7/24/08

Growing up (homeschool blog)

God is really calling me this year to growing up. Honestly.
The curricula that God has chosen requires me to be very hands on with the boys. Something in the past I haven't cherished. Don't misunderstand me. I have cherished the boys and I love playing with them but being serious and homeschooling, well, I have struggled.
I'm excited about what God is doing in my life. We have come so far together. It has been a privilege and an honor to be His daughter.
Something happened today that still brings tears to my eyes. Perhaps you won't understand but I am going to share any way! :)
I have been praying off and on for God to bring to us (the boys and I) some friends. We have great friends but they either have moved, don't homeschool, or have younger kids. I wanted to find a mom who homeschooled and had boys around my boys' ages. Oh yeah, and a mom who didn't mind meeting up twice or so a month.
Another thing I was praying about was a co-op of sorts. Now, co-ops scare me. I don't want to teach and I don't want to spend money. I have heard of some where you help out where you can like cleaning or organizing emails. Now, that doesn't seem so bad but I know that could quickly overwhelm my family time. So that is not really an option ... at this time.
Well, I received an email from this mom who has four boys. She and I have never met but she saw on one of my yahoo groups that I have three boys. Her kids are 11(almost 12), 9 (10 next month), 7 (just turned) and 5 (in two weeks). Can y'all believe it? Not only that but she teaches with her girlfriend a co-op. So we arranged to meet at the park. She lives just about 10 - 15 minutes away from me. I had express that I wasn't interested in a co-op but I would love to get her boys together with mine. Also, that I was looking for some fellowship too.
I kept praying all week that this would answer my prayer concerning friendships.
Today we met. It was so nice. We are very like-minded. From discipline, homeschooling and basically life in general. It was nice and refreshing. We talked about all sorts of things. Of course we kept coming back to homeschooling. She explained all about the co-op. She patiently answered my questions. Basically I just need to show up. ;) She teaches science (which Matthew has been begging me to do other then read books and go to the museum). Her friend teaches Virginia History. It's from 1 - 3p on Tuesdays. For the younger kids another mom is going to do history and science stuff with some crafts for about 15 to 20 minutes each hour. The rest of the time will be play time or coloring. She said that there are 3 other moms who come and hang out. And get this ... they ALL drink coffee! LOL She said that she is a huge coffee nut (or should I say bean? :)) and has all the fancy creamers! That sealed the deal for me!
Seriously though, my spirit was quickened. I knew that God has answered my prayer. And that of my boys. He is so awesome. I am so excited about this.
I'm not all sure what is going to come out of this friendship and co-op but I know I am going to be blessed. Who knows maybe in a few months I will tell y'all about how I am teaching the younger ones. :)
God has a way of growing us up. A way of stretching us. A way of answering us.
This year is going to be huge for me. I can feel it deep in my bones. I can't wait. For I know that if He has ordained it, it can only bring me pleasure and peace. Even if some things are hard and I want to give up, I know that I know it is all for His glory!

The Lord spoke to me :) (homeschool blog)

I had an interesting conversation with God this week. My spirit was quicken suddenly one day while talking to (at) my children.

God: "You used to never speak that way."

Me: "What way?"

God: "This way. This "just cause I said so" way."

Me: "What?"

God: "You used to explain things to them. You always had a reason for your actions or your discipline. You always made sure they understood things."

Me: "Well, sometimes it is "just because I said so."

God: "Yes, there are times that you can use your Mommy trump card but you were always so careful with it."

Me: "And now?"

God: "And now you play it almost all the time. Not only that but you are not as soft with your tone or words. When you call their names, you are a bit harsh. They tend to feel like they have done something wrong when it's really just lunch time."

Me: "Oh."

So, I have repented. I have repented to God and to my boys. I have changed it too. There is a loving mommy sweetness to my voice. I am now taking the time to explain things again. I'm calmer. I reason when needed and rebuke when needed. I'm quick to check my attitude before I say something. Thank you Lord.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your kind words of rebuke. Thank You for loving me and showing me. These boys are precious. May my thoughts, words and deeds be pleasing to Your sight. Quicken me sweet Lord. Pull me close and share with me what is on Your heart for my home. Glory to You my Savior. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Some good advice (homeschool blog)

The past two days God has brought to me some good advice.

