Went out tonight for some "mama-time" and what better place to go than Barnes & Noble...books and hot treats! Handsome Hubby very often has to kick me out of house for a little bit of "mama-time". Time which consists of doing something that has nothing at all to do with kiddos. I could go for weeks without ever being alone and not notice. But sweet man that he is, he kicks me out for the sake of my own sanity. Although I'd much rather meet up with a girlfriend, not all moms can be spontaneous on the same evening, so tonight, I was on my own.
I sat in the Starbucks cafe, sipping a Hot Chai Latte (too late at night for coffee) and actually read more than one sentence without interruption! I'll readily admit that I am a BOOKWORM! As a kid I would rather spend an entire Saturday afternoon reading a good book, than playing outdoors with my three brothers. Big sis was already out of the house when I was eight or nine (being the oldest and ten years my senior), so in order to stay out the way of all the testosterone in the house, I usually buried my nose in a book.
On one occasion, my mother-in-love and I spent about seven hours straight at a Barnes & Noble! Pun'kin Head was a newborn and sweet mama picked us up to get us out of the house. After lunch we of course made our way over to B&N. Mama is as big a fan of the written word as I am and time passed quickly as we read books & magazines, chatted while I nursed Pun'kin Head and took turns burping and snuggling him up. When we got hungry, we bought snacks and continued to chat and read. After about six hours Handsome Hubby called her cell phone to ask our whereabouts as he must have thought we skipped town with his offspring in tow! When she told him we were still at B&N, he exclaimed " Still? Whatever for?" We laughed and proceeded to pack things up :)
Oh, silly man, not the biggest fan of the written word, still proclaims at the other end of the sofa, "When are you gonna finish that stupid book and pay some attention to me?!" So sorry honey. I've had many years of ignoring men because of a good read, I can't change overnight! :)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
33 Reasons we HEART homeschooling!
In no particular order, here is the rundown of the myriad of blessings received by homeschooling:
1. I get to BE with my treasures for 24 hours a day (may not sound great to some, but it IS!).
2. My kids get to learn at their own pace, encouraging one to press on or one to slow down.
3. My kids get to study things that really interest them in depth.
4. We are dependent upon one another and that makes us a strong family.
5. The bond between siblings becomes amazingly strong as they achieve together.
6. Kids learn how to learn and how to teach, by helping younger siblings.
7. I get to see the joy of new discoveries everyday.
8. I get the opportunity to be the one who comforts during disappointments.
9. I get the blessing of choosing wonderful literature to read to my children each day and push by the wayside the many books that schools engage which are so detrimental to true growth.
10. Learning while snuggling on a cozy sofa or bed, it doesn't get better than that!
11. Working anytime of day we choose.
12. Going to school in our jammies some days!
13. Take school outdoors, grab our books, a picnic blanket and study in the sunshine, fresh air, and sounds of nature all around us.
14. Go on field trips that interest us, especially when public schools are in session so it's not crowded.
15. Go just about anywhere, anytime, especially family vacations, during seasons when places are not crowded at all!
16. Creating a curriculum each year that the whole family enjoys learning.
17. Educational vacations or outings can be counted as school time.
18. I get to hone my skills in patience with my sweet ones while teaching them.
19. Having WAY MORE family time than most, and everyday together is family time!
20. Sweet Pea says homeschooling is great because you get to be with your mom!
21. Pun'kin Head says homeschooling is great because he loves to do lots of projects and experiments!
22. No standing at a cold bus stop on dark mornings!
23. We usually finish all bookwork by lunchtime!
24. NO HOMEWORK!
25. Opportunity for interaction with Godly friends and it's easier to avoid negative influences.
26. No need to stress over back-to-school shopping.
27. Kids are not subjected to a peer group of thirty other kids that have the same lack of skills in judgment that they do.
28. We have the ability to select those adult mentors we want for our children, sorry to say, but not all teachers out there enjoy teaching.
29. Keeping our little ones close by until they are emotionally ready to be separated from us and not at age four or five.
