Well, we had a weekend of weekends here! It was dress rehearsals and recitals this week. Can I tell you the kids absolutely loved the recital. They have that glow of satisfaction that comes from working hard all year and doing well whenit counts. The requests are now for more and more hip hop! Oh boy, for next year's schedule!
I wanted to stop by and mention that the Schoolhouse online Expo starts tomorrow. I'm glad many of you have got your tickets in hand. So it's online, you have your tickets in your In-box? Anyway, don't forget to stop by the Schoolhouse Expo's website. Did you see all of the vendors?! My curriculum budget is burning a hole in my proverbial pocket! There are lots of sales and deals to be had, be sure to stop by. Oh! And since you have your tickets, don't forget to check out the door prize tab. (You can find it here: http://www.schoolhouseexpo.com/?page_id=10155) I have been eyeing several items with great anticipation! IEW is giving away their Teacher and Student writing intensive program, Math-U-See is giving away one full level (love it!), and Bright Ideas is offering their Wonder Maps software. Eeek! There are so many other items there that have me in a tither! I feel like I'm eight years old, hopping out of my seat in class, yelling "Pick me, pick me!"
One last thing and then it's off to workout tonight (trying to make sure my shape is one that will actually fit in my shorts this summer). There is going to be three scavenger hunts in the vendor hall starting tomorrow -- 1 will be specially focused on the college "stuff." Have a terrific night. We've got a field trip and then I will hope to "see" you tomorrow at the Expo!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Flash in the Pan!
May is just one of those months! April begins the rush and by the time May hits we have full momentum! I have had a trip out of town, my husband had surgery, and now the kids are in the final stretch leading up to dance rehearsals. Add to that the garden prep for growing, planning the addition of chickens to our ever growing pet family, laundry, dishes, and everyday housework... Oh, and homeschooling too! Whew! I need a break!
I wanted to remind you friends of two things -- taking time out by yourself is not for yourself. If you do not keep yourself in tip top shape (or as close to it as you can), then you cannot care for those who depend on you. Also, you must feed your spirit and mind!
You are very valuable to the people around you. You are extremely valuable to the One Who has made you. Take a moment to rest. Be assured, you are worth it!
On that note, I'm looking forward to two homeschooling conventions next week to re-charge. The INCH conference will be in Lansing next weekend -- praise the Lord! Two nights away to spend thinking, planning and wondering about the guys I'm escaping! Also at the beginning of the week is the Homeschool Expo's Homeschooling with Heart Conference. I tried to warn you, but the live tickets are completely sold out. Don't despair though, there are Expo to Go tickets still available. You get the MP3's and as much time as you need to work through the conferences. One last thing, there is a terrific tab on the Schoolhouse Expo site labeled "Vendors". Maybe on your "break" you could stop on by. There are so many terrific sponsors and products! I've gotten many great ideas for this summer's school (shh... don't tell the kids) from them! Check out the link on the side of my blog. I'll "see" you there!
I wanted to remind you friends of two things -- taking time out by yourself is not for yourself. If you do not keep yourself in tip top shape (or as close to it as you can), then you cannot care for those who depend on you. Also, you must feed your spirit and mind!
You are very valuable to the people around you. You are extremely valuable to the One Who has made you. Take a moment to rest. Be assured, you are worth it!
On that note, I'm looking forward to two homeschooling conventions next week to re-charge. The INCH conference will be in Lansing next weekend -- praise the Lord! Two nights away to spend thinking, planning and wondering about the guys I'm escaping! Also at the beginning of the week is the Homeschool Expo's Homeschooling with Heart Conference. I tried to warn you, but the live tickets are completely sold out. Don't despair though, there are Expo to Go tickets still available. You get the MP3's and as much time as you need to work through the conferences. One last thing, there is a terrific tab on the Schoolhouse Expo site labeled "Vendors". Maybe on your "break" you could stop on by. There are so many terrific sponsors and products! I've gotten many great ideas for this summer's school (shh... don't tell the kids) from them! Check out the link on the side of my blog. I'll "see" you there!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
There's Order in This?!
