We are one day away from a week off for the celebration of Christmas, YEAH!! We are so looking forward to a week off.
The week in general has been pretty full of extra curricular activities. We have taken a very relaxed approach to school this week. Lovely has actually worked far enough ahead that she has a very light day tomorrow. Sporty however has about 3/4 of her usual day to do tomorrow. We have been doing our days in increments this week due to other activities such as craft making, roller skating and a school program for Baby Girl.
Allow me to fill you all in on the details of that!! Baby Girl does not like to be in the spotlight, not surprisingly, none of my girls have enjoyed this role. I am okay with that, however I am beginning to wonder if it is my parenting that has created this. I am half serious here folks! All three of my sweet ladies have had a difficult time with performing for a large group. Lovely actually turned her back to the audience at her first Christmas program. She wanted nothing to do with singing or playing the triangle. I think she thought if she turned her back we couldn't see her.
Next came Sporty. I didn't send her to school at the age of 3. I thought she would benefit from not going and being home with me. She did go at age 4 and she did not like the performing thing either. She didn't turn her back she just stared off into space with a complete dead pan look. No smile, nothing!! What is a mother to do?
Baby Girl... My last chance. She looked the part, red dress, red bow and shiny shoes. She had not been singing her songs at home ,and when I asked her too she declined. As her class entered the room yesterday she looked a little nervous, but not upset. Good sign. The older girls and I were hanging out on the side opposite of Baby Girl. The music started and so did Baby Girl! YEAH! She is doing it. The excitement I had was overwhelming. I really thought she was going to participate. Then it all changed. She made eye contact with me, I gave her the thumbs up sign as I so often do, and she lost it! I put my camera down and ran to get her. WHAT JUST HAPPENED? I questioned my decision to let her see me. Is it me? Do I just stress my kids out with my presence? Am I critical of them? What?
Well I have distanced myself from it and concluded. I have know idea. I just have to laugh it off and realize Baby Girl is only 3! I am confident she will out grow her fear of performing, or maybe not. I am confident in saying performing in front of people is not my spiritual gift either.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Giving
Mondays can be rough, but today was pretty good.
The girls got right to work this morning and stayed on track up until about noon. The girls started losing focus for a couple of reasons. One was that we had Baby Girl home all day. SNOW! The second reason was today was our day to do our shopping for our Red Cross Angel names we picked. The girls are finally at the age were they are understanding what we do and why we do it.
I have to admit most times it can be hectic. I typically pick 3 names off the tree, one for each girl. I love to let the girls pick out something practical, an outfit and then something fun, usually a toy. The children we had this year had pretty simple requests. We actually had 2 boys this year, this typically takes me out of my comfort zone for the obvious reasons. I often wonder who these children are and what their lives are like. I had a chance to talk with Lovely and Sporty about it a little bit, but I am hoping to discuss it more tomorrow.
The girls understand they are not allowed to purchase anything on this shopping trip..it is strictly about others and not ourselves. They usually are okay with that, but we had some slight problems this year. Lovely was insisting she needed model magic to make an ornament for the lady who would have been her teacher this year had she stayed in school. WHAT? I was a little confused, and my answer was still NO! Sporty had a small melt down after I picked up a nail painting kit that she wanted. I told her some little girl will love it. I got an angry glare and a grumbling response. I hope you all don't think I am torturing my girls. I really want them to understand the desires of others can and should be met before our own.
The Christmas season sometimes brings with it a sense of entitlement. I don't like that! To me it is such a joy to know that someone in need will be blessed with a small gift. It gives me joy to know that GOD uses me to help others. I am humbled to be a part of making someone else happy. I am so trying to teach these girls that we have been given the greatest gift in our SAVIOUR! Jesus came as a sweet baby and died as a humble sacrifice. How do you top that? My prayer for the girls is that they will find JOY in giving and JOY in knowing JESUS!
The girls got right to work this morning and stayed on track up until about noon. The girls started losing focus for a couple of reasons. One was that we had Baby Girl home all day. SNOW! The second reason was today was our day to do our shopping for our Red Cross Angel names we picked. The girls are finally at the age were they are understanding what we do and why we do it.
I have to admit most times it can be hectic. I typically pick 3 names off the tree, one for each girl. I love to let the girls pick out something practical, an outfit and then something fun, usually a toy. The children we had this year had pretty simple requests. We actually had 2 boys this year, this typically takes me out of my comfort zone for the obvious reasons. I often wonder who these children are and what their lives are like. I had a chance to talk with Lovely and Sporty about it a little bit, but I am hoping to discuss it more tomorrow.
The girls understand they are not allowed to purchase anything on this shopping trip..it is strictly about others and not ourselves. They usually are okay with that, but we had some slight problems this year. Lovely was insisting she needed model magic to make an ornament for the lady who would have been her teacher this year had she stayed in school. WHAT? I was a little confused, and my answer was still NO! Sporty had a small melt down after I picked up a nail painting kit that she wanted. I told her some little girl will love it. I got an angry glare and a grumbling response. I hope you all don't think I am torturing my girls. I really want them to understand the desires of others can and should be met before our own.
The Christmas season sometimes brings with it a sense of entitlement. I don't like that! To me it is such a joy to know that someone in need will be blessed with a small gift. It gives me joy to know that GOD uses me to help others. I am humbled to be a part of making someone else happy. I am so trying to teach these girls that we have been given the greatest gift in our SAVIOUR! Jesus came as a sweet baby and died as a humble sacrifice. How do you top that? My prayer for the girls is that they will find JOY in giving and JOY in knowing JESUS!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Snow Day
Our first day off due to the weather was Thursday. A beautiful snow storm left us home with no where to go and no work to do.
Thursday was scheduled to be our field trip to see The Nutcracker, but the snow changed that. Everything here was either closed or cancelled. I had thought about doing school that day, but Lovely had a friend over, she too is home schooled, and the girls were really enjoying their time together. I didn't have the heart to break up the fun to do school. There is a small crack developing in my hard shell. I chose fun over school, what am I becoming? Relaxed, even if ever so slightly.
The girls played in the snow and colored most of the day. It was actually a very relaxing day. .
Friday was pretty uneventful. We didn't start school until 11:oo which is sooo late for my controlling little mind, but I went with it. The girls were for the most part cooperative. We have been working very hard the last couple of weeks so we can take a little time off for Christmas. We are looking forward to my mother coming to visit. The girls love her and miss her so much. They really enjoy her visits!
We are awaiting another snowstorm...not sure what it will bring.
Thursday was scheduled to be our field trip to see The Nutcracker, but the snow changed that. Everything here was either closed or cancelled. I had thought about doing school that day, but Lovely had a friend over, she too is home schooled, and the girls were really enjoying their time together. I didn't have the heart to break up the fun to do school. There is a small crack developing in my hard shell. I chose fun over school, what am I becoming? Relaxed, even if ever so slightly.
The girls played in the snow and colored most of the day. It was actually a very relaxing day. .
Friday was pretty uneventful. We didn't start school until 11:oo which is sooo late for my controlling little mind, but I went with it. The girls were for the most part cooperative. We have been working very hard the last couple of weeks so we can take a little time off for Christmas. We are looking forward to my mother coming to visit. The girls love her and miss her so much. They really enjoy her visits!
We are awaiting another snowstorm...not sure what it will bring.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Not looking for Perfect!
Today was a very good school day. You may wonder what qualities I look for to call a day "very good". I will tell you!
Lovely and Sporty came to breakfast in good moods, no one complained about breakfast, we started school on time, give or take a minute and we finished in good moods. I will tell you that Sporty went to her room several times for a bad attitude. Lovely whined a little over some work that she didn't feel like doing, but she managed to pull herself together and finish . Please note today was not perfect, but as close as it gets. My goal most days is that there is resolve to our conflict in a quick and pleasant manor, and we had that today. The girls are such good kids and they really are trying their best. I really cannot expect everyday to be without its challenges, totally unrealistic. I myself am not perfect. How can I expect my children to be? They are still learning there coping skills. I should already possess some of those skills,RIGHT?
Baby Girl is coming down with a little cold so she is not being very pleasant. She has developed a bad habit of growling and hissing at us when she is angry and doesn't want to do what we have asked. We are working on not acting like an animal and using our words to communicate. I will let you know when we have succeeded.
Our school day is over and we are looking forward to a great rest of the week.
Lovely and Sporty came to breakfast in good moods, no one complained about breakfast, we started school on time, give or take a minute and we finished in good moods. I will tell you that Sporty went to her room several times for a bad attitude. Lovely whined a little over some work that she didn't feel like doing, but she managed to pull herself together and finish . Please note today was not perfect, but as close as it gets. My goal most days is that there is resolve to our conflict in a quick and pleasant manor, and we had that today. The girls are such good kids and they really are trying their best. I really cannot expect everyday to be without its challenges, totally unrealistic. I myself am not perfect. How can I expect my children to be? They are still learning there coping skills. I should already possess some of those skills,RIGHT?
Baby Girl is coming down with a little cold so she is not being very pleasant. She has developed a bad habit of growling and hissing at us when she is angry and doesn't want to do what we have asked. We are working on not acting like an animal and using our words to communicate. I will let you know when we have succeeded.
Our school day is over and we are looking forward to a great rest of the week.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
"C" is for COOKIE
We had a great day! Thank you LORD! The girls were quick with their work and didn't complain much at all. They always have a little grumbling, but today's was a whisper compared to some days.
We finished all of our lessons..didn't skip a one and we ended our day at 12 for Sporty and 2 for Lovely. This is the schedule I had expected from the start. We finished school and did what I had planned. We made peanut butter blossom cookies. YUM! Sporty got the job of measuring and mixing. Both Lovely and Sporty have a desire to learn to cook. I love that! My problem is I am not always super patient with them in the kitchen. I know I can make it faster and tend to want to do that, but not today. I am getting better. I have always wanted to have girls who loved to cook and bake. Baby Girl and Lovely had the job of pealing Hershey Kisses.
The process was fun and the girls are proud of their cookies. I am trying to remind myself that the process itself is what is most important, not the end result. I laugh as I say that knowing Baby Girl sneezed on the sugar that was used on the last batch of cookies. DO NOT worry I will not offer them to anyone...except family...haha.