30. We have much more time to instill Godly principles in our children each day.
31. We have more time to focus on teaching our children how to know and worship God.
32. Allowing our kids to be KIDS and not working an eight to ten hour day like they will be soon enough!
33. Their daddy was homeschooled and he is a brilliant, compassionate, and successful man of God! It is my greatest hope that they turn out to be just like him :)
1. I get to BE with my treasures for 24 hours a day (may not sound great to some, but it IS!).
2. My kids get to learn at their own pace, encouraging one to press on or one to slow down.
3. My kids get to study things that really interest them in depth.
4. We are dependent upon one another and that makes us a strong family.
5. The bond between siblings becomes amazingly strong as they achieve together.
6. Kids learn how to learn and how to teach, by helping younger siblings.
7. I get to see the joy of new discoveries everyday.
8. I get the opportunity to be the one who comforts during disappointments.
9. I get the blessing of choosing wonderful literature to read to my children each day and push by the wayside the many books that schools engage which are so detrimental to true growth.
10. Learning while snuggling on a cozy sofa or bed, it doesn't get better than that!
11. Working anytime of day we choose.
12. Going to school in our jammies some days!
13. Take school outdoors, grab our books, a picnic blanket and study in the sunshine, fresh air, and sounds of nature all around us.
14. Go on field trips that interest us, especially when public schools are in session so it's not crowded.
15. Go just about anywhere, anytime, especially family vacations, during seasons when places are not crowded at all!
16. Creating a curriculum each year that the whole family enjoys learning.
17. Educational vacations or outings can be counted as school time.
18. I get to hone my skills in patience with my sweet ones while teaching them.
19. Having WAY MORE family time than most, and everyday together is family time!
20. Sweet Pea says homeschooling is great because you get to be with your mom!
21. Pun'kin Head says homeschooling is great because he loves to do lots of projects and experiments!
22. No standing at a cold bus stop on dark mornings!
23. We usually finish all bookwork by lunchtime!
24. NO HOMEWORK!
25. Opportunity for interaction with Godly friends and it's easier to avoid negative influences.
26. No need to stress over back-to-school shopping.
27. Kids are not subjected to a peer group of thirty other kids that have the same lack of skills in judgment that they do.
28. We have the ability to select those adult mentors we want for our children, sorry to say, but not all teachers out there enjoy teaching.
29. Keeping our little ones close by until they are emotionally ready to be separated from us and not at age four or five.
30. We have much more time to instill Godly principles in our children each day.
31. We have more time to focus on teaching our children how to know and worship God.
32. Allowing our kids to be KIDS and not working an eight to ten hour day like they will be soon enough!
33. Their daddy was homeschooled and he is a brilliant, compassionate, and successful man of God! It is my greatest hope that they turn out to be just like him :)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Poetry of Robert Frost
Having grown up in Derry, NH, I am well-versed in the life and poetry of Robert Frost. His farmhouse was only a short bike ride from my parents house and is now a museum and memorial to his life and works. I used to love to go for rambles in the woods, on his farm property, that lead out to a clearing where the entire little village can be seen below. He taught English at Pinkerton Academy in the early 1900's, the high school I graduated from in 1992. For a man who suffered so much loss in his life, he definitely still enjoyed the beauty of God's creation and saw even the simplest acts of rural life as pleasant.
The past two weeks we studied the poetry of Robert Frost and specifically Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening. I am impressed that my Sweet Pea (age 6) can now narrate it by heart. If you're not familiar with Five In A Row check it out at www.fiar.com. It is a Charlotte Mason style curriculum and there are so many great resources in their forums to glean from.
Here's what we studied:
~The life of Robert Frost
~Rural New England life in the early 20th century
~Farm life and duties of a farmer
~Inventions that were created during his almost 90 years of life and how they were helpful to man.
~Vocabulary of poetry ie hyperbole, onomatopoeia, alliteration, personification, metaphoric language, personification, rhythm, rhyme and repetition.