I answered the phone, the dogs started barking (at someone turning into the neighbor's driveway) which scared our toddler, who then started crying, prompting our oldest to holler at the dogs to stop barking. Ah, the tranquility of home -- HA! I am always amazed that in the midst of what can seem to be total upheaval, there in the midst, if we look hard enough, we can see God working out His mighty plan in each of us.
If I took a glance I might be quick to think that there was simply mayhem in my home last night. But when I looked again I saw many things at once. A gal called to help me arrange a few details for today, what kindness. The dogs were fulfilling their roles as protectors of our home, doing their very doggy best to keep us safe. Our toddler wanted comfort in his momma's arms. We all need a soft place to land. Lastly our oldest, he was defending the quiet serenity of our home (ha, ha) and his youngest brother against those unsettling elements. How nice that he wasn't faulting his little brother for the racket and instead seeking to comfort him. Order amidst chaos at a second glance.
I had a jaunt through the Bible the other day I wanted to share. It seems so very little and maybe it won't be a huge eye-opener to you, but I was blown away. We're in a Bible study that recently covered the book of Hosea. I came across Hosea 2:9, "Therefore I will take back My grain at harvest time and My new wine in its season. I will also take away My wool and My flax given to cover her nakedness." I wrote my answer on my study worksheet and felt the whisper, "What are the harvest seasons in Israel?" My curiosity piqued, I turned to Google. I found out flax is harvested first(Feb/Mar), then barley(Mar to Mid-May), followed by wheat(May to Mid-Jul) and lastly grapes(Jul to Oct). Also, wool shearing months in Israel are May and June. What's the big deal to all the dates? Do you see the order? The Israelites who were in the both the height of moral depravity and prosperity were going to experience an on-going year of lack -- one failed crop after another.
If I was an Israelite at the time, I wonder what that progression of lack would have looked and felt like? Would I have seen God's hand? Most likely not. I would have felt the chaos of, "What is happening?!" Okay, wait, no I did not write this to be a big bummer. You see, I saw in this execution of judgement God's perfect order to the day and seasons, months and years. If I can remember to change perspective and remember that He is God. If I can remember that my attitude, perspective, state-of-mind can impact the day, then maybe the phone ringing, dogs barking, toddler crying, son yelling will not seem all that chaotic. Maybe I'll take a moment, breathe deeply, and re-evaluate the order that is just below first glance.
Lord, help us all to see the order You place in our days. Help us to see from Your perspective that not all things are as they first appear. Give us the courage to look again, and respond from the second (or third) glance.
Quick note to my homeschooling friends: What I shared above is one of those quick anecdotes that God deposits to help spur me on. However, this is also the time of year where I start to sweat. Not that sweet "glisten" we all joked about in school, but the oh-so-gross dripping, running sweat. Have I reached my goals? Do my kids know what they are supposed to know? How do I know what I'm doing is enough?! AH!!! Deep breath. Remember God. Remember His encouragement. Zan Tyler, in her book 7 Tools For Cultivating Your Child's Potential, says, "When the home is functioning optimally the schooling occurs much more naturally." That's right. I'm raising children to fulfill God's call on their lives, to serve and worship Him in whatever task He has for them. That could be rocket design, veterinary work, building maintenance or mud puddle exploration (a.k.a. frog hunting). I want to encourage you, if you are having those mild (or not so mild) periods of February doldrums or even worse, panic attacks as to whether you've hit the academic mark this year, head over to the Schoolhouse Expo website and register for this May's conference. Zan Tyler spoke this last fall giving me the encouragement I needed. There will be many fanstastic speakers at the Schoolhouse Expo in May providing great insight and many opportunities to "breath deeply."
I found out this week that there are only about 300 spots left. If you want to attend, best hop out there right quick and secure your spot. Here's a link to speed you along: http://www.schoolhouseexpo.com/ Oh, if you don't think you can make the Expo live, take a look over here: http://bit.ly/ExpoGo You can order your
Expo-to-Go mp3's now and get oodles of great goodies free!
