Choose Wisely

Doesn't everyone, besides my four year old, use this method to select their head band?

Civil War Days

We finally made it to our first Civil War Days at nearby Connor Prairie. This is our third year to attempt to go and the first that hasn't been rained out. Though it was quite chilly and included all the joys of mock-five winds, we were happy to see a little sunshine and finally enjoy our first battle re-enactment.

As you can see, son was geared up and raring to go!

We ran into Abraham Lincoln right off the bat.
Daughter was a wee-bit shy!

He did a fabulous job with his presentation. People, mostly kids, asked some tough questions and he never flinched. At one point he took off his hat and dropped letters out of it. This guy's attention to detail was really good!

I was waiting to ask him what his favorite book was. Before I got the chance, he began talking about how his mother had taught him from the Bible and had asked him, on her death bed, to always follow its truths. I was stunned, but pleased! Only one couple got up and left.

Son gave his rapt attention to the words of this famous president.

Then it was gun time. I'm not sure who was more interested...son or husband!

We saw the rank and file as the northern troops had their drill practice.

And we huddled together to keep warm.
We were absolutely frozen!

A little artillery practice.

My sweet family!

The re-enactment was a bit hard to see, but we were still able to make out what was happening. I was a bit disappointed that it was more of a "demonstration" and less of an actual "enactment". I'm a newbie!The cavalry action was the most visible, and thus the most exciting!
We did see a "deserter" who was shot in the back. Ewww!

Oh.
And it was loud.
Some people just don't like "loud"! :)

Next Year's "School" Calendar

Like most things "homeschooling", it's taken me a while to catch on to the fact that I really do need a set calendar for the year. That is, unless I want to be frustrated and guilty every time we collapse from overdoing, only to realize it's because we haven't taken a much needed breathing break.

So what does the "perfect" calendar look like to me? It starts early. Ends early. Has plenty of kid and mommy breaks. Allows for "surprises". Fits with holidays. And did I mention, ends early? As in May?!

So the plan is to start the first Monday in August and be done by Memorial Day. In between, we'll have one-week breaks every seven to eight weeks. We'll also schedule every other Friday as a M.U.D day. Make Up Day. As in buffer. As in "I'm on my period" day, or we're going to the zoo. Know what I mean?

I printed out this wonderful blank calendar from Donna Young, and marked it up first with holidays and birthdays that we take off. These include the biggies and a couple others. Then I went through and counted weeks to see where week eight would fall. On the second eight week period, the break would fall the week after Thanksgiving week, so I adjusted the period to seven weeks so we can have Thanksgiving week off. I did this for the rest of the year, watching my holidays.

I then counted up my days to be sure we would meet the requirements for our state. We have 9 extra days. By the way, a lady who works with my husband told him that her neighbors had to spend the night in jail because their son had too many absent days at school, not meeting the "requirements". I'm not sure I believe it, but it wouldn't really surprise me.

With that done, I turned my attention to the fun stuff. That would be the Fun Days Calendar. I only have the rest of this calendar year available, so I went through it picking fun days to remember or celebrate in some memorable fashion. One example of a fun day I shared was this. Here's what I'm looking at:

August
5: National Friendship Day
17: Davy Crockett Day
19: Potato Day (I'm picturing hash browns for breakfast, french fries for lunch, and Crash Hot Potatoes for dinner!)

September
3: Wizard of Oz (published) Day
13: Chocolate Day
17: Constitution Day
18: National Play Doh Day
22: National Elephant Appreciation Day
23: First Day of Autumn
24: Dr. Seuss Day
26: Johnny Appleseed Day

October
10: Pac Man Day
16: Dictionary Day
21: Apple Day
22: Nut Day
25: Make a Difference Day
31: Reformation Day

November
3: National Sandwich Day
11: Mayflower Compact (signed) Day
14 Teddy Bear Day; & Claude Monet Day
17: Homemade Bread Day
19: Gettysburg Address Day
24: Creation Day (in response to Darwin Day)
26: Charles Schultz (Peanuts) Day

December
2: International Day to remember the abolition of slavery
4: Monopoly Day; & National Cookie Day
16: Boston Tea Party Day
17: Maple Syrup Day
21: Pilgrim's Landing at Plymouth Day
22: Beatrix Potter (death) Day
28: Pledge of Allegiance (recognized by Congress) Day
30 Rudyard Kipling Day

BTW, August 31st is International Blog Day!

As you can imagine, some will only bear*** mentioning, while others will be "celebrated" (Cookie Day!!! Mmmm!) We had a lot of fun with these, this past year. They don't take much time and we all enjoy them. I have some we'll enjoy over the summer as well.