We finished all of our lessons..didn't skip a one and we ended our day at 12 for Sporty and 2 for Lovely. This is the schedule I had expected from the start. We finished school and did what I had planned. We made peanut butter blossom cookies. YUM! Sporty got the job of measuring and mixing. Both Lovely and Sporty have a desire to learn to cook. I love that! My problem is I am not always super patient with them in the kitchen. I know I can make it faster and tend to want to do that, but not today. I am getting better. I have always wanted to have girls who loved to cook and bake. Baby Girl and Lovely had the job of pealing Hershey Kisses.
The process was fun and the girls are proud of their cookies. I am trying to remind myself that the process itself is what is most important, not the end result. I laugh as I say that knowing Baby Girl sneezed on the sugar that was used on the last batch of cookies. DO NOT worry I will not offer them to anyone...except family...haha.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Refocusing
Tuesday here and I feel like it is Friday. Not because of any one or thing in particular...just the movement of daily life.
School today for the most part went well. Ever since last Tuesday we have avoided major conflict. The minor conflicts are still there, but they are easier to deal with. I am going to get into one of my pouring out sessions here in a minute. First I will share that Baby Girl is just in love with scissors right now and she just refuses to hold them the right way. She does try, but its as if her little body won't do what I am telling her to do to hold them correctly. The older girls and I just laughed every time I tried to get her to do it right. I guess you had to be here.
Well here goes. I really have been struggling to not be so tough on everyone here at Owlschool. I am including myself in that sentence. I have a very difficult time not sticking to my agenda...I have said that before...but I feel like something is missing. I want so badly to bake cookies with the girls, but won't stop until school is done. Our school days have been long and have not allowed the time. In a way I feel like I am cheating them. So often in life we try to teach our children to follow all the rules for work before play and quite frankly I believe in that mind set. I am however learning as a 30 something that I can't relax most of the time because I feel like I always have something to do. Clean a bathroom, pick up toys, do laundry...the list goes on. In so many ways I want to teach my girls more than just what the textbooks are teaching, but I am having a hard time.
I am going to try and refocus on the importance of having fun with my girls. To some of you that is not something you have to work at, but sadly I do! I love my girls and would do anything for them, but I tend to be a bit "uptight"...stop laughing MOM!! It is my prayer in the coming days that we will do our work, but also we will stop to have some fun enjoying the Christmas season.
School today for the most part went well. Ever since last Tuesday we have avoided major conflict. The minor conflicts are still there, but they are easier to deal with. I am going to get into one of my pouring out sessions here in a minute. First I will share that Baby Girl is just in love with scissors right now and she just refuses to hold them the right way. She does try, but its as if her little body won't do what I am telling her to do to hold them correctly. The older girls and I just laughed every time I tried to get her to do it right. I guess you had to be here.
Well here goes. I really have been struggling to not be so tough on everyone here at Owlschool. I am including myself in that sentence. I have a very difficult time not sticking to my agenda...I have said that before...but I feel like something is missing. I want so badly to bake cookies with the girls, but won't stop until school is done. Our school days have been long and have not allowed the time. In a way I feel like I am cheating them. So often in life we try to teach our children to follow all the rules for work before play and quite frankly I believe in that mind set. I am however learning as a 30 something that I can't relax most of the time because I feel like I always have something to do. Clean a bathroom, pick up toys, do laundry...the list goes on. In so many ways I want to teach my girls more than just what the textbooks are teaching, but I am having a hard time.
I am going to try and refocus on the importance of having fun with my girls. To some of you that is not something you have to work at, but sadly I do! I love my girls and would do anything for them, but I tend to be a bit "uptight"...stop laughing MOM!! It is my prayer in the coming days that we will do our work, but also we will stop to have some fun enjoying the Christmas season.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Did someone say VACATION!!
Whoa! What a week. We have had what I would describe as an intense week full of ups and downs.
Tuesday left me speechless. I will not share the intensity of my day in order to protect the guilty. I will share that as of Tuesday evening someone was about to be expelled from Owl School and sent back to SCA. After an intense bible study aimed at me and me only..not really, but that's how it felt. I spent an hour and a half talking to my friend about what had gone on that day and how I felt I no choice but to send the culprit back to school. My dear friend was so sweet and sensitive in spite of all that she is dealing with in her own life. Thanks sister! She said one thing that kind of hit me...more like punched me. She said,"Okay so you send her back because she is not following your direction and who does that help? You might feel better, but she is your daughter and you get one chance at this." I may have missed a thing or two, but I do know I was wrong! I really am not solving the problem...I am just trying to make myself more comfortable. WOW! I am willing to say as of Tuesday I did want her to go back school and me to not have to deal with the disrespect and disobedience. I know that would be mistake.
My final thought is this...I am fully aware of my faults as a parent when I have a day like I did on Tuesday. To say that I am not part of the problem sometimes would be a lie. I can make better choices in how I react to her outright disobedience. It is in this that I am thankful that there is a grace and mercy that is extended to both my child and myself. It is the gift that comes from seeking forgiveness from Jesus Christ. He inevitably forgives me every time I ask. THANK YOU JESUS! We all get a fresh start!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Back from vacation
Hello my family and friends...I'm back!!
What a great vacation. I truly enjoyed being away. We all needed the rest and fun that came from spending 9 days in Disney. It truly is a magical place!
Reality check! Back to school! The girls were less than happy to start back up today, but we had to. I really had several points during the day where I too wanted to just bag it and call it a day. I tried to not set my level of expectation too high, but I think no matter what the first day back after a long break was going to a little rocky.
My day got off to a bad start after a I dropped the chicken pot pie I baked on the floor at 10!! UGH! I tried not to but I broke down in tears. That is not the only reason. I had a lot of commitments for the day : hair apt at 3:30 which meant I had to finish school by 3; meal for a family from church delivered in between my hair appointment and a viewing for my dear friends grandma at 6. Did I mention we got a late start on school and Baby Girl did not have school? Can you hear my screams? They were internal for a change. I was overwhelmed from the start!
I baked my second pot pie and schooled the girls as well as kept my cool for the most part..oh and Baby Girl only watched 1 movie.
Lovely is working on her second book report and whining from the start. I think tomorrow I will have her do that first thing. I think if it is the first thing she does maybe she won't be so unhappy about doing it. Smiley wasn't feeling too great. She has been complaining about headaches and last night brought a vomiting incident. YUCK! She did not like the independent learning she had to do today. Smiley likes to have me by her side as she does her work.
Oh, and the tears from the potpie. I used that as a moment of tender reflection. I called the girls into the kitchen, they knew what happened and that I was upset. I wanted to get angry and frustrated, but I had to just get more chicken, another crust and start all over. The girls were so sweet and loving. Once again..why I am doing this!
What a great vacation. I truly enjoyed being away. We all needed the rest and fun that came from spending 9 days in Disney. It truly is a magical place!
Reality check! Back to school! The girls were less than happy to start back up today, but we had to. I really had several points during the day where I too wanted to just bag it and call it a day. I tried to not set my level of expectation too high, but I think no matter what the first day back after a long break was going to a little rocky.
My day got off to a bad start after a I dropped the chicken pot pie I baked on the floor at 10!! UGH! I tried not to but I broke down in tears. That is not the only reason. I had a lot of commitments for the day : hair apt at 3:30 which meant I had to finish school by 3; meal for a family from church delivered in between my hair appointment and a viewing for my dear friends grandma at 6. Did I mention we got a late start on school and Baby Girl did not have school? Can you hear my screams? They were internal for a change. I was overwhelmed from the start!
I baked my second pot pie and schooled the girls as well as kept my cool for the most part..oh and Baby Girl only watched 1 movie.
Lovely is working on her second book report and whining from the start. I think tomorrow I will have her do that first thing. I think if it is the first thing she does maybe she won't be so unhappy about doing it. Smiley wasn't feeling too great. She has been complaining about headaches and last night brought a vomiting incident. YUCK! She did not like the independent learning she had to do today. Smiley likes to have me by her side as she does her work.
Oh, and the tears from the potpie. I used that as a moment of tender reflection. I called the girls into the kitchen, they knew what happened and that I was upset. I wanted to get angry and frustrated, but I had to just get more chicken, another crust and start all over. The girls were so sweet and loving. Once again..why I am doing this!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Gentle Reminder
My day was off to an early start due to Baby Girls illness. She is battling one nasty cold...it is so sad to see her so lethargic and coughing so violently. Boo hoo. She is going to get better before Sunday when we leave for Disney!! I can say that because I have entrusted her recovery to the greatest physician...Jesus.
I was reminded today a couple of times about having faith. So I am stepping out in it to say I believe my little one will feel better for our trip.
I also got a bit of a reminder from the Lord as to why I have undertaken the responsibility of home schooling. When I was originally trying to decide what it was that God wanted me to do with the girls and school I couldn't help but feel a little like Jonah. No, I did not think that if I made the wrong choice God would send a whale to take me captive until I relented and obeyed. I did however feel like I didn't want to home school, but God wanted me to. It really boils down to obedience to me. I can honestly say I have not been joyful all the time in this act of obedience. Frankly, I think I act a lot like my vocal Lovely in her questioning and quarrelsome moods. Please do not take this as a boasting of my behavior, but rather an admission to the work that the Lord is doing in me.
I hope all reading this are finding a reason to pursue God's plan for your life. He so desires for us to rely on him and seek his will for our lives. John 15:8 "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." I think we can all use a reminder as to why we do the things we do.
I was reminded today a couple of times about having faith. So I am stepping out in it to say I believe my little one will feel better for our trip.
I also got a bit of a reminder from the Lord as to why I have undertaken the responsibility of home schooling. When I was originally trying to decide what it was that God wanted me to do with the girls and school I couldn't help but feel a little like Jonah. No, I did not think that if I made the wrong choice God would send a whale to take me captive until I relented and obeyed. I did however feel like I didn't want to home school, but God wanted me to. It really boils down to obedience to me. I can honestly say I have not been joyful all the time in this act of obedience. Frankly, I think I act a lot like my vocal Lovely in her questioning and quarrelsome moods. Please do not take this as a boasting of my behavior, but rather an admission to the work that the Lord is doing in me.