If I took a glance I might be quick to think that there was simply mayhem in my home last night. But when I looked again I saw many things at once. A gal called to help me arrange a few details for today, what kindness. The dogs were fulfilling their roles as protectors of our home, doing their very doggy best to keep us safe. Our toddler wanted comfort in his momma's arms. We all need a soft place to land. Lastly our oldest, he was defending the quiet serenity of our home (ha, ha) and his youngest brother against those unsettling elements. How nice that he wasn't faulting his little brother for the racket and instead seeking to comfort him. Order amidst chaos at a second glance.
I had a jaunt through the Bible the other day I wanted to share. It seems so very little and maybe it won't be a huge eye-opener to you, but I was blown away. We're in a Bible study that recently covered the book of Hosea. I came across Hosea 2:9, "Therefore I will take back My grain at harvest time and My new wine in its season. I will also take away My wool and My flax given to cover her nakedness." I wrote my answer on my study worksheet and felt the whisper, "What are the harvest seasons in Israel?" My curiosity piqued, I turned to Google. I found out flax is harvested first(Feb/Mar), then barley(Mar to Mid-May), followed by wheat(May to Mid-Jul) and lastly grapes(Jul to Oct). Also, wool shearing months in Israel are May and June. What's the big deal to all the dates? Do you see the order? The Israelites who were in the both the height of moral depravity and prosperity were going to experience an on-going year of lack -- one failed crop after another.
If I was an Israelite at the time, I wonder what that progression of lack would have looked and felt like? Would I have seen God's hand? Most likely not. I would have felt the chaos of, "What is happening?!" Okay, wait, no I did not write this to be a big bummer. You see, I saw in this execution of judgement God's perfect order to the day and seasons, months and years. If I can remember to change perspective and remember that He is God. If I can remember that my attitude, perspective, state-of-mind can impact the day, then maybe the phone ringing, dogs barking, toddler crying, son yelling will not seem all that chaotic. Maybe I'll take a moment, breathe deeply, and re-evaluate the order that is just below first glance.
Lord, help us all to see the order You place in our days. Help us to see from Your perspective that not all things are as they first appear. Give us the courage to look again, and respond from the second (or third) glance.
Quick note to my homeschooling friends: What I shared above is one of those quick anecdotes that God deposits to help spur me on. However, this is also the time of year where I start to sweat. Not that sweet "glisten" we all joked about in school, but the oh-so-gross dripping, running sweat. Have I reached my goals? Do my kids know what they are supposed to know? How do I know what I'm doing is enough?! AH!!! Deep breath. Remember God. Remember His encouragement. Zan Tyler, in her book 7 Tools For Cultivating Your Child's Potential, says, "When the home is functioning optimally the schooling occurs much more naturally." That's right. I'm raising children to fulfill God's call on their lives, to serve and worship Him in whatever task He has for them. That could be rocket design, veterinary work, building maintenance or mud puddle exploration (a.k.a. frog hunting). I want to encourage you, if you are having those mild (or not so mild) periods of February doldrums or even worse, panic attacks as to whether you've hit the academic mark this year, head over to the Schoolhouse Expo website and register for this May's conference. Zan Tyler spoke this last fall giving me the encouragement I needed. There will be many fanstastic speakers at the Schoolhouse Expo in May providing great insight and many opportunities to "breath deeply."
I found out this week that there are only about 300 spots left. If you want to attend, best hop out there right quick and secure your spot. Here's a link to speed you along: http://www.schoolhouseexpo.com/ Oh, if you don't think you can make the Expo live, take a look over here: http://bit.ly/ExpoGo You can order your
Expo-to-Go mp3's now and get oodles of great goodies free!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Schoolhouse Expo Teen Track
I am one of those folks that believes we should equip our children, through education and opportunities, to take over the world when they become grown. Now, I don't mean take over the world like a dictator. What I do mean, is that our children can greatly begin to change the world around them at this age, now, as teens, tweens and any other age they hit before they are labeled "adult."