So that's how my next year's calendar came to be...and before the year even starts! Now that's progress!

***FYI:

BEAR/BARE

There are actually three words here. The simple one is the big growly creature (unless you prefer the Winnie-the-Pooh type). Hardly anyone past the age of ten gets that one wrong. The problem is the other two. Stevedores bear burdens on their backs and mothers bear children. Both mean “carry” (in the case of mothers, the meaning has been extended from carrying the child during pregnancy to actually giving birth). But strippers bare their bodies—sometimes bare-naked. The confusion between this latter verb and “bear” creates many unintentionally amusing sentences; so if you want to entertain your readers while convincing them that you are a dolt, by all means mix them up. “Bear with me,” the standard expression, is a request for forbearance or patience. “Bare with me” would be an invitation to undress. “Bare” has an adjectival form: “The pioneers stripped the forest bare.”

First Harvest

I've been told that nothing tastes as good as that which comes from your own garden.
We are all in agreement!
Yes.
Even me!

Nine & Five

Fourth grade/Nine Years Old:

Bible & Character: Judah Bible, 4th year
History: Truthquest History, American History for Young Students Vol. III
Geography: Trailguide to U.S. Geography (1st half of states) and in conjunction with Cantering the Country; Indiana State History & Geography (extended study)
Literature: Poetry of Eugene Field, Lewis Carroll, William Wordsworth, & Alfred Noyes & Charles Dickens, Heidi, Hans Brinker & the Silver Skates, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, Treasure Island & The Secret Garden
Math: Right Start, Level E
Spelling: Spell to Write and Read
Writing: Institute for Excellence in Writing, (cross curricular)
Art: Artistic Pursuits, Book 2
Music: Opal Wheeler books, & Music & Moments with the Master
Science: Exploring Creation with Botany, by Jeannie Fulbright
Typing: Computer program

Also using: Copywork, Narration, Memorization, Art Appreciation Calendar, Calendar Fun, Hymn Study, Poem a Day & introducing journaling.

Pre-K/Kindergarten/5 years old:

Bible & Character: Noah Plan Kindergarten Lessons
History: Noah Plan Kindergarten Lessons (emphasis on what History is)
Literature: Noah Plan Kindergarten Lessons: Lullabies, Poetry of Christina Rosetti, Fairy Tales, Mother Goose, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit, Aesops Fables, Uncle Remus, Bambi, Little House in the Big Woods & possible FIAR selections
Math: Right Start, Level A
Spelling, Reading: Spell to Write and Read
Penmanship: Cursive First, w/emphasis on manuscript

And if she is so inclined to join her brother...
Art: Artistic Pursuits, Book 2
Music: Opal Wheeler books, & Music & Moments with the Master
Science: Exploring Creation with Botany, by Jeannie Fulbright
Geography: Trailguide to U.S. Geography (1st half of states) and in conjunction with Cantering the Country; Indiana State History & Geography (extended study)

I Didn't Expect to Like It

I'm reading a book that I not only expected to not like, I expected to loathe it and confirm pre-conceived, negative ideas that I had gained from the rumor mill.

The book is "Created to Be His Help Meet" by Debi Pearl. I'm pleased to tell you that I really love this book! I'm very excited about the material presented--the Biblical role of women--and seeing myself in light of all scripture; better understanding how and why God made me.

It shouldn't surprise me at this place in my life, that much of what I've been taught has been scripturally depleat or out of context. It shouldn't surprise me that I've never heard much of this before, though it is very familiar. If you've read this book, you'll know exactly what I mean. If you haven't yet picked it up, I hope that you will. Upon examination, you will be challenged and find yourself in a very new place.

Mulling The Life

There are so many things I'm mulling over at the moment...

• What to feed my family during the summer months.
• What NOT to feed my family during the summer months.
• The continuing process of planning for fall lessons.
• The excitement of summer and a more relaxed schedule.
• Being less busy and more able to spend fun time with family and friends.
• Reading more.
• Getting off sugar again.
• Finishing my flower beds.
• Being a better help meet.
• Etcetera. Etcetera.

The thing that constantly amazes me is how busy we are. We don't do a lot of sports teams or lessons. We are not shoppers. We don't just "go" for the sake of "going". We invented the Staycation! We are just busy. The days and weeks fly by and I can't catch them. I would like things to slow down a bit. There is always a thousand things to do. There are always frustrations regarding the undone 999. I long to be still. Tranquility seems elusive, yet I know exactly where it is.

Why don't I go there? Why won't I rest in the Master's hands? How we must grieve our Heavenly Father with our attention to the details of life and our lack of attention to the details of The Life.

Father, hear my prayers!

IEW: Whooohoo!