I hope all reading this are finding a reason to pursue God's plan for your life. He so desires for us to rely on him and seek his will for our lives. John 15:8 "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." I think we can all use a reminder as to why we do the things we do.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Nuggets
Friday was a good school day. The girls did their work in a quick and obedient manner..yeah! I however still had a small bit of stress in my day. We were having our interim pastor and his wife over for dinner and I wanted it to be nice.
The girls were so helpful. A sweet sister in Christ has offered to pray for me. I expressed to her that I don't feel like I am seeing fruit to my labor. I know it has only been a couple of months...but I need a little something. My friend, I will call her Joyful Kat! I hope she likes the name I have chosen for her! Anyway, she offered to pray that I would see some nuggets of growth in the girls. I got one last night. Lovely and Sporty helped set the table, make place cards, and helped clean up! My personal favorite. Sporty left right after dinner for a sleepover with her friend. So Lovely helped entertain Baby Girl.
Okay...to the nugget. Lovely was so welcoming to our guests! She offered them drinks and joyfully got them. She helped me in the kitchen with the food. She was just so mature in her conversation as well as her on the spot obedience to me. Did I mention she made a sign welcoming our guests. She could hardly wait for them to arrive. I hope you can all see why this is a nugget to me. I want my girls to love God, and be kind to people without my telling them to do so. I got that last night. My daughters truly enjoyed welcoming someone into our home and making them feel comfortable. That is a nugget to me. Thanks Joyful Kat for the prayers..love ya sister!
The girls were so helpful. A sweet sister in Christ has offered to pray for me. I expressed to her that I don't feel like I am seeing fruit to my labor. I know it has only been a couple of months...but I need a little something. My friend, I will call her Joyful Kat! I hope she likes the name I have chosen for her! Anyway, she offered to pray that I would see some nuggets of growth in the girls. I got one last night. Lovely and Sporty helped set the table, make place cards, and helped clean up! My personal favorite. Sporty left right after dinner for a sleepover with her friend. So Lovely helped entertain Baby Girl.
Okay...to the nugget. Lovely was so welcoming to our guests! She offered them drinks and joyfully got them. She helped me in the kitchen with the food. She was just so mature in her conversation as well as her on the spot obedience to me. Did I mention she made a sign welcoming our guests. She could hardly wait for them to arrive. I hope you can all see why this is a nugget to me. I want my girls to love God, and be kind to people without my telling them to do so. I got that last night. My daughters truly enjoyed welcoming someone into our home and making them feel comfortable. That is a nugget to me. Thanks Joyful Kat for the prayers..love ya sister!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
10:24 p.m. and I am done
I am just sitting down for the first time today and it is 10:24 in the evening. I did sit down other times today, but they were either in the dining room where we do school or in my car on our way to piano or soccer.
I am very overwhelmed with my commitments outside of school this week. There are days when I wish I was an antisocial person who stayed in all the time. Some days I just feel like the standards of the world are so ridiculously high and I come up short! Enough of my moaning.
Today's school day went well. We had a tight schedule because of piano, but we did our best. This is the first time I have actually left the school work on the table!! Can you believe it? I neatly pushed everything to the side until the morning.
The girls were cooperative and relatively pleasant today. Baby Girl was left alone with her Halloween candy...not good. So sneaky she was. She thought if she was quiet she would not be noticed..wrong! Lovely has been sleeping better...praise GOD! It is amazing what a good night sleep can do for us. Sporty was still a little reflective today. Not sure what is going on with her.
We are all looking forward to the weekend. No soccer and no commitments! Yeah! FRIDAY..here I come!
I am very overwhelmed with my commitments outside of school this week. There are days when I wish I was an antisocial person who stayed in all the time. Some days I just feel like the standards of the world are so ridiculously high and I come up short! Enough of my moaning.
Today's school day went well. We had a tight schedule because of piano, but we did our best. This is the first time I have actually left the school work on the table!! Can you believe it? I neatly pushed everything to the side until the morning.
The girls were cooperative and relatively pleasant today. Baby Girl was left alone with her Halloween candy...not good. So sneaky she was. She thought if she was quiet she would not be noticed..wrong! Lovely has been sleeping better...praise GOD! It is amazing what a good night sleep can do for us. Sporty was still a little reflective today. Not sure what is going on with her.
We are all looking forward to the weekend. No soccer and no commitments! Yeah! FRIDAY..here I come!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Tender Moments
Monday: Everyone had a rough nights sleep. We didn't get up until 7:50. 2 of the 3 girls are sick. Together that is a set up for a rough day. Not so! Don't forget our secret weapon...PRAYER! Yes I prayed a lot and took many Lamaze type breaths to keep myself in check. Guess what...it worked! Believing it would is really the toughest part.
School did take us a little longer today because of our late start, but everyone cooperated and things finished well.
My sweet Sporty and me shared a very tender moment. Some of you know she struggles with why God allows bad things to happen. This has been an ongoing discussion with her about my miscarriage over 4 years ago. Every once in a while she has the memory pop up in her head and she gets upset and starts to question why God has allowed this in our lives. Don't get me wrong it breaks my heart that it hurts her so, but at the same time I count it a blessing that I can explain what I believe to be true to her and hope that someday she will understand.
You may wonder how I explain it. I share with her that God doesn't allow things to hurt us but rather he allows them in order that we will draw closer to Him in these difficulties. I can truly say that my miscarriage did that for me. Of course I had great sadness and grief, but I can honestly say I was never angry at God for allowing this sad time to come into my life. I am grateful for the ability to look at my loss as a time when I did get my strength from the Lord. I will continue to pray that Sporty will someday get this concept that is even difficult for adults to understand.
Sporty is so tender. She can put up a good front, but inside she is very delicate. I often think of my Mothers Mother...Gram. She and Sporty were alike in some funny ways. Sporty also expressed the regret of never getting to meet her. Sporty was just very reflective today. I am so glad I could wipe her tears and encourage her. Our tender moment was a sweet reminder of why I am doing this. I so love my girls!
School did take us a little longer today because of our late start, but everyone cooperated and things finished well.
My sweet Sporty and me shared a very tender moment. Some of you know she struggles with why God allows bad things to happen. This has been an ongoing discussion with her about my miscarriage over 4 years ago. Every once in a while she has the memory pop up in her head and she gets upset and starts to question why God has allowed this in our lives. Don't get me wrong it breaks my heart that it hurts her so, but at the same time I count it a blessing that I can explain what I believe to be true to her and hope that someday she will understand.
You may wonder how I explain it. I share with her that God doesn't allow things to hurt us but rather he allows them in order that we will draw closer to Him in these difficulties. I can truly say that my miscarriage did that for me. Of course I had great sadness and grief, but I can honestly say I was never angry at God for allowing this sad time to come into my life. I am grateful for the ability to look at my loss as a time when I did get my strength from the Lord. I will continue to pray that Sporty will someday get this concept that is even difficult for adults to understand.
Sporty is so tender. She can put up a good front, but inside she is very delicate. I often think of my Mothers Mother...Gram. She and Sporty were alike in some funny ways. Sporty also expressed the regret of never getting to meet her. Sporty was just very reflective today. I am so glad I could wipe her tears and encourage her. Our tender moment was a sweet reminder of why I am doing this. I so love my girls!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Reflections
It is a cold rainy Saturday and I am loving it!
We had a long and at times overwhelming week. My dear honey was out of town for 3 days and we all missed him. I am truly blessed with a very hands on husband/father. I count on him in so many ways I really struggle when he is not with us.
I am savoring the lack of commitment this day brings. I have had a couple of very tiring weeks emotionally. The lack of sleep coupled with some difficult school work and a pinch of bad attitude from a 9 year old have left me very tired. It is at this time that I am praising GOD for good friends who love me and most importantly love JESUS! Sisters..thank you for lifting me up this week! Some have given me home school guidance, some a listening ear and others the reminder that Jesus is my strength.
I am chalking up the last week to what it was...rough! I am confident that next week will be better.
My very strong willed Lovely is breaking me down in so many ways. I am fully aware of what GOD is doing in both of us...growing us for HIS purpose, for HIS glory. I am determined that her strong will matched with mine will accomplish a great work!
We had a long and at times overwhelming week. My dear honey was out of town for 3 days and we all missed him. I am truly blessed with a very hands on husband/father. I count on him in so many ways I really struggle when he is not with us.
I am savoring the lack of commitment this day brings. I have had a couple of very tiring weeks emotionally. The lack of sleep coupled with some difficult school work and a pinch of bad attitude from a 9 year old have left me very tired. It is at this time that I am praising GOD for good friends who love me and most importantly love JESUS! Sisters..thank you for lifting me up this week! Some have given me home school guidance, some a listening ear and others the reminder that Jesus is my strength.
I am chalking up the last week to what it was...rough! I am confident that next week will be better.
My very strong willed Lovely is breaking me down in so many ways. I am fully aware of what GOD is doing in both of us...growing us for HIS purpose, for HIS glory. I am determined that her strong will matched with mine will accomplish a great work!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Confessions
Dare I risk all of you out there thinking I am a person of multiple personalities? I just am confessing my feelings and I know that is risky. I guess I will just take the risk and share my thoughts for the day.
Today was rough!! It started with me allowing all 3 girls to watch TV before we started school....I may have said this before...big mistake! Baby girl is sick so she is allowed to be watching TV right now with a little more freedom than normal. The other girls saw this as their opportunity to milk the privilege that was imparted only to their baby sister.
We didn't actually start our school day until around 10. Sporty was doing well until abut 11 and she just wanted to argue over the scripture verse I was asking her to write because she was unable to recall it orally. She tried with all her might to not have to write the verse. After the 3rd failed attempt to recite it she agreed to not argue and write the verse out.