Here is a great article from Gena Suarez, publisher of The Old Schoolhouse magazine. It's a great article about providing entrepreneurial opportunities for your almost adult children. There's another opportunity to educate through incredible speakers with the Schoolhouse Expo's Teen Track. Remember, homeschooling is often a fast track opportunity for children of any age to experience real life situations with the safety of parental oversight and encouragement. With a range of experiences available, who needs to wait for a college program that simulates a business, when you can start now?
What about school you ask? Math? Writing? Economics? Government? Socialization? You need to hit those basics! Really? Have you ever tried to develop, market and sell a product? It includes all of those great "subjects" without the heavy handed textbook that weighs down the eyelids. What a great opportunity to challenge your child! Did I mention, they will also have classes on earning college credit while in high school, writing timed essays, self-motivation, etc. You and your students do not want to miss this Schoolhouse Expo Teen Track!
Check out Gena Suarez's article here http://bit.ly/gwe2fw. Oh and remember, if you are unable to attend the live broadcast of the Teen Track, the MP3's are given as part of your admission ticket. Might want to get that ticket soon, the early bird price of $19.50 is good only a bit longer (and there are only about 1200 tickets left -- yikes!).
Here is a great article from Gena Suarez, publisher of The Old Schoolhouse magazine. It's a great article about providing entrepreneurial opportunities for your almost adult children. There's another opportunity to educate through incredible speakers with the Schoolhouse Expo's Teen Track. Remember, homeschooling is often a fast track opportunity for children of any age to experience real life situations with the safety of parental oversight and encouragement. With a range of experiences available, who needs to wait for a college program that simulates a business, when you can start now?
What about school you ask? Math? Writing? Economics? Government? Socialization? You need to hit those basics! Really? Have you ever tried to develop, market and sell a product? It includes all of those great "subjects" without the heavy handed textbook that weighs down the eyelids. What a great opportunity to challenge your child! Did I mention, they will also have classes on earning college credit while in high school, writing timed essays, self-motivation, etc. You and your students do not want to miss this Schoolhouse Expo Teen Track!
Check out Gena Suarez's article here http://bit.ly/gwe2fw. Oh and remember, if you are unable to attend the live broadcast of the Teen Track, the MP3's are given as part of your admission ticket. Might want to get that ticket soon, the early bird price of $19.50 is good only a bit longer (and there are only about 1200 tickets left -- yikes!).
Saturday, January 29, 2011
We have a winner!
Hi Everyone!
Thank you to everyone who has entered our drawing for the Schoolhouse Expo! We have contacted our winner by e-mail (so quick go check it might be you)!
Have a terrific weekend!
Thank you to everyone who has entered our drawing for the Schoolhouse Expo! We have contacted our winner by e-mail (so quick go check it might be you)!
Have a terrific weekend!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Let's Get Encouraged! Schoolhouse Expo Giveaway!!!
I don't know about you, but this is the time of year that I start to feel challenged about Homeschooling. Not a bit challenged, I mean it's more like, "Egad, run for the hills!" However, it is my job to remember the Lord has not called me to anything He has not already prepared me for. And fortunately for me, and you, He provides encouragement along the way.
One source of encouragement that He has set along my path is the Schoolhouse Expo. Now, May might be some months away yet, but they started selling the tickets for this online webinar this week. AND I have one ticket to give away. This ticket includes entrance, all of the freebies and copies of the MP3's from each session. There are also a couple of pre-show sessions in the weeks leading up to the Expo. Oh! There are also door prizes for each session. (Quick note, US & Canadian residents are eligible for all prizes. However, anyone outside of the U.S. or Canada are eligible for the downloads but not any physical prizes that need to be mailed.)
I attended both Schoolhouse Expos last year and they were well worth the investment! The great part was (besides all the freebies) everyone in the family got to hear what the speakers were sharing. It led to great family discussions about why we homeschool, what our worldview is, how to serve others...etc.
