The First Week

I wish I could say that we had a great first week; that all my hopes and expectations were realized. Sadly, that was not so...it was actually quite a disappointing and discouraging beginning. There were many moments when I wished I had a public school hot line to immediately enroll my kiddos. There were many moments when I wondered why in the world do I homeschool!?!??!!

One thing I've learned over these past 4 years of homeschooling is that this process is just as much about perfecting me as it is about schooling/bringing up my kiddos. It is very trying to be patient with the child who just won't sit still and pay attention, who whines the minute the math page is brought out, who can't figure something out they completely understood just the other day. I know that in most any other situation my patience would not be tried anywhere close to as much as it is during homeschooling. God knows I need to work on that area in my life so He continues to give me opportunities to grow. :)

So, why do I homeschool? Why do I persevere even when it seems completely futile? Here's a couple of reasons, not necessarily in order of priority:

• I really like being with my kids
• I feel like homeschooling allows me the best and most opportunity to train them up as God calls me to do
• Their character is a significant priority and being with them so much allows us to focus on areas needing work
• We all learn together
• I know what they are learning and can bring it up whenever an opportunity arises
• We have great flexibility to take a day off when we'd like to
• We're able to easily add chores/playtime/outside time/reading into our regular routine
• They learn what Dave and I feel is important
• We're able to go at their pace
• No homework
• I enjoy teaching and seeing them learn new things

So, there you go...even though I feel that homeschooling is the right choice for our family at this time, I don't feel that it is a moral choice. There are many homeschooling families whose kids turn out terribly and many public/private schooled kids who turn out wonderfully. Each family has to make their decision before the Lord and nurture their children as they believe best. God's grace is sufficient for all situations...and He can be glorified in any schooling choice.

A tea party from earlier this summer

War of Words

This was a really great book...very challenging yet encouraging. Something I definitely hope to read again. He writes with a good mix of Biblical truth and practical application as well as explanatory stories that we can all relate to. His primary challenge is to remind us that, as Christians, we are God's spokesman to every person we converse with. Here are some of his closing paragraphs that do a good summary of the book:

We've come to the end of our consideration of the great war of words. It began with a lie in the Garden and it still rages on. The damage can be seen in our offices, kitchens, family rooms, and cars, but the battle isn't really fought there. Battles of the tongue are really battles of the heart. What controls the heart will control the tongue. The tongue can set "the whole course of life on fire," or it can be used to "give grace to the ones who hear." It can viciously tear down or lovingly build up. It can condemn or give life. It can greet sin with love and forgiveness or with hatred and revenge. It can submit to the lordship of Christ or live under the control of the passions and desires of the sinful nature. It can pursue a lifestyle of ministry or a lifestyle of self-love, manipulating others to meet personal desires and expectations. It can be a fount of truth or a polluted stream of falsehood. It can create peace or cause war. It can curse or it can praise.

In it all, the tongue will serve the master to which the heart is already committed. It is time for us to submit to the Lord's claim on our tongues as our King and Redeemer. More than ever before, we need to be committed to speak for Him. As we do, we will learn to choose words of truth, love, restraint, grace, and forgiveness, even in the face of provocation. We will get excited about the grandeur of our calling as children of God. It is amazing that God would choose us to be members of His family! It is beyond amazing that He would call us to be His ambassadors, to represent Him on earth, to communicate His loving appeal to a world enslaved to self.

The war of words is only won when God rules our hearts so that we gladly and consistently speak for Him. May God help us, so that this world of evil will be transformed into a world of redemptive good. May He win the war for our hearts so that the battleground of words becomes a garden of good fruit, where seeds of peace produce a lasting harvest of righteousness. (James 3:18).

This was the first book I've read by Paul David Tripp (Tedd Tripp's brother). He has another about raising teenagers that I'm sure I'll pick up before too long here.

Hannah created this horse yesterday...

Just Do It

I often think I should be a spokesperson for Nike. Not that I can actually remember ever owning a pair of their shoes…but I say their slogan frequently to myself. It goes something like this: “I really don’t want to clean up this huge mess…Just do it.” “I really don’t want to begin our math lesson right now…Just do it.” “I really don’t want to make dinner…Just do it.” “I really don’t want to get up and exercise…Just do it.” I think you get the picture.

There are so many things my lazy, self-indulgent flesh pushes against in daily life. So many times I want to gratify my desires rather than follow through on the duties given me. Sometimes I simply have to make the decision to “Just do it.” There’s nothing magical about it…it needs to be done so I do it. It’s easy to rationalize a great multitude of reasons why I should do something more enjoyable, but I’m always thankful when I follow through with what needs to be done at the moment rather than what I would like to do. Who isn’t glad to have a clean kitchen, a finished math lesson, a pleasant meal, and a healthy body…to name a few outcomes of “Just do it”?