Lovely and Language just are not mixing these days. I have explained to her that what we are covering is going to be a little labor intensive on her part and I need her to cooperate with me. She has the temperament of a 15 year old some days and I am just scared!! I confessed today after going round and round with her over the assignment that I did not and DO not like language either, but we still have to do the assignments. It was in a very tired moment when I felt like saying "let's just skip the whole assignment", but I did not. She is currently working on righting a book report. I can honestly say I think it is a lot of work for 4Th grade, but I am told this is not abnormal. My frustration is simply in Lovely not even trying to paraphrase the information from the encyclopedia. I am only looking for effort at this point and I feel I am not getting it and that is what wears me down.
I told my Honey tonight I am so tired by Friday and I wish we could "skip" school that day. I am going to sit down this weekend and make a greater effort to see if we can condense some of our work and add a little more fun to the upcoming weeks. I feel like the girls need a little more fun in their days. We are going to Disney in 3 weeks and I think we all need the vacation. I try to remind the girls on tough days that we will be gone for 7 school days so we need to do extra work now. I think of all the life lessons I am teaching them and I realize so very often the lesson is just for them...it is for me as well.
Today was rough!! It started with me allowing all 3 girls to watch TV before we started school....I may have said this before...big mistake! Baby girl is sick so she is allowed to be watching TV right now with a little more freedom than normal. The other girls saw this as their opportunity to milk the privilege that was imparted only to their baby sister.
We didn't actually start our school day until around 10. Sporty was doing well until abut 11 and she just wanted to argue over the scripture verse I was asking her to write because she was unable to recall it orally. She tried with all her might to not have to write the verse. After the 3rd failed attempt to recite it she agreed to not argue and write the verse out.
Lovely and Language just are not mixing these days. I have explained to her that what we are covering is going to be a little labor intensive on her part and I need her to cooperate with me. She has the temperament of a 15 year old some days and I am just scared!! I confessed today after going round and round with her over the assignment that I did not and DO not like language either, but we still have to do the assignments. It was in a very tired moment when I felt like saying "let's just skip the whole assignment", but I did not. She is currently working on righting a book report. I can honestly say I think it is a lot of work for 4Th grade, but I am told this is not abnormal. My frustration is simply in Lovely not even trying to paraphrase the information from the encyclopedia. I am only looking for effort at this point and I feel I am not getting it and that is what wears me down.
I told my Honey tonight I am so tired by Friday and I wish we could "skip" school that day. I am going to sit down this weekend and make a greater effort to see if we can condense some of our work and add a little more fun to the upcoming weeks. I feel like the girls need a little more fun in their days. We are going to Disney in 3 weeks and I think we all need the vacation. I try to remind the girls on tough days that we will be gone for 7 school days so we need to do extra work now. I think of all the life lessons I am teaching them and I realize so very often the lesson is just for them...it is for me as well.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Predicting the future...
As of this writing dare I say...things are starting to cruise! The girls have had a good week so far and tomorrow is Thursday. YEAH!
Lovely is just gonna battle me on everything and I am accepting that fact. However I am not accepting defeat! If I give directions and she grumbles...oh well. I am learning to calmly and consistently stand my ground. Yesterday she did her language test in print rather than cursive, even I after I gave specific directions to do cursive. She confidently handed me her paper and said "I know you told me to do it in cursive, but I thought it would take too long, so I did it in print, is that okay?" NOOOOOOOO it is not okay!!! I made her re-write the test and look up the misspellings she had. She informed me she didn't need to because she knows how to use a dictionary.....oh really...not the point. I want you to learn how to spell correctly...that is the point. After all, at the rate she is going I don't see anything other than ATTORNEY AT LAW written after her name....OH BOY!!
Sporty has really adjusted well to home school. There is the rare instance these days she will give a little bit of grief, but she usually snaps out of it quickly. I actually can get her to do 2 days of work and she doesn't even realize it. The one thing I see with her is what is the point of being in "school" for so many hours when really she is done by 12:30 most days. I can assure you I am not cheating her on anything. It just seems like such a long day. I guess I could try and find more for her to do but why? She gets the material we are covering and she is happy. Why mess with what seems to be working. I am confident she can be in some 3rd grade books by the beginning of March. I could be wrong...we'll see.
My little Baby girl is a little under the weather. She is starting with a cold and honestly I am looking forward to keeping her home tomorrow. She has a date with Daddy on Friday to see the Wiggles and I want her to enjoy it, I am hoping the extra rest tomorrow will do the trick.
I am personally still struggling to find some time for myself. God is good though. I am really growing in so many ways...when I gain an extra 20 pounds no one will notice because hopefully my growth in the Lord will be more evident. I joke about the weight gain because I find myself eating chocolate more lately. I need it!!
Lovely is just gonna battle me on everything and I am accepting that fact. However I am not accepting defeat! If I give directions and she grumbles...oh well. I am learning to calmly and consistently stand my ground. Yesterday she did her language test in print rather than cursive, even I after I gave specific directions to do cursive. She confidently handed me her paper and said "I know you told me to do it in cursive, but I thought it would take too long, so I did it in print, is that okay?" NOOOOOOOO it is not okay!!! I made her re-write the test and look up the misspellings she had. She informed me she didn't need to because she knows how to use a dictionary.....oh really...not the point. I want you to learn how to spell correctly...that is the point. After all, at the rate she is going I don't see anything other than ATTORNEY AT LAW written after her name....OH BOY!!
Sporty has really adjusted well to home school. There is the rare instance these days she will give a little bit of grief, but she usually snaps out of it quickly. I actually can get her to do 2 days of work and she doesn't even realize it. The one thing I see with her is what is the point of being in "school" for so many hours when really she is done by 12:30 most days. I can assure you I am not cheating her on anything. It just seems like such a long day. I guess I could try and find more for her to do but why? She gets the material we are covering and she is happy. Why mess with what seems to be working. I am confident she can be in some 3rd grade books by the beginning of March. I could be wrong...we'll see.
My little Baby girl is a little under the weather. She is starting with a cold and honestly I am looking forward to keeping her home tomorrow. She has a date with Daddy on Friday to see the Wiggles and I want her to enjoy it, I am hoping the extra rest tomorrow will do the trick.
I am personally still struggling to find some time for myself. God is good though. I am really growing in so many ways...when I gain an extra 20 pounds no one will notice because hopefully my growth in the Lord will be more evident. I joke about the weight gain because I find myself eating chocolate more lately. I need it!!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Making sense of MATH!
It is always tough to get going on Monday! I am working on not being SOOOO uptight...haha.... Anyway. We got off to a great start. I was a little extra sad saying good-bye to Baby girl as she left for school today. I really hate sending her! UGH!
Lovely and Sporty got right to work. Lovely actually woke up at 6:30 when I was getting up to do my Bible Study. I told her she could come downstairs, but no TV and no talking! She agreed and actually decided to start her Science lesson...great! Baby girl also woke up at 6:30...my question is, " God are you saying you don't want to talk to me today?" I did do my best to work on my study and thankfully the girls were great.
Lovely was working on her math and for the first time since we started school...we were stuck! Lovely was not understanding a concept in her book and I was very surprised. She tends to understand things very quickly and she is good at reading and listening and then doing....not today. I did my best with explaining but she still was having a hard time. We spent extra time doing more problems to work out the kinks and eventually we did. She later thanked me for being her mom and helping. WOW! I feel a gold star moment for myself! I really do love having them home.
Lately I find myself stroking their hair when I am sitting next to them. They are so sweet and innocent. Too quickly they will be teenagers with attitude...they act that way now on occasion. Baby girl came home in a good mood and we had a great rest of the day.
PS...Lovely is doing a little better at night. I wrote out some scripture verses for her and posted them next to her bed. Every night we are praying GODs word...Psalm 4: 8 I will down in peace and sleep: For YOU alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. I have also encouraged her to say:"Jehovah Shama" which means GOD IS PRESENT! Thank you to all who have been praying for Lovely and her sleep.
Lovely and Sporty got right to work. Lovely actually woke up at 6:30 when I was getting up to do my Bible Study. I told her she could come downstairs, but no TV and no talking! She agreed and actually decided to start her Science lesson...great! Baby girl also woke up at 6:30...my question is, " God are you saying you don't want to talk to me today?" I did do my best to work on my study and thankfully the girls were great.
Lovely was working on her math and for the first time since we started school...we were stuck! Lovely was not understanding a concept in her book and I was very surprised. She tends to understand things very quickly and she is good at reading and listening and then doing....not today. I did my best with explaining but she still was having a hard time. We spent extra time doing more problems to work out the kinks and eventually we did. She later thanked me for being her mom and helping. WOW! I feel a gold star moment for myself! I really do love having them home.
Lately I find myself stroking their hair when I am sitting next to them. They are so sweet and innocent. Too quickly they will be teenagers with attitude...they act that way now on occasion. Baby girl came home in a good mood and we had a great rest of the day.
PS...Lovely is doing a little better at night. I wrote out some scripture verses for her and posted them next to her bed. Every night we are praying GODs word...Psalm 4: 8 I will down in peace and sleep: For YOU alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. I have also encouraged her to say:"Jehovah Shama" which means GOD IS PRESENT! Thank you to all who have been praying for Lovely and her sleep.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Glass Pumpkins
Today was fun! We had a great day in New York at the Corning Museum of Glass. We met up with fellow homeschoolers from New York.
We had fun making glass pumpkins and looking at beautiful blown glass flowers. Baby girl did not want to make her pumpkin so I did it for her. It was so cool! I am looking forward to displaying our creations when they arrive in the mail.
I would love to do field trips every Friday if I could. The girls worked so hard this week and were rewarded with a day out and a glass pumpkin.
The girls were also very well behaved today. They really took to heart our lesson the other day about respect. I am grateful for the opportunity to not only teach my girls the values I want them to have, but also to be able to wittiness them making the right choice.
Today I am thankful! I will always cherish the little glass pumpkins we made today. They will serve as a reminder of my 3 little ladies!
We had fun making glass pumpkins and looking at beautiful blown glass flowers. Baby girl did not want to make her pumpkin so I did it for her. It was so cool! I am looking forward to displaying our creations when they arrive in the mail.
I would love to do field trips every Friday if I could. The girls worked so hard this week and were rewarded with a day out and a glass pumpkin.