Everyone who leaves a comment here on this post or sends me a note on Facebook about the Expo by midnight Friday, January 28th will be entered! To get more information on this terrific tool, checkout the link on the side of this page. Be quick! I will draw a winner from all of the entries Saturday morning and post it here around 12:00 pm EST! Remember to check back on Saturday to find out if you are our winner!
One source of encouragement that He has set along my path is the Schoolhouse Expo. Now, May might be some months away yet, but they started selling the tickets for this online webinar this week. AND I have one ticket to give away. This ticket includes entrance, all of the freebies and copies of the MP3's from each session. There are also a couple of pre-show sessions in the weeks leading up to the Expo. Oh! There are also door prizes for each session. (Quick note, US & Canadian residents are eligible for all prizes. However, anyone outside of the U.S. or Canada are eligible for the downloads but not any physical prizes that need to be mailed.)
I attended both Schoolhouse Expos last year and they were well worth the investment! The great part was (besides all the freebies) everyone in the family got to hear what the speakers were sharing. It led to great family discussions about why we homeschool, what our worldview is, how to serve others...etc.
Everyone who leaves a comment here on this post or sends me a note on Facebook about the Expo by midnight Friday, January 28th will be entered! To get more information on this terrific tool, checkout the link on the side of this page. Be quick! I will draw a winner from all of the entries Saturday morning and post it here around 12:00 pm EST! Remember to check back on Saturday to find out if you are our winner!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
It's a Hole in One!
Well, here we are at the end of January. I just watched "Julie and Julia" this weekend. What a fun and encouraging movie! Maybe it was because I had spent the last 24 hours cleaning up from a two year old with the flu, but I felt inspired to start a blog of my own. I don't know what insight a mom of three boys can add to the constant barrage of information on the web, but I'll have a go at it!
Check out this ancient Hebrew proverb, "Happy the generation where the great listen to the small, for it follows that in such a generation the small will listen to the great." Do you remember being young (or younger) and wanting so badly to share something you learned only to be dismissed without the chance to share? What a bummer! And now, when that person wants to share with you, how do you respond? Is it the same way? Guard up, ears closed, "Sorry, too busy here. Gee, how nice you have an opinion, I've more important things to do." Here we are in a society so itching to validate and give a person worth through programs and strategies. How many books will we write to all different generations trying to tell them their worth? Maybe just five minutes listening would make all the difference?
I could use to take the five minutes, between dishes and dirty diapers; to stop, make eye contact, and actually listen. Not that funny time where my face is positioned for listening, but my mind is on all of the other uncompleted tasks. Real listening -- where I am completely engaged in what someone else is saying. Taking time to stop and share in someone's life and the elements that make it exciting for them. I need to do this more. Hit the "pause" button and listen.
I pray today that you are able to share with someone who actually hears what you are saying. I pray you are able to share yourself with another and experience the love of Christ through listening and hearing what is said by another.
Check out this ancient Hebrew proverb, "Happy the generation where the great listen to the small, for it follows that in such a generation the small will listen to the great." Do you remember being young (or younger) and wanting so badly to share something you learned only to be dismissed without the chance to share? What a bummer! And now, when that person wants to share with you, how do you respond? Is it the same way? Guard up, ears closed, "Sorry, too busy here. Gee, how nice you have an opinion, I've more important things to do." Here we are in a society so itching to validate and give a person worth through programs and strategies. How many books will we write to all different generations trying to tell them their worth? Maybe just five minutes listening would make all the difference?
I could use to take the five minutes, between dishes and dirty diapers; to stop, make eye contact, and actually listen. Not that funny time where my face is positioned for listening, but my mind is on all of the other uncompleted tasks. Real listening -- where I am completely engaged in what someone else is saying. Taking time to stop and share in someone's life and the elements that make it exciting for them. I need to do this more. Hit the "pause" button and listen.
I pray today that you are able to share with someone who actually hears what you are saying. I pray you are able to share yourself with another and experience the love of Christ through listening and hearing what is said by another.
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