This year's convention brought a couple of surprises my way. One of which, though wasn't new to me, was certainly an unexpected pleasure: The Institute for Excellence in Writing.
I've heard of this program for years and I've read several people rant and rave about how good it is. I even stopped at their booth a couple of years ago. I confess that at the time, I didn't understand a word of it. Nor have I been able to make heads or tales of their catalog/newsletter which I've been receiving since then.

It wasn't until a friend took me aside and explained it and introduced me to a gal in the booth, that I was able to hear what the concept was that I was not getting. The concept that would allow me to understand the whole program.

It was really very simple, but my own preconceived ideas and thoughts about writing were keeping me from seeing it. I was getting in my own way...again! I hate that when it happens!

I began watching the DVD teaching series the other day and was having quite a few "aahhh" moments. My son is most assuredly a reluctant writer...unless. Unless he is excited to write something down. He has very good penmanship and he's a good speller. What I hadn't considered was how difficult it is for young children to complete a thought transferable to paper. That it actually uses several skills rather than just "doing" it, as I would.

Andrew Pudewa, the speaker on the DVD's, also challenged my thinking on the importance of penmanship as opposed to typing. Though we have done a little typing program, I've been resistant to the idea of replacing handwriting with it, because of my stubborn leanings regarding the passing of penmanship into oblivion and the idea that if he learns to type, he'll never have good penmanship. Reality check: one doesn't have much to do with the other.

I think we are going to get a lot of help from this program. He described my son to a tee, so I know that son's straight on, though I haven't known how to help him.

I'm encouraged. Though the initial outlay was steep, I see that this program is for the long haul. I'll even benefit from it. Yeah! So, I believe it will be worth it. I have to add that when I was at the convention and in their booth, there were a lot of happy people stopping by to say how happy they were with the program! That was encouraging. I'm sure I'll have more to say on this in the near future.

Strategy

It's funny what you can get away with when you don't tell your children what you are up to. My son had no idea I was doubling his math lessons for the past week or so. He's had no idea that I waited till his favorite part of math--geometry--to pile it on just so we could finish sooner.

He knows now. He was so surprised and delighted to find out he was doing so much more than he thought. AND, that he was going to be finishing lessons sooner because of it.

Strategy. We moms can use a little strategy now and then, don't you think? Now if I can just think of a strategic way to get everything else done...

Granola Glorious

So.

Homemade granola is just about the best thing in the world...or the worst, depending on the recipe! This recipe rocks! I've taken my old recipe and tweaked it with a very yummy outcome.

In a turkey roasting pan (with light spray of butter or no-stick magunga) mix 6 cups of whole oats, 1/3 c coconut oil, 1/4 sucanat brown sugar, and 1/2 c raw or natural honey.

Bake for 10 min at 350. Stir. Bake for another 10 min.

Then add 1c chopped walnuts, 2/3 to 1c slivered almonds (or pumpkin seeds), 1 generous tsp of cinnamon, 4 generous pinches of coarse sea salt (or kosher salt) AND 1-2 tsp of vanilla! Yummy! Mix good. Bake 10 min. Stir. Cool. Gobble up. No need to ever pay THOSE prices for store-bought granola again!

It's that simple.

Sad Morning

Our house is very somber this morning as we grieve for the Chapman family and their loss of little Maria.

As many fans, we feel "related" to our favorite Christian artist and can't even begin to fathom the anguish they are experiencing today.

Our prayers are with them; particularly for their son who was behind the wheel. How he must feel, I can only imagine.

It's amazing how this has affected our emotions this morning. All the horrors that accompany the thought of losing a child. The fact that she was our daughter's age. The whole driveway thing. It will be hard to not think about it for awhile.

But their hope is in Christ...He enfolds them in His arms and lifts them up. I have no doubt they will look to Him for their comfort. I have no doubt that they will find it there, however long it takes.

CON II

As in Chronicles of Narnia, second installment: Prince Caspian.

Son dutifully completed his reading of the book just in time for the mid-afternoon matinée on opening day. The moment we'd awaited had finally arrived!

We loved the movie because it's Narnia and C.S. Lewis. We (I, I, I!!!) did not like the typical, ever-present...why do they have to do that?...nasty "Disney" kiss. They had to ruin a perfectly good movie.

I said--out loud (because that's what I do!), "Well, C.S. Lewis just turned over in his grave!" I got a couple of nods of agreement with that one.

Truly though, the movie was very good. I don't think the people making it have any idea, really, what they are dealing with in the area of spiritual and Biblical allegory. If they did, I'm sure it wouldn't be there at all. But, we so enjoyed the struggle of the "children" as they sought to fight a battle "on their own". "In their own power" and "in their own way." And, of course, the consequences. C.S. Lewis was a brilliant man and I have no doubt, God used and will continue to greatly use his offerings.