I’ve also found that the more you discipline yourself, the easier it becomes to do the task at hand.

Prov 31:27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

---For any of you interested parties, Nekton are sea creatures that can swim: fish, turtles, sea snakes, sharks, etc. Benthos are sea creatures that can't swim: lobsters, sea anemones, sea stars, etc. Pretty neat, huh?

Here are some pics from our first History Project - The Crystal Palace under Queen Victoria

Paul Bunyan Swings His Axe

Seems like a book review is in order...We finished this book over a couple of months although it was a much requested book by Josh. It was mostly read when we had a few spare minutes here or there. Each chapter pretty much stands on it's own so it is convenient for short amounts of time. We laughed a lot about their antics and the very "tall tales" that were in each chapter. That was something that we would talk about when the chapter was completed. I wouldn't say it has a lot of value outside of just being a pleasure read, but it was enjoyed around here.

Here are pics from the kids first science entry. We began Swimming Creatures today and learned about Nekton and Benthos...anyone else ever heard those words before!?!??!

The First Day

The day started off sweet with donuts for breakfast and a note that today was Backwards Clothes Day. Hannah thought that was great and even put her earrings backwards. Josh didn't like it because it "felt weird." School itself went alright...one child thought it was good and the other would rather have been doing something else. I guess it takes some time to get back into the routine. The schedule went pretty smoothly and seemed like a reasonable one. Hopefully, by next week, all will be on track and with happy hearts. :)

from 2008

Ready for the First Day

I sat downstairs for a while tonight putting together the specific schedule for this first week. We're beginning tomorrow, a couple days before the public schools, but I figured we might as well start with a full week. What a great heap of learning I hope we will do this year. I hope the kiddos will particularly come away with a love of learning. Tommorow will be a break-in day where I'll go over expectations for each subject and physically do everything with them so they begin well.

Beginning messy school room

Neater, more organized school room -
Josh has the big desk, Hannah has a new desk in her room (besides the little one in here)

Weekly and Yearly Public School Schedule (which we loosely follow)
taped under the coffee table for quick reference

The kiddo's art easels (they made them at a Home Depot Day a while ago)
where the weekly nature study will be displayed

Mixing It Up

I am really looking forward to beginning school on Monday. Most of that is due to, I believe, not feeling terrorized by worksheets. Not that we aren't going to do worksheets, but I'm just not going to be so drill sergeant about them. That is one major thing I came away with in reading Charlotte Mason's philosophy. We also will be reading more, which all of us enjoy greatly.

Beyond that, I've been trying to think of some other fun things to make our days less regular.

One thing the kiddos ask to have frequently are crazy days...so, in theory, every Monday I'll write on their bathroom mirror (dry-erase makers work great) some odd thing to do that day such as: stay in your PJs, miss-match clothes day, backward clothes day, dress in ____ color day, and whatever else I can think of.

I've also put things in such as nature study (where we'll walk around and find something to draw - I set up little easels to put the "picture of the week" on), poetry, and read-alouds in the schedule so they'll, hopefully, get accomplished. My hope is also to play different classical music to help the kiddos learn a variety of composers as well as doing some picture study on famous artists (we'll see if those actually get done as they are not on the schedule...).

Our Bible Time for most of the next year at least will also be quite a bit more interactive as we are studying the Book of Proverbs. I'm also planning to incorporate some Keys for Kids. As Hannah and Josh have been getting older, I am noticing they really enjoy talking about things more and sharing their thoughts and opinions...hopefully we'll have some rousing discussions and that truths will sink in for them.

This isn't exactly related to school, but I anticipate having the kids each plan one evening per month (probably a Fri or Sat) for a family fun night where they decide what games to play and perhaps what to have for dinner.

I think it's important to keep things fresh and a little bit unexpected. No one enjoys constant drudge...

A picture from our first year homeschooling...

A Charlotte Mason Companion

I greatly enjoyed this book and feel that it has been the most practical help on Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education of the books I’ve read. Andreola has been a careful student of Ms. Mason’s for years…reading her writings, talking with people that have used her philosophy, leading support groups, etc. This book is a sort of compilation of different subjects that come into play in a home that follows Ms. Mason’s view on schooling. Andreola includes many helpful examples, quotes, and other references for future use. There are a number of chapters on ideas I hadn’t really thought about such as the inclusion of Shakespeare (a child’s version is on request now from the library), views on fairy tales (which I’m still not sure I quite agree with), and Greek Myths (which we’ve done a smidge of our first history year). All in all, I’d say a great first book to purchase/read if you’re looking into following Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education. It’s gotten me more excited to begin putting into practice some new ideas.

Here is a video that shows the difference between my two children from 2007 :)

Tomato Basil Tart

With all these delicious tomatoes teeming on our plants, I thought I'd post a most yummy tomato recipe. I've had this since our time back in residency, 10 plus years ago. It's one of our favorites, and I make it a couple of times each summer.