The girls were also very well behaved today. They really took to heart our lesson the other day about respect. I am grateful for the opportunity to not only teach my girls the values I want them to have, but also to be able to wittiness them making the right choice.
Today I am thankful! I will always cherish the little glass pumpkins we made today. They will serve as a reminder of my 3 little ladies!
Sleepless in Owlschool
Just a quick note about the last couple of days.
Wednesday and Thursday were full. We crammed a good deal of work in because we are heading to the Corning Museum of Glass today. We are all looking forward to the trip.
The only struggle I can mention is not really school related. It is related to the sleep deprivation that is going on. Most of you know Lovely has never been a great sleeper. She awoke frequently as a baby and has continued ever since. There are defiantly worse times than others. We unfortunately are at a bad time right now.
We are working on scripture reciting when she wakes up, but she is battling us. I am very tired today and really very frustrated. Her fears are over things that have never happened and Lord willing never will. Our family needs help! I am praying that I will find someone or something about sleep disorders online. I would defiantly say this is an anxiety issue for her. The question is how to deal with it. Please pray for my family. My husband, Lovely and I are not getting along as a result of this.
My prayer today is that God would just guide me to what it is he needs or doesn't need me to do. I know how much he loves our family and I know there is a reason we are dealing with this, but I just can't help being TIRED!
Wednesday and Thursday were full. We crammed a good deal of work in because we are heading to the Corning Museum of Glass today. We are all looking forward to the trip.
The only struggle I can mention is not really school related. It is related to the sleep deprivation that is going on. Most of you know Lovely has never been a great sleeper. She awoke frequently as a baby and has continued ever since. There are defiantly worse times than others. We unfortunately are at a bad time right now.
We are working on scripture reciting when she wakes up, but she is battling us. I am very tired today and really very frustrated. Her fears are over things that have never happened and Lord willing never will. Our family needs help! I am praying that I will find someone or something about sleep disorders online. I would defiantly say this is an anxiety issue for her. The question is how to deal with it. Please pray for my family. My husband, Lovely and I are not getting along as a result of this.
My prayer today is that God would just guide me to what it is he needs or doesn't need me to do. I know how much he loves our family and I know there is a reason we are dealing with this, but I just can't help being TIRED!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Lessons learned
We had a lovely long weekend here at our school. I originally did not plan to take Monday off, but we needed it. The girls got to stay over their grandparents and it actually gave my husband and I some quiet time...not like we need it or anything.
Today we did our Fire Safety requirement this morning with the community home school group. I had to leave to get baby girl and when I came back the junior firefighters were still talking...the time was approaching 2 hours!!!! The children in general seemed restless. My friend who I will refer to as Curly Q...I know I appear superficial....it's just easier to go with the obvious for me. Anyway...she informed me that the junior firefighters were having a difficult time ending their very thorough discussion. I am grateful for their attention to detail...the children were not.
There was to be another demonstration by another family in the group...a puppet show...FUN!! All went well until the second song when my darling children blurted out that they did not want to hear another song!!! UGH! I informed them that it was disrespectful and hurtful to the family who worked so hard to prepare. My girls later apologized for their insensitivity. We discussed respecting other peoples work the rest of the afternoon. THIS IS WHY I AM GRATEFUL for home schooling! I had the opportunity to gently, yet firmly explain the wrongs to what they had done with their words. Funny enough in Lovelys Language today we reviewed Maxims. A Maxim is a short saying that gives a principle for living. The one I spent a great deal of time on was "Speech is the mirror of the soul: as a man speaks, so is he". This provided the opportunity for me to teach the girls to choose your words wisely. As a Christian we especially are called to reflect the love of Christ in our words.
It is my prayer that I will do the same. I hope this is a lesson learned!
Today we did our Fire Safety requirement this morning with the community home school group. I had to leave to get baby girl and when I came back the junior firefighters were still talking...the time was approaching 2 hours!!!! The children in general seemed restless. My friend who I will refer to as Curly Q...I know I appear superficial....it's just easier to go with the obvious for me. Anyway...she informed me that the junior firefighters were having a difficult time ending their very thorough discussion. I am grateful for their attention to detail...the children were not.
There was to be another demonstration by another family in the group...a puppet show...FUN!! All went well until the second song when my darling children blurted out that they did not want to hear another song!!! UGH! I informed them that it was disrespectful and hurtful to the family who worked so hard to prepare. My girls later apologized for their insensitivity. We discussed respecting other peoples work the rest of the afternoon. THIS IS WHY I AM GRATEFUL for home schooling! I had the opportunity to gently, yet firmly explain the wrongs to what they had done with their words. Funny enough in Lovelys Language today we reviewed Maxims. A Maxim is a short saying that gives a principle for living. The one I spent a great deal of time on was "Speech is the mirror of the soul: as a man speaks, so is he". This provided the opportunity for me to teach the girls to choose your words wisely. As a Christian we especially are called to reflect the love of Christ in our words.
It is my prayer that I will do the same. I hope this is a lesson learned!
Friday, October 5, 2007
FRIDAY!!!!
Thankfully one day does not make a week! Baby Girl is home on Fridays and that is proving to be a little challenging. She did manage to entertain herself for a good bit of time today though. She played with Kit and Jess...American Girl dolls. She dressed and undressed them for at least an hour. She was actually very good today.
Lovely however was struggling. She has not been sleeping well and I feel it is carrying over into the school room. She was fine until we had to do Language/Cursive writing. She broke down and I lost my patience. I really struggle with these little meltdowns as I know that I am being pushed because I am the parent/teacher. This is one of the most frustrating things for me to deal with.
It is my prayer right now that God weed any bad attitude out of me. I stand firm in my decision to be here doing this...I am reminding myself with the self talk...it's working...YEAH!
I am not sure what this says about my state of mind, but I will share it anyway. I have an addiction to WEBKINZ! YES! I love playing the games. I told my husband it helps me unwind. What is going on? I think someone needs to intervene and save me from myself or at least from the games on WEBKINZ.
Thanks for letting me vent. I am so grateful that people out there care about my day. LOVE YOU ALL!!!
We did get to make our slime today...the girls love it. My goal next week is to squeeze cooking into one of our days. I would like to let the girls pick a recipe, help me shop and prepare it.
Lovely however was struggling. She has not been sleeping well and I feel it is carrying over into the school room. She was fine until we had to do Language/Cursive writing. She broke down and I lost my patience. I really struggle with these little meltdowns as I know that I am being pushed because I am the parent/teacher. This is one of the most frustrating things for me to deal with.
It is my prayer right now that God weed any bad attitude out of me. I stand firm in my decision to be here doing this...I am reminding myself with the self talk...it's working...YEAH!
I am not sure what this says about my state of mind, but I will share it anyway. I have an addiction to WEBKINZ! YES! I love playing the games. I told my husband it helps me unwind. What is going on? I think someone needs to intervene and save me from myself or at least from the games on WEBKINZ.
Thanks for letting me vent. I am so grateful that people out there care about my day. LOVE YOU ALL!!!
We did get to make our slime today...the girls love it. My goal next week is to squeeze cooking into one of our days. I would like to let the girls pick a recipe, help me shop and prepare it.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Groove
It has been a good couple of days here in Owlschool. I would venture to say we are hitting our GROOVE! PRAISE GOD! I mean that in true thankfulness. I am not being sarcastic when I say it has been GOD and his strength that have blessed us this week.
As we head into Friday the girls are doing great with their work. Smiley Sport was struggling a little with the math lesson today and we had to go back over it a couple of times. The one thing that is so fascinating to me is how differently each girl learns. Smiley tends to be a hands on learner and Lovely appears to be auditory. I myself am more of the hands on type. It amazes me when I just talk the lesson to Lovely and she gets it. I would need to write it down, hear it, touch it...you get the picture. Smiley eventually caught on and we finished our work.
I have to say at this point the only thing I am missing is the "fun" time. I still haven't fit in a craft or a science experiment. These things aren't necessary, but they are fun and I want the girls to enjoy this experience of being home. I am hoping tomorrow we can make slime. Lovely has been asking for months and I think we will have time tomorrow.
As for some other notes. The girls are doing fine with each other..for the most part. Lovely actually cooked grilled cheese sandwiches for herself and baby girl. Smiley wanted something different....she usually does. She is a lot like me..ha ha.
The girls are taking piano from a dear friend. I sat in on the lesson today. WOW. It was very interesting. My friend has a true gift! It is a joy to have my girls take lessons from someone who is so talented and willing to teach others.
Well that's all for now. I am so grateful I live in a country where I have the freedom to educate my children in my home.
As we head into Friday the girls are doing great with their work. Smiley Sport was struggling a little with the math lesson today and we had to go back over it a couple of times. The one thing that is so fascinating to me is how differently each girl learns. Smiley tends to be a hands on learner and Lovely appears to be auditory. I myself am more of the hands on type. It amazes me when I just talk the lesson to Lovely and she gets it. I would need to write it down, hear it, touch it...you get the picture. Smiley eventually caught on and we finished our work.
I have to say at this point the only thing I am missing is the "fun" time. I still haven't fit in a craft or a science experiment. These things aren't necessary, but they are fun and I want the girls to enjoy this experience of being home. I am hoping tomorrow we can make slime. Lovely has been asking for months and I think we will have time tomorrow.
As for some other notes. The girls are doing fine with each other..for the most part. Lovely actually cooked grilled cheese sandwiches for herself and baby girl. Smiley wanted something different....she usually does. She is a lot like me..ha ha.
The girls are taking piano from a dear friend. I sat in on the lesson today. WOW. It was very interesting. My friend has a true gift! It is a joy to have my girls take lessons from someone who is so talented and willing to teach others.
Well that's all for now. I am so grateful I live in a country where I have the freedom to educate my children in my home.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
JOY
A dog catcher I am not! Today when I got out of bed I promised the Lord I would find joy in all the day was to bring me. Easy for some, not for others. Being the controlling person I am I like to at least have the illusion that I am in control.
I offered to take Sportys best friend for the morning because her brother is sick and needed to go to the doctor. I wasn't sure if this would overwhelm me. I can honestly say it did not. She (Sportys friend) finished her work lickety split. Sporty also finished with minimal distraction. It is in this type of scenario I tend to be stressed but remember my promise to the Lord. Not to mention I would do anything to help a friend in need.