You'll enjoy the movie! Oh, and the music was wonderful! Looking forward to getting my hands on more of that!

Dreaming of Summer: The List

Wake me when summer gets here!

It has been so miserably gray and cold. I broke out the 'ole cumfy sweater the other day. Even though it just hit 60 degrees, it felt like it was barely 50. The rain and wind has just kept coming...so has the hot tea. We've had just enough teasing to get us dreaming of summer.

So we've been working on the list. Every year our family tradition is to make a summer list. It's a list of things we really want to do, accomplish, places we want to go, and people we want to see. We started this when son was two. It's really been a blessing! In the past we have posted it prominently and enjoyed crossing off things as they have come about. Usually, we start making the list about February! That way, as we compile our ideas, we don't have too skimpy of a list ! ;)

It's growing longer each day and we look forward to posting it the day we finish our lessons--currently set for June 20th! I'm not sure, but the first thing we'll do will be outside! Hopefully, it'll involve a pool!

On our list, we have things in the following categories:

• Field trips we didn't get to this year--mostly history related and somewhat local.
• Festivals. We just haven't been to enough festivals!
• Visits with friends we rarely see.
• Other things we've put off like experiments from our Flying Creatures book.
• Strengthening our milestones: swimming, golfing, biking, dancing, basketball, picture taking.
  
• Reading, reading, reading!
• Gardening, and more gardening.

Our purposes are as important as the specifics:

• To glorify God in all we think and do.
• To be together.
• To continue to grow and learn.
• To be a blessing to others.

I encourage you to give this a try! Our whole family enjoys the process and the outcome!

Where You Are

When I was on staff with Campus Crusade, everything was about "going". As you can imagine. Going, sending, going, sending. Nothing wrong with that. I was there because that was where God wanted me at the time. But I'm not there now. I'm here. In my house in suburbia with my husband and children; homeschooling and being a child of the King, regardless of my rather obvious imperfections.

I remember during that long ago time (as a very young woman), struggling with the fact that my very Godly father wasn't a "missionary"...he was a "businessman"--just a businesssman. There was something in the environment in which I was entrenched that, though it was subtle and probably unintentional, suggested that unless you were on the "mission field", living on raised financial support, you were missing "the mark". It was then that I began to understand what the "mission field" really was and what it wasn't.

It wasn't elusive. It wasn't always in a foreign land. It wasn't for just the elite, or the unemployed. It wasn't just for the college graduate. It was in a music store in a small town. It was anywhere a person in submission to Christ was sharing His glory. Even if it wasn't with a little yellow booklet (The Four Spiritual Laws), but by word and deed. It was life in Christ.

In a recent article in Homeschooling Today magazine, there was an interview with Steve Saint. Remember him? Nate Saint's son? "End of the Spear"? Jim Elliot? The man who took his family to the jungles of Ecuador to minister to the tribe that murdered his father and five other men back in the 60's? Well, the article entitled, "Go, Make Disciples", by Mark Robinette, has several excellent quotes. One that really struck me was when he talked about how God gives us His Word, wise parents and counsel as our "fences", or boundaries and then God says (and this is Steve's quote), "'Here's your pasture.' Our job is to be faithful where He put us."

He then goes on to say, "Every assignment from God is an adventure worth taking seriously, whether it takes you to a jungle an office, or your own living room where you are teaching your children."

I love this assignment from God that I am on! He meets our daily needs. He encourages and teaches us daily. He guides, directs, strengthens, upholds us in His hands. He IS the Good Shepherd. And...He loves us. Apart from Him we are nothing. I'm grateful for my experiences in various mission "pastures", but I'm more thankful that I can teach these Biblical truths to my children.

The grass is not greener in any other pasture!

Recognizing the Question

We started our school day as usual. Prayer, memorization practice from our card files, singing and Bible time. But daughter had a question. "When can I put cards in my box?"

I know that she has been an eager 4yo. Eager to learn. Eager to do what brother does. So to answer her eagerness, I told her how in the fall she would be doing more school with brother.

She agreed and the conversation went back to our place amidst our daily routine.

It wasn't until I "woke up" the next morning that it hit me. She wasn't asking about the box. She was asking to memorize scripture. She wanted her own Bible verses to practice. She wanted to really learn what her bubba was learning. I missed it.

I didn't recognize the question.

So I talked with her about it, and we learned a verse together. She skipped away with a smile on her face. We'll add a card to her box and it will find it's place front and center beginning immediately. This is the day the Lord has made!