~The beautiful illustrations by artist Susan Jeffers, art medium and style, viewpoint, mood, detail and history. Then created some of our own art interpretations. We also looked up all the species of birds, that Susan Jeffers so beautifully illustrated, in our field guides, utilizing reading and following alphabetical order.
~Read other winter stories and studied hibernation of animals. Created a hibernation den with some stuffed animals.
We had so much fun and I hope to continue to instill in them a love for reading and recitation of great poetry!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Caught on tape!
Okay. I am now wondering why did we spend a small fortune on a camcorder for our nine year old for Christmas?? Pun'kin Head has had so much fun the past few weeks making little videos of his Star Wars action figures and learning how to upload and edit videos on the laptop. Didn't know we needed to enforce any RULES for the use of the camera...well, we do NOW!
The other day I stepped out of the shower, dried off and applied my lotion. I forgot to bring my new clothes in the bathroom with me, but as no one else was upstairs with me, I bolted from the bathroom, across the hallway to my bedroom, to fetch some duds. Ah, once in the safety of my own room I proceeded to take my time dressing, as I was waiting for my lotion to dry anyway. There I stood, in the buff, in my closet, when a little red light reflecting in my full-length mirror caught my eye. I slowly walked toward my vanity and noticed that the baby monitor was turned on. My kids always use the old baby monitor as "spy gear" when playing and usually snoop on us when we have people over for dinner etc... As I walked a little closer I noticed not only the harmless monitor, but the new cellphone-sized camcorder also on the table.
In a sound only an experienced mama can make, I screeched "Good Lord! Is that camera on??"
Oh, yeah, it was! I then got a crash course in video editing and the wonderful DELETE button! To make a long story short...Pun'kin Head now has agreed to ALWAYS ask permission of anyone he might be taping. Sigh :)
The other day I stepped out of the shower, dried off and applied my lotion. I forgot to bring my new clothes in the bathroom with me, but as no one else was upstairs with me, I bolted from the bathroom, across the hallway to my bedroom, to fetch some duds. Ah, once in the safety of my own room I proceeded to take my time dressing, as I was waiting for my lotion to dry anyway. There I stood, in the buff, in my closet, when a little red light reflecting in my full-length mirror caught my eye. I slowly walked toward my vanity and noticed that the baby monitor was turned on. My kids always use the old baby monitor as "spy gear" when playing and usually snoop on us when we have people over for dinner etc... As I walked a little closer I noticed not only the harmless monitor, but the new cellphone-sized camcorder also on the table.
In a sound only an experienced mama can make, I screeched "Good Lord! Is that camera on??"
Oh, yeah, it was! I then got a crash course in video editing and the wonderful DELETE button! To make a long story short...Pun'kin Head now has agreed to ALWAYS ask permission of anyone he might be taping. Sigh :)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Got Vision??
Pun'kin Head is a typical 9 year old boy when it comes to writing. He was an early reader and has impeccable penmanship, but gets very stressed out when asked to write even a paragraph for school. To help engage him in this seemingly mundane activity, I've been encouraging journaling. His journal started out with few words and mostly artwork, but I felt I shouldn't push him. He has come to enjoy writing short stories and his own comic books. But I've found him writing more and more in his journal, outside of my homeschool writing requests. I've found him copying scriptures into his journal and the other day I read an entry that really made me think. It read:
"I think for the future. I can make churches with my friends."
Wow! My boy has vision! He is planning for his future and I am proud that those plans include the works of the Lord. Vision, we all need to be people of vision. Without it, we perish. So I send out this question...search your heart...Got Vision?
"I think for the future. I can make churches with my friends."
Wow! My boy has vision! He is planning for his future and I am proud that those plans include the works of the Lord. Vision, we all need to be people of vision. Without it, we perish. So I send out this question...search your heart...Got Vision?
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Six Keys To A Healthier You: #4- Exercise!