The day got interesting when I went to pick up baby girl at school. The girls noticed a little white dog chasing my car. The girls said the dog escapes from its yard all the time and I needed to get him!! I am a fan of little dogs and thought I would do my best to catch him...hahahhaha. I chased, begged, and tried to be firm with this adorable little furry guy. I could not get him to come to me for anything. It was after about 5 minutes of fruitless work that I threw in my towel and left. I promised the girls if the dog was there when we came home I would try again. Thankfully he was not. Still holding on to the joy (as well as laughing at how silly I must have looked).
Lovely had a bit of an emotional day. She is not fond of Language and therefore complained through ever minute of work!! It is difficult for her to watch her sister and her friend finish their work so quickly. She eventually finished and joined them to play.
I still had my stressful moments today but it was my choice to react in a more positive way. I emailed a friend about how homeschooling was going. I shared with her that this is the most challenging thing I have ever done. It is in that very thought that I know God is with me. Taking the girls back and forth to school for the last 5 years didn't cause me to rely on God as much as I am right now. I need Jesus now more than ever. It is my belief that God will be glorified in my making this a successful year. My success can only be measured by my choosing JOY everyday and making it obvious to those around me.
I offered to take Sportys best friend for the morning because her brother is sick and needed to go to the doctor. I wasn't sure if this would overwhelm me. I can honestly say it did not. She (Sportys friend) finished her work lickety split. Sporty also finished with minimal distraction. It is in this type of scenario I tend to be stressed but remember my promise to the Lord. Not to mention I would do anything to help a friend in need.
The day got interesting when I went to pick up baby girl at school. The girls noticed a little white dog chasing my car. The girls said the dog escapes from its yard all the time and I needed to get him!! I am a fan of little dogs and thought I would do my best to catch him...hahahhaha. I chased, begged, and tried to be firm with this adorable little furry guy. I could not get him to come to me for anything. It was after about 5 minutes of fruitless work that I threw in my towel and left. I promised the girls if the dog was there when we came home I would try again. Thankfully he was not. Still holding on to the joy (as well as laughing at how silly I must have looked).
Lovely had a bit of an emotional day. She is not fond of Language and therefore complained through ever minute of work!! It is difficult for her to watch her sister and her friend finish their work so quickly. She eventually finished and joined them to play.
I still had my stressful moments today but it was my choice to react in a more positive way. I emailed a friend about how homeschooling was going. I shared with her that this is the most challenging thing I have ever done. It is in that very thought that I know God is with me. Taking the girls back and forth to school for the last 5 years didn't cause me to rely on God as much as I am right now. I need Jesus now more than ever. It is my belief that God will be glorified in my making this a successful year. My success can only be measured by my choosing JOY everyday and making it obvious to those around me.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Apple Orchard
Today was a fun day. We took a field trip to a local apple orchard and worked our way through a corn maze. I love fall field trips.
We had a great time and the girls really enjoyed being out with their friends. We learned how many eggs a chicken produces, how much honey a bee will make in its lifetime and how the rooster is really of no value to the farmer! The poor hen does all the work! Kind of a funny thought when you relate that idea to men...just joking honey! I also learned that a hen is to cow as chicken is to cattle. Got it! How many of you are gonna call me on that?
Our field trip ended and we left our homeschooling buddies and decided to visit the girls old school. I have been very emotional these last couple of days and I made the turn into the school and missed all the fun we have had there. The girls were hoping to catch some of their friends but school had dismissed for the day. We did get to catch the administrator and assistant. It was nice to visit and say hello.
I am really struggling emotionally and so much of it is very personal and not anything I feel like airing publicly. I am in no way admitting defeat. I am saying we are still looking for our groove. I am very confident that what I am doing is for the best, but..... It is my prayer that all who read this will just understand my honesty and not judge my attitude.
We had a great time and the girls really enjoyed being out with their friends. We learned how many eggs a chicken produces, how much honey a bee will make in its lifetime and how the rooster is really of no value to the farmer! The poor hen does all the work! Kind of a funny thought when you relate that idea to men...just joking honey! I also learned that a hen is to cow as chicken is to cattle. Got it! How many of you are gonna call me on that?
Our field trip ended and we left our homeschooling buddies and decided to visit the girls old school. I have been very emotional these last couple of days and I made the turn into the school and missed all the fun we have had there. The girls were hoping to catch some of their friends but school had dismissed for the day. We did get to catch the administrator and assistant. It was nice to visit and say hello.
I am really struggling emotionally and so much of it is very personal and not anything I feel like airing publicly. I am in no way admitting defeat. I am saying we are still looking for our groove. I am very confident that what I am doing is for the best, but..... It is my prayer that all who read this will just understand my honesty and not judge my attitude.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
I have not sent them back...yet!
I feel like it is a Monday. Why you may ask? My answer...because everyone was cranky today and from the minute they saw light I was wanting to turn out some lights...know what I mean?
We took a day off yesterday and did something fun. We spent the day at the Great Wolf Lodge near our home. It is an indoor water-park....FUN!! I thought we all had a great time, but this morning I really thought for a moment I brought back a pack of angry Wolves!! Baby girl was the first to greet me. Starting off good...within minutes she was on the floor crying that she didn't like the bowl her cereal was in....UGH! My line...use your words please! There were tears for everything from the toothbrush to the hair brush. She walked out the door and said " I hate school"..not a good sign. She is only 3...15 more years to go!!
Lovely made her way to the kitchen around..10am...we usually start school at 9 and I am not too flexible with that. My sweet guy thought it would be nice to let them sleep in. Well that is a great thought, maybe they won't be cranky if I let them get their rest...WRONG! It had the opposite effect. I was dealing with one confrontation after another. Sporty, I had to wake..she was not moving. She was also wearing her best attitude for me. I am being very sarcastic.
The girls challenged and tested my patience most of the morning. My greatest frustration was that if my girls were in school with a teacher they would never ( I'd like to think) argue the way they do with me and the just frustrates me to no end.
It was my desire to see our day turn around. At lunch I suggested we ALL pray and ask for forgiveness and start a new day after lunch. IT WORKED!! God in his great mercy and grace gave us a great afternoon.
In my reflection of the day and my tiredness of dealing with cranky children I am reminded that God must so often feel that way with ME...YES ME. How often does he bless me and I grumble and complain about something. Sadly more than I care to admit. God sent a little kiss my way this afternoon. A friend read an article about raising girls. The article was a thank you note from a mother who homeschools three boys. She thanked all moms who are homeschooling girls and trying to raise them to be Godly women. WOW... I needed that. Someone who I have never met encouraged me today. Thank you LORD!
We took a day off yesterday and did something fun. We spent the day at the Great Wolf Lodge near our home. It is an indoor water-park....FUN!! I thought we all had a great time, but this morning I really thought for a moment I brought back a pack of angry Wolves!! Baby girl was the first to greet me. Starting off good...within minutes she was on the floor crying that she didn't like the bowl her cereal was in....UGH! My line...use your words please! There were tears for everything from the toothbrush to the hair brush. She walked out the door and said " I hate school"..not a good sign. She is only 3...15 more years to go!!
Lovely made her way to the kitchen around..10am...we usually start school at 9 and I am not too flexible with that. My sweet guy thought it would be nice to let them sleep in. Well that is a great thought, maybe they won't be cranky if I let them get their rest...WRONG! It had the opposite effect. I was dealing with one confrontation after another. Sporty, I had to wake..she was not moving. She was also wearing her best attitude for me. I am being very sarcastic.
The girls challenged and tested my patience most of the morning. My greatest frustration was that if my girls were in school with a teacher they would never ( I'd like to think) argue the way they do with me and the just frustrates me to no end.
It was my desire to see our day turn around. At lunch I suggested we ALL pray and ask for forgiveness and start a new day after lunch. IT WORKED!! God in his great mercy and grace gave us a great afternoon.
In my reflection of the day and my tiredness of dealing with cranky children I am reminded that God must so often feel that way with ME...YES ME. How often does he bless me and I grumble and complain about something. Sadly more than I care to admit. God sent a little kiss my way this afternoon. A friend read an article about raising girls. The article was a thank you note from a mother who homeschools three boys. She thanked all moms who are homeschooling girls and trying to raise them to be Godly women. WOW... I needed that. Someone who I have never met encouraged me today. Thank you LORD!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Fear Factor
No I am not on the verge of eating something grotesque like pig intestines or lion lungs. I have just done something that for me can cause fear. I deviated from my lesson plans...OH NO!
My friends in education may or may not support my decision but a teacher's got to do what a teacher's got to do. Let me explain. Smiley Sport has a very good head for numbers from what I can see and the lesson plans were so repetitive that it was overkill. She obviously is getting the concept very well and I just feel like we can move on. Today we skipped 8 lessons!! She completed the work no problem and after my review of the math we did not skip any new concepts. My home school friends have encouraged me to not be tied to the plans and I listened. I am also not afraid of making a mistake in doing this. I feel after looking at several factors Smiley is very capable.
We had a pleasant and short day. Lovely stayed over a friends house and my friend did her work with her...thanks sister! Again fear can peak its head. Me not teach her? Is that okay? It's all about letting go. God is really working on so many things in this home school thing. I should be completely unrecognizable by the time I am done.
Baby girl had a very difficult time letting me leave her at preschool today. Fear was a great factor! She cried and asked me not to leave...my heart was breaking. Her teacher sweetly took her and I left. BOO HOO! These girls can get to my heart. OH. She was fine when I picked her up. No more tears. Yeah!
I am looking forward to a great rest of the week. The sun is shining here and fall is on the way. I love this time of year. The leaves are so beautiful. I love that the color of the leaves is partially dependent on the coolness of the evening. I love details.
My friends in education may or may not support my decision but a teacher's got to do what a teacher's got to do. Let me explain. Smiley Sport has a very good head for numbers from what I can see and the lesson plans were so repetitive that it was overkill. She obviously is getting the concept very well and I just feel like we can move on. Today we skipped 8 lessons!! She completed the work no problem and after my review of the math we did not skip any new concepts. My home school friends have encouraged me to not be tied to the plans and I listened. I am also not afraid of making a mistake in doing this. I feel after looking at several factors Smiley is very capable.