Tomato Basil Tart

Pie Crust (I just use the frozen kind)

1 1/2 c Mozzarella cheese - grated

4 medium tomatoes

1 c basil leaves

4 cloves garlic

1/2 c mayo

1/4 c Parmesan cheese - grated

1/8 t pepper

Bake crust according to directions. Cut tomatoes into wedges (I just slice them for simplicity) and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle baked pie crust with 1/2 cup mozzarella. Arrange tomatoes over melted cheese. In food processor, combine basil and garlic - cover and process till coarsely chopped (I skip this step and just sprinkle chopped basil and garlic over tomatoes). Sprinkle mixture over tomatoes. In medium bowl, combine remaining mozzarella cheese, mayo, Parmesan cheese and pepper. Spoon cheese mixture over basil mixture spreading evenly to cover top. Bake 375 for 35-40 minutes.

Some neat fog we had last year

A Work in Progress

We only really have control over ourselves. I think that to myself today as I've disciplined the youngest child, yet again, for disobedience. I don't really have control over the choices he makes, yes I train and correct, encourage and exhort, but he must ultimately make the choice.

However, I've found that if I am able to make the choice to discipline patiently and lovingly, his disobedience doesn't unnerve me as it does so often when I respond wrongly. I am just as much the work in progress, and I rejoice in the small steps forward.

Hannah asked me this afternoon, "How can you be so patient with Josh?" I laugh. God has greatly been working on me over the past few years to love when kiddos are unlovable, to view the end result rather than just the immediate annoyance, to value our relationship rather than the schedule getting accomplished. It is hard to keep the perspective right, to remember it's not all about me, that I have been given a precious treasure in my children that I have for so short a time. But, what assurance there is in knowing I have done what is best, what is right, what is pleasing to God regardless of the choices all others make.

Phil 1:6 He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

I came across some old archives of Ann Voskamp's today and there are so many treasures to be found there. If you have a few free minutes and need a fresh look on parenting, I recommend you take a peak.

from 2007

Satisfied Longings

It is a comfort to us to know that Christ promises to satisfy all our longings. Christ offers to satisfy every hunger and thirst. The desires and longings of our nature are not sinful; they do not need to be destroyed.

A man found a torrent in the mountain. As it rushed on impetuously it could only work ruin. He built a flume for it and carried its waters in a quiet stream into the valley where they turned spindles and wheels, watered the fields and gave drink to the thirsty.

Thus Christ would take the mighty cravings and longings of human souls and yoke them for obedient life and holy service. That is the way He would satisfy our longings – not by destroying them, but by leading them in ways of righteousness. If we take Christ’s yoke upon us and learn of Him, we shall find rest unto our soul.

---J.R. Miller

Motives to Prayer

As I was preparing for our Fundamentals of the Faith class last evening, I was rereading a sermon by MacArthur on Prayer. He brought out 10 Motives to Prayer that I thought were helpful as being continually prayerful is always a challenge for me. Here they are:

1. Desire for God's Glory
2. Desire for Fellowship with God
3. Desire for Needs to be Met
4. Desire for Wisdom
5. Desire for Deliverance from Trouble
6. Desire for Relief from Fear and Worry
7. Desire to Offer Thanks for Past Blessing
8. Desire to Be Freed from the Guilt of Sin
9. Desire for Salvation of the Lost
10. Desire for Spiritual Growth of Believers

Here are some sunset pics Josh took last evening

Journey to America

It seems like we've been finishing a number of books lately...probably because we've been at home more and able to read. This book is one from my childhood that I've always loved. It takes place in the late 1930s as Hitler is rising to power. The story surrounds a Jewish family that lives in Berlin. As the Nazis become more prominent, their family decides to leave Germany. The father goes on ahead to America as the family waits for him to send for them. It speaks about the difficulties the Jews had in escaping as well as the hardships in getting to America. The book doesn't go into detail about the violence against the Jews although there are allusions to it. I would say it is a good introduction to this period in history.

Many of these books I've been mentioning lately, I wouldn't necessarily go out and buy (except for Winnie the Pooh), but would be good to get from the library (or borrow from me :) ).

A big carrot Hannah pulled from our garden the other day

Winnie the Pooh

When we were at VAL this past week dropping off curriculum (VAL buddies, now is the time to drop curriculum off so you can have it back quickly and not have to wait once school starts), Josh spied a couple of small books taken from The Complete Tails of Winnie the Pooh. We read them together this morning and just laughed and laughed. Milne's writing is so delightful and full of humor. He paints all his characters so well that many things are funny just because of the character who is speaking. One of our favorites is An Expotition to the North Pole. We read the complete book back a couple of years ago and greatly enjoyed it. I don't think you ever get too old for Winnie the Pooh. Please note these are the original writings and not like what is written today about Winnie the Pooh...so much more depth. My kiddos do like the current books as well, but they are not the same. Also, some of the dialogue is hard for the kiddos to pick up on their own, so I do help them understand what is going on. Great fun!