Okay. It's way past January 1st. A whole week has gone by and I am still needing to get my butt in gear and refocus my life. It has been a whirlwind the past couple of months, with trying to sell our house and all the fun get togethers of the holidays. We were very thankful to receive an early gift, as our house sold just a few days before Christmas! Praise God! His timing is always perfect! As I mentioned in December, the holidays are a time of celebration and treats. But the past few weeks I have had insomnia by night, exhaustion by day and I know that my body is trying to tell me to get back on track, chuck all the junk that found it's way into my cupboards, and get proper rest and exercise.
Personally, I am not one who craves physical activity! I'll be honest. If I have some free time I'd much rather curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a good book and don't bug me till tomorrow. I am thin by my genetics and therefore don't get much sympathy from the other curvy women in my life! What I wouldn't give for a few more curves! I'm probably the only woman in America that actually welcomes monthly bloating! But thin does not translate to healthy. The media has so warped the thinking of women and men everywhere. For me, I do it only because I know that I have been entrusted with this one body and it is my responsibility to care for it.
New Years resolutions are not for me! I can't take the guilt! But if I could encourage anyone out there, I'd say just do something that makes you happy. We don't need to be extreme...just make some small changes to make exercise a part of our daily lifestyle...bottom line...get movin'.
At least 3 times a week we should be participating in some form of exercise for at least 30 consecutive minutes. And our daily goal should be to raise our heartbeats and break a sweat. Organized exercise is not for me personally. I'd much rather play basketball with my kids for a half hour or go for a walk or hike. If you need to have alone time, go to a gym. For me I like to find something I can do right at home otherwise I won't make the effort to do it. In the winter I rely on yoga, pilates, a stair stepper and small weights. Rochester is the second cloudiest city in the U.S. and therefore many people here suffer from the winter blues. As long as it's not icy out, we need to get outside and get some fresh air every day. To breathe deeply is so important and a great stress reliever. We especially need some sunshine on our skin for at least 10 minutes a day. If this isn't possible take a vitamin D supplement during the winter.
What does the Word say? 1 Timothy 4:8 "...for bodily discipline(exercise) is only of a little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." That's one of those scriptures I wish I could overlook! God didn't say bodily exercise was of NO profit for us. He said godliness holds promise for this life and the next. Therefore, bodily exercise only holds promise for this life.
God knows the inner workings of our bodies. Exercise keeps every body part healthy. First of all just the act of raising our heart beat gives our heart muscle a good workout. It also is bringing increased amounts of oxygen to every cell, muscle and tissue. Exercise most definitely aids our proper digestion and elimination of waste. It also stimulates brain function. Many diseases that affect our minds are linked to a sedentary lifestyle.
So find something that you can fit into your lifestyle and tell yourself your goal this new year is to take better care of yourself. We take care of everyone else, everyday, this is one time where it is encouraged to be selfish and do something that is just for us. It will eventually make us feel happier (all those great endorphins being released!) relieve the stress our lives throw at us, and make us live longer and healthier. And in that way, it IS a gift to those we love the most. Because we all know, when Mama's happy, everyone is happy! Thanks for sitting and taking the time to read this post, now get off that tush and get movin' :)
Personally, I am not one who craves physical activity! I'll be honest. If I have some free time I'd much rather curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a good book and don't bug me till tomorrow. I am thin by my genetics and therefore don't get much sympathy from the other curvy women in my life! What I wouldn't give for a few more curves! I'm probably the only woman in America that actually welcomes monthly bloating! But thin does not translate to healthy. The media has so warped the thinking of women and men everywhere. For me, I do it only because I know that I have been entrusted with this one body and it is my responsibility to care for it.
New Years resolutions are not for me! I can't take the guilt! But if I could encourage anyone out there, I'd say just do something that makes you happy. We don't need to be extreme...just make some small changes to make exercise a part of our daily lifestyle...bottom line...get movin'.