We had a pleasant and short day. Lovely stayed over a friends house and my friend did her work with her...thanks sister! Again fear can peak its head. Me not teach her? Is that okay? It's all about letting go. God is really working on so many things in this home school thing. I should be completely unrecognizable by the time I am done.
Baby girl had a very difficult time letting me leave her at preschool today. Fear was a great factor! She cried and asked me not to leave...my heart was breaking. Her teacher sweetly took her and I left. BOO HOO! These girls can get to my heart. OH. She was fine when I picked her up. No more tears. Yeah!
I am looking forward to a great rest of the week. The sun is shining here and fall is on the way. I love this time of year. The leaves are so beautiful. I love that the color of the leaves is partially dependent on the coolness of the evening. I love details.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Oh the tears!
Why is it that girls are so emotional? UGH! Raising 3 girls is defiantly challenging mentally and emotionally. The girls, Lovely and Sporty, started the day with an argument over clothing...imagine that! The problem: Mom purchased a cute little trendy outfit for Lovely, never thinking in a million years Sporty would find it appealing....she did. So I let Sporty get the same skirt and a different sweater. I thought the sweater was enough of a difference that it would not bother Lovely. WRONG! Lovely is botherd that her sister is being " a copy cat" and proceeds to start our day off with an argument. Did I mention that the outfit couldn't even be worn today...it is for church!
I would like to say that this mood of Lovely's stopped when we started school but it did not. She continued to annoy, provoke and just irritate her sister. Can you see my blood boiling? I did my best to stay focused on my agenda but it got run over by a highly emotional 9 year old and a sensitive 7 year old.
We finally did get settled into school after looking up a Bible verse on love covering a multitude of sins...to be memorized and recited on Friday. This was what I thought would reel Lovely in and get her moving, until I told her she had to write a story! What kind of mother I must be! I was informed that she (Lovely) doesn't like to write she just likes to read and therefore she did not want to do the assignment I had given...blood boiling again! I then insisted that she cooperate or lose her privilege to play SOCCER!!! She did her best to pull her self together, she did try 3 times to get me to change the assignment, but I did not.
She completed her assignment and did very well. I however was exhausted by 11:00 and we still had a great deal of work to complete.
Lately I am really overwhelmed with the task that is before me. It's not the school work it is the character building. I am often taken to the place of wondering if I will ever see an improvement in this attitude? Why do I have to do this? I want to do what I want! It is in these moments of self love that I realize I have been granted a great and wonderful privilege. I get the joy of teaching my girls how to respond to feelings and situations that aren't always pleasant and fun. We did not come into this world knowing how to communicate clearly the feelings we have. We came into this world selfish and sinful in nature. God has entrusted me to TEACH Lovely how to respond correctly about her sister having a similar outfit and do work that isn't pleasant.
I am truly relying on God and his grace to cover the mistakes I might make in my reaction to an emotinal child. There are going to be tears over difficult things in life I just hope and pray I will have equipped my girls with the abitliy to press on and do their best, even when they don't feel like it.
I would like to say that this mood of Lovely's stopped when we started school but it did not. She continued to annoy, provoke and just irritate her sister. Can you see my blood boiling? I did my best to stay focused on my agenda but it got run over by a highly emotional 9 year old and a sensitive 7 year old.
We finally did get settled into school after looking up a Bible verse on love covering a multitude of sins...to be memorized and recited on Friday. This was what I thought would reel Lovely in and get her moving, until I told her she had to write a story! What kind of mother I must be! I was informed that she (Lovely) doesn't like to write she just likes to read and therefore she did not want to do the assignment I had given...blood boiling again! I then insisted that she cooperate or lose her privilege to play SOCCER!!! She did her best to pull her self together, she did try 3 times to get me to change the assignment, but I did not.
She completed her assignment and did very well. I however was exhausted by 11:00 and we still had a great deal of work to complete.
Lately I am really overwhelmed with the task that is before me. It's not the school work it is the character building. I am often taken to the place of wondering if I will ever see an improvement in this attitude? Why do I have to do this? I want to do what I want! It is in these moments of self love that I realize I have been granted a great and wonderful privilege. I get the joy of teaching my girls how to respond to feelings and situations that aren't always pleasant and fun. We did not come into this world knowing how to communicate clearly the feelings we have. We came into this world selfish and sinful in nature. God has entrusted me to TEACH Lovely how to respond correctly about her sister having a similar outfit and do work that isn't pleasant.
I am truly relying on God and his grace to cover the mistakes I might make in my reaction to an emotinal child. There are going to be tears over difficult things in life I just hope and pray I will have equipped my girls with the abitliy to press on and do their best, even when they don't feel like it.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Ichneumon
We had a fun race this morning with our very good friends who also home school. My friend called this morning and challenged us to a race to identify an insect she found on her deck. She emailed a picture and challenge. I love a good competition. Actually, I love to WIN!!
The girls and I dropped everything. Lovely was actually doing Science and studying insects, imagine that. Smiley was working on Math and Baby Girl was at preschool.
After close examination of the photo we did our best to do an online search. It took a couple of times but we finally found our insect! It is called an Ichneumon. It is a type of wasp that does not sting and has an ovipositor for laying eggs. Not bad for 3 amateur bug hunters. Oh, by the way, WE WON! Okay I like winning a little too much. Remember I am a first born!
My point to all of this was that the girls loved this. I have to say flexibility proved to be pretty fun today. It didn't take us off track to long and we learned something new. Thanks to my friend for sharing her great discovery. The girls talked about that bug all day!
Later in the afternoon Smiley came across a dead bat in the middle of the road! I called my friend to share our discovery. Ours wasn't alive, but it was still fascinating no less.
Animals are the most fascinating reminder to me that our GOD is amazingly creative. I really enjoyed learning something new with the girls and working together to accomplish something fun. I also love that flexibility came in a small package today. My whole day wasn't derailed, but it was detoured long enough to have some fun with a friend and my girls.
The girls and I dropped everything. Lovely was actually doing Science and studying insects, imagine that. Smiley was working on Math and Baby Girl was at preschool.
After close examination of the photo we did our best to do an online search. It took a couple of times but we finally found our insect! It is called an Ichneumon. It is a type of wasp that does not sting and has an ovipositor for laying eggs. Not bad for 3 amateur bug hunters. Oh, by the way, WE WON! Okay I like winning a little too much. Remember I am a first born!
My point to all of this was that the girls loved this. I have to say flexibility proved to be pretty fun today. It didn't take us off track to long and we learned something new. Thanks to my friend for sharing her great discovery. The girls talked about that bug all day!
Later in the afternoon Smiley came across a dead bat in the middle of the road! I called my friend to share our discovery. Ours wasn't alive, but it was still fascinating no less.
Animals are the most fascinating reminder to me that our GOD is amazingly creative. I really enjoyed learning something new with the girls and working together to accomplish something fun. I also love that flexibility came in a small package today. My whole day wasn't derailed, but it was detoured long enough to have some fun with a friend and my girls.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Small steps
The lessons I am learning from homeschooling are endless and old. Why is it that we have character traits that frustrate us, the individual? Oh yeah, it's because we are not perfect! I am working very hard to not allow the "flexible" schedule of home school be the very thing that kills me.
Let me explain, I am your typical first born. I set a goal I work toward it, nothing can get in my way! I like things in their place, always. I am a planner and I have a list for everything that needs to be done. Did I mention I like routines?
My friends who home school have encouraged me to embrace the "flexibility" with homeschooling....UGH! Flexibility means the schedule goes out the window. I can feel myself losing control...help! Seriously though. Today was one of those days were I tried to embrace "flexibility".
Overall the day was good. Lovely was working on her following orders from me without questioning them or giving me her better plan. Smiley just did not enjoy doing her cursive writing..she cried and cried and eventually pulled herself together long enough to get it done. YEAH! Baby girl completed day 2 of school with no problem. I love when she hugs me and says she missed me after only 2 hours. Oh, by the way. Lovely did make a great effort in not questioning my direction.
All in all today did take us a long time to get our work done, again. However, I am realizing it is not about completing everything to cross it off our list it is more about working toward something to see improvement. And today we (I) made some improvement.
Let me explain, I am your typical first born. I set a goal I work toward it, nothing can get in my way! I like things in their place, always. I am a planner and I have a list for everything that needs to be done. Did I mention I like routines?
My friends who home school have encouraged me to embrace the "flexibility" with homeschooling....UGH! Flexibility means the schedule goes out the window. I can feel myself losing control...help! Seriously though. Today was one of those days were I tried to embrace "flexibility".
Overall the day was good. Lovely was working on her following orders from me without questioning them or giving me her better plan. Smiley just did not enjoy doing her cursive writing..she cried and cried and eventually pulled herself together long enough to get it done. YEAH! Baby girl completed day 2 of school with no problem. I love when she hugs me and says she missed me after only 2 hours. Oh, by the way. Lovely did make a great effort in not questioning my direction.
All in all today did take us a long time to get our work done, again. However, I am realizing it is not about completing everything to cross it off our list it is more about working toward something to see improvement. And today we (I) made some improvement.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Manic Monday
"Just another Manic Monday" thanks Bangels! What a day! Where do I start? We sent baby girl to preschool for the first time today...boohoo...she's so tiny, so delicate, so young...but she was watching too much television and getting into trouble at home. No those are not my only reasons for sending her, but they were definitely a factor.
She walked in with her little Jimmy Rollins backpack, thanks Daddy. The pink flamingo backpack, one that Mommy got, is coming so we had to make do with a bright red Phillies backpack. She was quiet when we left her and she would not remove her backpack...so sweet! We picked her up later and she still had her backpack on. The teacher said she cried for Mom a couple of times, but came around. She informed her sisters and myself that we should not leave her like that "ever again". Until tomorrow!!!
