusting the heater, texting on our cell phones. I think you get the picture. Your blessings don't have to be big to count them, the small ones are just as important.

Did you wake up today?
Do you have at least one outfit to wear?
Did you have at least one blanket last night?
Fresh water?
Something, anything to eat?
Shelter from the rain?
Did the lights turn on when you hit the switch?
Did you have soap and warm water to bathe in?

There are so many people who have less than you. Even if you are living in poverty, there is always someone who has less.

Did you know that 1.5 Million people, just like you and me (Men, women, children, babies) in Haiti are searching for food, shelter and fresh water. 200,000 have already lost their lives. Many of those deaths could have been avoided. Lift them up in prayer, and if you have extra blessings today share with those who have nothing. This could happen here and someday, it could be you in need.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 (7)If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: (8)But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.

Refining Silver

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three they came across verse three which says, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3) This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week the woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that, in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, that He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part -- when I see my image reflected in it."

Secondhand Shopping Awesomeness

I think thrift stores get a bad wrap. Or maybe my old childhood fears of someone saying "Yo mama shops at the Salvation Army, Kmart & Payless Shoes" still haunt me. Ha! Of course after I was laid off and decided to stay home we went from really well off, to one small income, I had to re-learn how to shop.

Another reference to the Duggar family in the same day. Their family motto is "Buy used and save the difference". They rarely ever buy anything new, and they pay cash for everything. They have no debt, none, not even mortgage debt. Anyhoo, thrift store shopping is how they clothe and shoe their 19 kids. They are always nicely and modestly dressed.

Our town has about 5 or 6 secondhand stores. Some are better than others. The chain thrift stores like Goodwill tend to be a little expensive. Who wants to pay $10 for a used kids dress? Um, not me. I go there sometimes, and have found great deals, but I prefer to give business to the Church run stores.

Clothing a bunch of kids can get expensive. Especially with the smaller ones seem to grow out of clothes faster than they can wear them out. I have found some super great items. In fact most of what I find are expensive brand names. I have purchased two Janie & Jack items with combined retail price of $93 plus tax, in like new shape for only $4.00. This also helps our environment by reusing and not creating more trash. We should all be good stewards of the earth God has created for us.

This week I purchased 9 items from my favorite Buenas Vidas Youth Ranch Thrift Store (Saturday's everything is 50% off). For the little girls, 2 dresses, 2 skirts and 1 sweater. For the big girls 1 skirt and 1 dress and 2 skirts for myself. Not that I really care too much about brand name items but sometimes it's exciting, especially when you know how much someone else paid for the item you just bought for a dollar. The little girls clothes were all Gap, J&J, Gymboree & Old Navy, all places I can't afford to shop. The big girls items were nice quality brands too. All the items were in just like new condition.

I LOVE LOVE figuring out how much money I saved. I added up the approximate retail price for all 9 items purchased yesterday. It was roughly $345.00, including tax. I paid $18.11 (less than an hour of work for Adam), including tax, averaging $2.01 per item. Saving my husband $326.89 approximately 2 days of hard work. He should be so proud of me. haha!

I took pictures this time, because I'm a nerd like that. I'm missing the black skirt I got for the big girls. I think Kiley wore it today. It's a long, mid calf plain black skirt.

Family Guidelines

I Love watching the show with the Duggar Family, 18 kids (no wait) 19 Kids and Counting. Any family with that many well behaved children must know what they're doing. I recently read their book, and enjoyed their list of guidelines/rules for their household. I am adopting these and posting them up in my home. I think I'll wall paper the pre-teens' room with them. ha!

FAMILY GUIDELINES

1. Always use soft words, even when you don’t feel well.
2. Always display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated. Have the right response by quickly forgiving others in your heart even before they ask.
3. Always be enthusiastic and look for opportunities to praise others' character.
4. Always deflect praise and be grateful to God and others for the ways they have benefited your life.
5. Always use manners and be respectful of others and their belongings.
6. Always do what is right, even when others may not, or when no one is looking.
7. Thank God for how He made you, for what He has given you and everything He allows you to go through. (Romans 8:28)
8. Don’t mock or put others down. Develop compassion and pray for others.
9. Never argue, complain, or blame. Quickly admit when you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness (even if you were only 10% at fault). Don't wait till you’re caught. Be sure your sins will find you out. He who covers his sin will not prosper, but he that confesses and forsakes it shall find mercy.
10. Have a tough accountability/prayer partner to daily share your heart with and to keep you in line (your parents, spouse). The power of sin is in secrecy.
11. Be attentive and look for ways to serve others with sincere motives and no thought of self-gain.
12. Think pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8, Romans 13:14).
13. Always give a good report of others. Don't gossip! Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. (Use Matthew 18.)
14. Never raise a hand to hit.
15. Never raise a foot to kick.
16. Never raise an object to throw.
17. Never raise a voice to yell.
18. Never raise an eye to scowl.
19. Use one toy/activity at a time. Share!
20. Do your best to keep your surroundings neat, clean and organized.
21. Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don’t go to bed angry or guilty)
22. Amendment J.O.Y. - Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.