At least 3 times a week we should be participating in some form of exercise for at least 30 consecutive minutes. And our daily goal should be to raise our heartbeats and break a sweat. Organized exercise is not for me personally. I'd much rather play basketball with my kids for a half hour or go for a walk or hike. If you need to have alone time, go to a gym. For me I like to find something I can do right at home otherwise I won't make the effort to do it. In the winter I rely on yoga, pilates, a stair stepper and small weights. Rochester is the second cloudiest city in the U.S. and therefore many people here suffer from the winter blues. As long as it's not icy out, we need to get outside and get some fresh air every day. To breathe deeply is so important and a great stress reliever. We especially need some sunshine on our skin for at least 10 minutes a day. If this isn't possible take a vitamin D supplement during the winter.
What does the Word say? 1 Timothy 4:8 "...for bodily discipline(exercise) is only of a little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." That's one of those scriptures I wish I could overlook! God didn't say bodily exercise was of NO profit for us. He said godliness holds promise for this life and the next. Therefore, bodily exercise only holds promise for this life.
God knows the inner workings of our bodies. Exercise keeps every body part healthy. First of all just the act of raising our heart beat gives our heart muscle a good workout. It also is bringing increased amounts of oxygen to every cell, muscle and tissue. Exercise most definitely aids our proper digestion and elimination of waste. It also stimulates brain function. Many diseases that affect our minds are linked to a sedentary lifestyle.
So find something that you can fit into your lifestyle and tell yourself your goal this new year is to take better care of yourself. We take care of everyone else, everyday, this is one time where it is encouraged to be selfish and do something that is just for us. It will eventually make us feel happier (all those great endorphins being released!) relieve the stress our lives throw at us, and make us live longer and healthier. And in that way, it IS a gift to those we love the most. Because we all know, when Mama's happy, everyone is happy! Thanks for sitting and taking the time to read this post, now get off that tush and get movin' :)
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A Year Of Jubilee!
"Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you and nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising." Isaiah 60:1-3
I have heard from many the past few months, that the new year ahead seems dark. There has been so much fear concerning our economy. Even in church circles among those of faith. I feel the need to remind all of us that we are NOT of this world. That we are not to look at the circumstances of this life with fear in our hearts. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of Power, Love and a Sound Mind. That is good news. We can have sound minds in the midst of all that SEEMS dark.
Isaiah 60 confirms that darkness will come. But it is during the darkest times that The Light will shine the brightest! As people of faith, now is the time for us to rise up and take our authority that was paid for with a huge price. We need to start living as if Jesus is in us, if we truly believe He is. Therefore, WE are the light of this world. Hold it out for all to see and be the Lord's hands in this earth.
I believe with all my heart that this New Year will be one of GREAT blessing for God's people. Those things in our hearts, that once seemed impossible, WILL come to pass THIS year. Mountains will fall and doors of opportunity will be opened to us. But as we are blessed let us not forget to reach out and BE a blessing to all those around us.
May you prosper in body, soul and spirit this New Year as you follow hard after Him. And may this New Year truly be one of Jubilee!
I have heard from many the past few months, that the new year ahead seems dark. There has been so much fear concerning our economy. Even in church circles among those of faith. I feel the need to remind all of us that we are NOT of this world. That we are not to look at the circumstances of this life with fear in our hearts. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of Power, Love and a Sound Mind. That is good news. We can have sound minds in the midst of all that SEEMS dark.
Isaiah 60 confirms that darkness will come. But it is during the darkest times that The Light will shine the brightest! As people of faith, now is the time for us to rise up and take our authority that was paid for with a huge price. We need to start living as if Jesus is in us, if we truly believe He is. Therefore, WE are the light of this world. Hold it out for all to see and be the Lord's hands in this earth.
I believe with all my heart that this New Year will be one of GREAT blessing for God's people. Those things in our hearts, that once seemed impossible, WILL come to pass THIS year. Mountains will fall and doors of opportunity will be opened to us. But as we are blessed let us not forget to reach out and BE a blessing to all those around us.
May you prosper in body, soul and spirit this New Year as you follow hard after Him. And may this New Year truly be one of Jubilee!
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