First thing was yesterday. I was having 'one of those days'. I called my husband to tell him that I am just a failure at homeschooling. Tears streaming down my face, I explained all the ways I just blew it. In his loving way he said "Take a deep breath. You are not a failure. I think you should make a list of things you feel is wrong. Then make a list of how those things should be like. Next make another list of the ways you are going to change those areas."

What a great idea I thought. I love lists. :) Maybe putting things down on paper instead of them rolling around in my head ... well, I just may see the mole hill.

The boys and I went to the library before our co-op meeting. I was getting some books on Charlotte Mason. I stumbled upon this book; Homeschooling Take a Deep Breath - You Can Do This! by Terrie Lynn Bittner. Too funny I thought. So I added that to our pile.

This morning I was on the phone with my sweet friend Bree. I was explaining yesterday and what Bo had said to do. She then added that I should write a list every day of the things we did do. Like yesterday at the library I taught the boys how to locate the non-fiction books by using the call letters. She felt that basically I focus on what I haven't checked off and totally forget the things that 'just happen'.

So this evening I am reading that book by Mrs. Bittner. Listen to this ...She encourages keeping a homeschool journal. Every evening list the things that went right in the day. Start with the good stuff first because you could become discouraged! LOL Then she said that you can't write more negative stuff then you have written about positive stuff. For example, if you write 5 good things then you can't write more then 5 bad things. Next Terrie says to circle what you feel worries you the most and what you are most proud of. Take the good thing, write it on a index card or sticky note, and post it some where. After that you should come up with a solution for the problem. Isn't that neat?

She also said that you should word the problem correctly. Instead of saying that 'I have a terrible temper'. You should say 'I became upset when Jason dawdled during math.' Terrie said that you can't change your personal temper tantrum from earlier but you can think of a solution for the child who dawdles.

I thought that was so enlightening. Think about it ... my/your 'bad temper' is so vague and encompasses so much more then one issue. But looking at the event, the child who dawdles, it's easier to put into perspective.

It's funny to me looking back over the summer to now. God has been calling me to read, read and read in regards to homeschooling and now He is calling to me write, write and write. Perfect timing and nothing out of order. May His name be praised!

back to basics (homeschool blog)

Well, it seems to be that time of the year where I throw my hands up in the air and declare that I am failing.

Praise God for wonderful friends who are willing to listen. Thank you Lord for my friend Bree who doesn't mind telling me what to do!

I was complaining to Bree that one of my children is not really reading. One child wants to read but I'm not doing anything with it. Oh and another child should/could be reading more but I never push the issue.

So, in her wisdom, which truly does come from the Lord, said that I needed to take a week with the child who isn't reading and focus on phonics. Make sure he understands his sounds. Do little worksheets that enforce what he is learning.

Then she said that I just need to have the youngest read. Same with the oldest. LOL She used more tact then that but basically, yeah, I need to stop being so lazy. My words ... not hers.

So that was my plan. Bo was going out of town Wednesday morning and I thought "PERFECT!" I don't have to worry about any set times because 'Daddy' won't be coming home. So if we just have hot dogs and pop corn for dinner then great. :) If we are still doing lessons at 7 at night then great. :)

So that was my plan. That is as far as it got. However, all was not lost. We played Rummy all day. We all took turns being the score keeper. We all took turns announcing the scores after each hand. We laughed. We snacked on pop corn, cheese and crackers and drank a lot of Kool-aid.

Hey, come on, you know you can't beat that!

Today the boys were at my mom's. I used this time to organize some things and pray. I really spilled everything to Him today. I feel refreshed. I know that things are not as they seem. In my Bible study, which is on the power of speech, God revealed to me how I still have some areas of my thought life that is in ruins.

I do believe that is why there is a block with homeschooling. It's not that I am lazy (sure, sometimes I am) or that I am selfish with my time (well, sometimes I am) it's more about my thoughts. I don't believe I am capable of doing this. So "why bother" becomes a nagging banner hanging in my brain. Or "I can't do this" is the only phrase I can hear.

Glory to God though! I am taking my thoughts captive. I am tucking the lies under the belt of truth. Lining it up with God's Word. If it doesn't match then it is a lie and I will not tolerate it. Glory!

So ... how about you? Ever had the urge to get back to the basics in life?