Wordless Wednesday: Double Trouble

Making the Waldorf Style Dolls

A Waldorf Doll is usually of wool and cotton, using techniques drawing on traditional European dollmaking, its appearance is intentionally simple in order to allow the child playing with it to improve or strengthen imagination and creativity. For instance, it has no facial expression. Its legs and arms are flexible, allowing natural postures.

A couple of months before Christmas, August saw a picture of some Waldorf style dolls in a natural toys magazine. She really liked them. She even slept with the magazine. I thought it was sweet. Here is my 11 year old daughter wanting a doll. She could be wanting a cell phone. The price of this doll was $165.00. OUCH! Of course I told her there was no way we could buy her that doll and she had just spent all her own money on the Ugg Boots she wanted so badly. I told her to pray about it. God answers when you ask him.

The next day I was looking for one of these dolls at a cheaper price, which I didn't find. I did, however find several different websites that teach you how to make the dolls and even sell all of the materials needed to make your own. YES! God had answered August's prayers. How sweet that he provided a way for her to have her doll.I ordered two doll making kits. Kiley had also shown interest in the doll, just not on the same level as August, so I decided to make her one also. My mom said she would help me make the dolls and I ordered the materials. It was roughly $100 to order both doll kits.

Making the dolls was a little more work than we expected. Still, it was a lot of fun. My mom and I had to work while the girls were gone at school. She did all the sewing machine work and the making of the bodies, and I did the heads. The heads were a lot of work. Each one took at least 4 hours. To attach the head to the bodies was almost an impossible feat, but I did it and walked away with about 100 needle pricks in my fingers.

Mom took on the task of sewing the doll clothes, which she said was a little more difficult than sewing people clothes. The first dolls clothing took her about 10 hours. I helped with the other set and that still took us 8 hours.When all was said and done, the dolls were beautiful. We were so happy with them, and a little proud we had done it.

When the girls received them Christmas morning, they were very excited. They are such sweet girls, they were even more excited when they found out Mom and I had made them ourselves.

My goal to preserve their childhood as long as possible was evident in their asking for dolls for Christmas. I hope to keep them young and innocent as long as possible, without making them childish, immature and naive. Girls these days lose their innocence far too young. There is plenty of time to be an adult later. Childhood, only comes once and it should be wonderful, memorable and last the entire time a person is a child. I feel so blessed that God chose me to be their mom. They are such a gift and a blessing to Adam and me.

Our New Favorite Hymn

This is our (the girls and my) new favorite hymn. From the Songs & Hymns of Revival hymnal #216. Listening to the 3 year olds sing, is so wonderful. You can just see and hear God's love in their singing. It's such a blessing to hearing all the girls sing as they do their chores and go about their daily business. I love being their Mama.

Dwelling in Buelah Land

Words and Music by C. Austin Miles

Isaiah 62:4"... but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah:for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married"

Far away the noise of strife upon my ear is falling.Then I know the sins of earth beset on every hand.Doubt and fear and things of earth in vain to me are calling.None of these shall move me from Beulah Land.

Chorus

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky. (Praise God!)I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Far below the storm of doubt upon the world is beating.Sons of men in battle long the enemy withstand.Safe am I within the castle of God's Word retreating.Nothing then can reach me - 'tis Beulah Land.

Chorus

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky. (Praise God!) I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Let the stormy breezes blow, their cry cannot alarm me;I am safely sheltered here, protected by God's hand.Here the sun is always shining, here there's naught can harm me.I am safe forever in Beulah Land.

Chorus

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky. (Praise God!)I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Viewing here the works of God, I sink in contemplation.Hearing now His blessed voice, I see the way He planned.Dwelling in the Spirit here I learn of full salvation.Gladly I will tarry in Beulah Land.

Chorus

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky. (Praise God!)I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Kiley and August's Baptism Photos

January 3, 2010

Pastor Dan, August, Kiley & Bennet

Kiley goes first

The water was a bit on the chilly side

Getting ready

All done. Awesome

August's turn

She likes the cold water

Awesome, all done Receiving certificates

Kiley & August's Decision to be Baptized

Kiley and August have both made the decision to be scripturally baptized. Tomorrow night, along with another boy in the church they will make this public statement to live their life for the Lord. I am so very proud of them. They are very excited.

I will post pictures after tomorrow.


What does it mean to be scripturally baptized?