Lovely and Smiley were brutal today...I am just being HONEST!! I was brutal today...I am just being honest. I however have a certificate of excuse titled PMS Graduate, they do not! I am not saying that my PMS is an excuse. I am saying it makes everything worse.
It took us forever to get our work done. The school buses were coming past our house and the girls realized that the schools were DONE and we were NOT!!!! "I thought homeschooling meant we would have more free time, asked Smiley." "Not when you don't focus and take direction the first time,"replied Mom.
I am optimistic about tomorrow. I have to be! I ask the girls for forgiveness for my short fuse and they too ask for forgiveness for their sometimes irrational behavior.
Once again, my darling has brought a smile to my face. He came home with a sweet OWL, from Starbucks no less. I spotted the OWL one day and had to have it, but would not buy it for myself. I only find it fitting that the OWL will hopefully become the mascot for this page.
I am fond of the OWL as it is my college mascot and a symbol to all of being "wise". I wish I could always be wise in how I act, but I am not. I like my children am working on being better at my character. I too need homeschooling!
She walked in with her little Jimmy Rollins backpack, thanks Daddy. The pink flamingo backpack, one that Mommy got, is coming so we had to make do with a bright red Phillies backpack. She was quiet when we left her and she would not remove her backpack...so sweet! We picked her up later and she still had her backpack on. The teacher said she cried for Mom a couple of times, but came around. She informed her sisters and myself that we should not leave her like that "ever again". Until tomorrow!!!
Lovely and Smiley were brutal today...I am just being HONEST!! I was brutal today...I am just being honest. I however have a certificate of excuse titled PMS Graduate, they do not! I am not saying that my PMS is an excuse. I am saying it makes everything worse.
It took us forever to get our work done. The school buses were coming past our house and the girls realized that the schools were DONE and we were NOT!!!! "I thought homeschooling meant we would have more free time, asked Smiley." "Not when you don't focus and take direction the first time,"replied Mom.
I am optimistic about tomorrow. I have to be! I ask the girls for forgiveness for my short fuse and they too ask for forgiveness for their sometimes irrational behavior.
Once again, my darling has brought a smile to my face. He came home with a sweet OWL, from Starbucks no less. I spotted the OWL one day and had to have it, but would not buy it for myself. I only find it fitting that the OWL will hopefully become the mascot for this page.
I am fond of the OWL as it is my college mascot and a symbol to all of being "wise". I wish I could always be wise in how I act, but I am not. I like my children am working on being better at my character. I too need homeschooling!
Friday, September 7, 2007
Tough Day!
Today was a lot more stressful than the past couple of days. Please don't think I am ready to sell my books and send them off. I am confessing I am tired and today overwhelmed me!!
We got off to a shaky start and our morning was interrupted with a trip to see the doctor. The girls are suffering from allergies...to text books!!!! HAHA. Seriously, just good old fashioned allergies. That is defiantly a DADDY trait. I am as healthy as a horse, my illnesses are usually pshcosyamtic in nature.
My stress came in getting us back into a groove after the doctors. IT WAS HARD!! Baby girl didn't want to nap. Smiley was coughing and jumping around the table and Lovely could not FOCUS on her own work to save her life. Did I mention I have been teaching all week and just found the Reading lesson plans for Lovely!! HELP!!
The door bell just rang...could it be the thief that took my husbands laptop, GPS, and IPOD? Lock the doors it is a WHITE VAN with no writing on it!!! It was a floral delivery from my great guy. How did he have time to do that? He is amazing!
Well all I know is my day just got a little brighter, my husbands on the other hand seems to have gotten worse. I was not joking about those things. I encouraged my husband and my girls to pray that his things would be returned. Maybe the thief will hear a message on salvation from his ipod? I can only pray! Smiley came to me after being MIA for 10 minutes and showed me the card she made for her DADDY. She told me that she wrote that he shouldn't worry b/c GOD is in control!
I think I actually had a great day! Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things GOD works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. I am trusting him today and always.
We got off to a shaky start and our morning was interrupted with a trip to see the doctor. The girls are suffering from allergies...to text books!!!! HAHA. Seriously, just good old fashioned allergies. That is defiantly a DADDY trait. I am as healthy as a horse, my illnesses are usually pshcosyamtic in nature.
My stress came in getting us back into a groove after the doctors. IT WAS HARD!! Baby girl didn't want to nap. Smiley was coughing and jumping around the table and Lovely could not FOCUS on her own work to save her life. Did I mention I have been teaching all week and just found the Reading lesson plans for Lovely!! HELP!!
The door bell just rang...could it be the thief that took my husbands laptop, GPS, and IPOD? Lock the doors it is a WHITE VAN with no writing on it!!! It was a floral delivery from my great guy. How did he have time to do that? He is amazing!
Well all I know is my day just got a little brighter, my husbands on the other hand seems to have gotten worse. I was not joking about those things. I encouraged my husband and my girls to pray that his things would be returned. Maybe the thief will hear a message on salvation from his ipod? I can only pray! Smiley came to me after being MIA for 10 minutes and showed me the card she made for her DADDY. She told me that she wrote that he shouldn't worry b/c GOD is in control!
I think I actually had a great day! Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things GOD works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. I am trusting him today and always.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
I will be smarter!
As of this writing I have completed 2 full days of homeschooling! I can honestly say I have had 2 great days. God has been so very gracious!! I am wondering now what has taken me so long to do this?!
As most who know me would agree I am a very determined person, when I want to be...that's a good thing...right? I've always in visioned having the girls home all day, every day, would be too stressful for me to deal and I would become the worlds worst mother. I know its early in the school year but I am gonna say I was wrong!! Don't tell my husband I admitted to something..it could come back to haunt me.
The last 2 days have been challenging, yes, but miserable or stressful, no! I wish I could say it is because my girls are obeying every order, not fighting with their sisters and they are secretly geniuses, but those would be mis-truths. The girls have had good and bad moments and I have been well equipped to handle the not great moments because I believe this is GOD's will for my family. Having said that, GOD doesn't promise things will be easy, but he does promise not to leave us...and GOD always keeps HIS promises. Thank you Lord for giving me the grace to tackle something I thought I couldn't do. You are worthy of PRAISE!
As most who know me would agree I am a very determined person, when I want to be...that's a good thing...right? I've always in visioned having the girls home all day, every day, would be too stressful for me to deal and I would become the worlds worst mother. I know its early in the school year but I am gonna say I was wrong!! Don't tell my husband I admitted to something..it could come back to haunt me.
The last 2 days have been challenging, yes, but miserable or stressful, no! I wish I could say it is because my girls are obeying every order, not fighting with their sisters and they are secretly geniuses, but those would be mis-truths. The girls have had good and bad moments and I have been well equipped to handle the not great moments because I believe this is GOD's will for my family. Having said that, GOD doesn't promise things will be easy, but he does promise not to leave us...and GOD always keeps HIS promises. Thank you Lord for giving me the grace to tackle something I thought I couldn't do. You are worthy of PRAISE!
Monday, September 3, 2007
The Night Before School
It's the night before school and MOM is a nervous wreck! What you say? MOM is nervous? Yes she is! She is about to educate her little ones at home!!!!! The questions...why would you do that? Do you know how to teach? Have you lost your mind? I have to admit those questions have been few and far between. I have actually been blessed by an amazingly positive response from family and friends. My mom of course being so supportive...thanks Mom!
Allow me to explain a little about myself. I am the mother of 3 very different daughters. My girls are so very different in their personalities and their likes and dislikes. God is amazingly creative! My oldest I will call Lady Lovely Hair. She is your typical firstborn! Strong willed and goal oriented and wants to learn about everything, yesterday! My second I will call Smiley Sport. She has one of the most beautiful smiles..I know I am her mom...seriously though. She is athletic in all things...everything is a competition...even who brushes their teeth the fastest...not a good thing. And my baby, no she is not she is actually preschool age, but she is MY BABY! I will call her Baby Girl. She is one of the most mellow, well spoken 3 year olds I know. The mellowness is from being the baby and the well spoken part comes from having 2 sisters who talk A LOT!!
Lady and Smiley have been in a Christian School for the last 5 years and this year I have felt lead by the LORD to homeschool the girls. No God himself did not appear and give this command. He did however give me an amazing sense of peace about my decision. My hours of prayer and time with the LORD lead me to a place where I believe I am doing the best thing for my family at this moment in time. I have not looked beyond this school year. I think if I do I will miss the lesson that is before me.
What is that lesson you may ask? It is about being obedient to God when he asks something of you. It doesn't mean being obedient when it works well for "our" schedule, it means when he asks. I know this is a lot of information to process for some, but for me it is about my walk with the LORD and the plans he has for the lives of my children.
As I am off to finish my lesson plans for the girls I am thankful for the encouragement of all those around me. THANK YOU!
Allow me to explain a little about myself. I am the mother of 3 very different daughters. My girls are so very different in their personalities and their likes and dislikes. God is amazingly creative! My oldest I will call Lady Lovely Hair. She is your typical firstborn! Strong willed and goal oriented and wants to learn about everything, yesterday! My second I will call Smiley Sport. She has one of the most beautiful smiles..I know I am her mom...seriously though. She is athletic in all things...everything is a competition...even who brushes their teeth the fastest...not a good thing. And my baby, no she is not she is actually preschool age, but she is MY BABY! I will call her Baby Girl. She is one of the most mellow, well spoken 3 year olds I know. The mellowness is from being the baby and the well spoken part comes from having 2 sisters who talk A LOT!!
Lady and Smiley have been in a Christian School for the last 5 years and this year I have felt lead by the LORD to homeschool the girls. No God himself did not appear and give this command. He did however give me an amazing sense of peace about my decision. My hours of prayer and time with the LORD lead me to a place where I believe I am doing the best thing for my family at this moment in time. I have not looked beyond this school year. I think if I do I will miss the lesson that is before me.
What is that lesson you may ask? It is about being obedient to God when he asks something of you. It doesn't mean being obedient when it works well for "our" schedule, it means when he asks. I know this is a lot of information to process for some, but for me it is about my walk with the LORD and the plans he has for the lives of my children.
As I am off to finish my lesson plans for the girls I am thankful for the encouragement of all those around me. THANK YOU!
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