More photos from Second Beach

Hannah, the mermaid

Seaweed jump rope

Tiramisu Bowl

Organization is a wonderful thing! I spent a good part of today filling bookcases and sorting the books alphabetically and by type. Then I pulled miscellaneous odds and ends from other areas of the house to decorate. We're hoping to get a small couch/comfy chair to go where the file cabinet and black chair are for the moment.

Well, to get on with the Tiramisu Bowl recipe...My sister-in-law made this a couple weeks ago, and I thought it was super yummy. So, I made it the other day for a get together. It's great for a sweet, refreshing treat using pretty basic ingredients. I think I like Tiramisu so much because I first had it in Rome on the way to Israel for a semester abroad (this recipe isn't quite to that calibre :) ) and it brings back good memories from that trip.

Divine Wine

Hooray! The painting is done! Painting is so great as you see major change after not too much effort. Here are some before and after photos. Of course, it looks better in real life, and I know the pictures are quite awful quality. I must say, I love it ...such a rich color (Behr's Divine Wine). Now that this is done, we've painted all the rooms in our house (including the garage) except the laundry room, furnace room and workshop. We have all sorts of colors...from brown to green; purple to blue...we love lots of color!

Dave and I decided a couple of months ago that we wanted to get the office more orderly so we also have furniture on the way. We actually pulled a lot of our office furniture into another room so we needed some more to take its place. I'll take some pics once everything is in. We've already received the bookshelves so that is tomorrow's project. :)

Before...pretty much beige

The three colors we were deciding on...

Finished product...

Jump Ship to Freedom

We began painting the office this evening...a most wondrous, rich "divine wine" color. First coat looks great...I'll take a picture when we're done.

Anyways, we finished the book, Jump Ship to Freedom, while on our car ride out to the Olympic Peninsula last week. It's a book I just pulled off the shelf at Goodwill. The story is about a slave boy, Daniel, from Connecticut who steals back his father's soldier notes (like money) that his owner took from him. He is suspected and put aboard a sailing ship to be sold in the West Indies.

The book chronicles his adventure in gaining his freedom while at the same time giving a glimpse into slavery in early America. There are also references to the Continental Congress and what is going on in politics at that time. It is quite an exciting book with lots always going on as he is constantly on the verge of getting caught. The author tried to keep the feeling of that era with variance in the way of speaking as well as using the word "nigger." I must say it is very strange to read that word as it is so demeaning, but it was common vernacular at that time so is used in the book.

The book is also about Daniel as he comes to grips with the fact that black people are just as capable as white people; very contrary to what everyone has told him his whole life. The kids found it a bit disturbing as they have no concept of people being treated the way slaves had been. So, in that way, the book was purposeful to open their eyes to that part of history.

More Rialto Beach pictures...

Temptation/Recovery Plan

Feeling tired tonight, so I'm just going to share a great reference tool for when temptations come.

Temptation plan.........Biblical response to temptation
1. Recognize and acknowledge in the earliest stages of temptation that you are being tempted. James 1:13-15; 2 Cor. 10:3-6
2. QUICKLY ask God to help, seek the way of escape. 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. If possible remove yourself IMMEDIATELY from the source of temptation. 2 Timothy 2:22
4. Identify the unbiblical desire that would be served by yielding to the temptation. Gal 5:19-21
5. Quote and meditate appropriate scripture. 2 Peter 1:3-4
6. Remind yourself of God's presence, power and promises. Jude 24-25
7. Reflect on the purpose of God's death. Romans 6
8. Mentally and verbally make a commitment to do the godly thing. 1 Timothy 6:11
9. Get busy with a mind engaging godly activity, sing praises to our Lord
10. REPEAT KEY ASPECTS OF THIS TEMPTATION PLAN UNTIL THE POWER OF THE TEMPTATION IS REDUCED.
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Recovery Plan ...dealing with failure
1. Call unbiblical desires, thoughts, feelings and actions what God does ---SIN. Gal 5:19-21
2. Take full responsibility for the sin. Col. 3:1-17
3. Confess the sin to God and to another. James 5:16
4. Seek God's forgiveness and restoration. 1 John 1:9
5. Remind yourself what God has done for you and is doing in your life
6. Meditate on God's promises of forgiveness and deliverance from the power of sin. Rom 6- 8.
7. PURPOSE TO PUT THE PAST BEHIND Phil. 3:13b-14
8. Press on with perseverance Hebrews 12:1b-2

This plan from: Introduction to Biblical Counseling by John MacArthur and Wayne Mack

At the rain forest, we were able to feed some of the birds right from our hands...