Possibilities

Exodus 35:30-35

Bezalel and Oholiab

³⁰ Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, ³¹ and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— ³² to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, ³³ to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. ³⁴ And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. ³⁵ He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.

 Isn't this the coolest?!  I love how it says that the LORD has done these things.  

He has given His Spirit.  He has given Wisdom.  He has given understanding and knowledge.

He has given His people skills.  All kinds of skills!

 This is exciting stuff!  God has a purpose and direction for each of our lives.

How can we use our skills to glorify God today?

How can we help our children discover what gifts God has given them?  And then, how can we give them opportunities to use those skills in this beautiful life?

 Excited about the possibilities,

  

Recommendations and lots of pictures

We've been listening to Redrock Mysteries as a family for awhile now.  The kids (especially the older two, ages 9 and 11) really like it.  If you click on the link above, you can download each book for a fee.  (By the way, I'm not recommending this because I get money if you order.  This is just something we enjoy.)

Fourth of July parade with my side of the family.  Cousins!

 During our Bible reading one evening, Nate started singing the Psalm, which the kids thought was HILARIOUS.

 

The top two books have been what I've been reading for myself.  I recently finished Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson and it was great.  I can't think of a book of hers that I don't like.

I just started the middle book and so far it has captured my attention.  It's one of those books I don't want to put down.

The last book in the stack is a book I've been slowly reading to the kids.  My first and third born enjoy it.  The others usually listen for a bit and then run downstairs to play.  :)

Pros and Cons of Homeschooling

I really like this post written by Jamie from The Unlikely Homechool.

It states, very well, how I feel about homeschooling.

 

I'm so glad that the pros outweigh the cons!

 

The kids spread topsoil with me for two days.  Such hard workers!

The kids received a zip line from my parents for Christmas and Nate just put it up.  Fun times!

 

 

 

 

Giving Thanks for...Laundry

"...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

 

 

Feeling grateful and thankful this morning as I fold mounds of laundry and hear the washing machine and dryer continue on.

 

I don't always feel this way about laundry, but today I can't help but think...

 

We are so blessed.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I woke up really early this morning (strange pregnancy hormones) and have already gotten a boat-load of stuff done before the kids have awaken.

 

Or maybe it's because I'm so spiritual.  ;)

 

Either way, I am GIVING THANKS to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for all He has given.

 

Even laundry.

 

Parenting

Reading through a book on parenting for the second time.  I am struck again by the awesome privilege that my husband and I have of raising these children for God's glory.

 
"You must raise your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.  

You cannot do so without investing yourself in a life of sensitive communication in which you help them understand life and God's world.  There is nothing more important.  

You have only a brief season of life to invest yourself in this task. 

You have only one opportunity to do it.  

You cannot go back and do it over...you must, therefore, prioritize.

To do this job of parenting well, it must be a primary task.  

It is your primary calling.

Baby #6 - BOY! - due mid (or late, knowing me) July

...It will mean that you can't develop every interest that comes along.  

The costs are high."

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
(Emphasis mine)

To Avoid or Not to Avoid...Is that the Question?

Totally not related to the post below...but super cute.  ;)

"People who are content with the avoidance ethic generally ask the wrong question about behavior.  They ask, What's wrong with it?  What's wrong with this movie?  Or this music?  Or this game?  Or these companions?  Or this way of relaxing?  Or this investment?  Or this restaurant?  Or shopping at this store?  What's wrong with going to the cabin every weekend?  Or having a cabin?  This kind of question will rarely yield a lifestyle that commends Christ as all-satisfying and makes people glad in God.  It simply results in a list of don'ts.  It feeds the avoidance ethic.

The better questions to ask about possible behaviors is:  How will this help me treasure Christ more?  How will it help me know Christ or display Christ?  The Bible says, 'Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).  So the question is mainly positive, not negative.  How can I portray God as glorious in this action?  How can I enjoy making much of him in this behavior?"

Don't Waste Your Life

John Piper


I recently finished this book, which is full of good stuff.

In this world of...

"Should Christians be watching 50 Shades of Grey's Anatomy or Desperate HouseFriends?",

I find the above quotes very helpful.

The question should not be "Should I watch it?"

The question should be, "How will this help me live for and love Christ more?"

 Asking the correct question helps clarify many things.

 Then, if I find out that this particular activity or entertainment or thing that I own does not help me serve and love God better, then I ask the next question...

"Am I willing to give it up?"  I pray my answer is yes.

Trying to ask more of those types of questions in my own life in all types of circumstances...

Interesting Articles!

A veteran teacher turned coach shadows 2 students for 2 days – a sobering lesson learned.

 

Why Kids Should Learn Cursive (and Math Facts and Word Roots)

 

 

Too funny! (and true...)

I'm not on Facebook anymore, so when I occasionally have the feeling of "I just have to share this!" I usually just have to let it slide.  

But THIS...

It was too good not to share.  

I think that the advice shared in this post, coupled with showing our children how to serve others by serving our families, is great.

 

 

Trim Healthy Mama - Book Review

Have you seen this book yet?

I am finally getting a chance to read it - all 650 pages!

This book is FULL of common sense principles to guide you as you think about and participate in enjoying food while losing weight.

Yes, I said, ENJOYING FOOD WHILE LOSING WEIGHT. 

Sounds good to me since I like to enjoy what I eat.  :)

Pearl and Serene both enjoy food, which is evident by the way they describe the recipes that they include in their book.  It seriously makes my mouth water.  

I've made their Trim and Healthy Pancakes.  They're great!  EVEN my husband liked them, and that's saying something!

I'm only about 100 pages into this book so far, but I've taken lots of notes and am looking forward to learning more as I go along!

When I first sat down to read this book, I had just made myself a snack of one large, toasted bagel with cream cheese and strawberry jelly smeared all over it.  I was also drinking a cup of creamy, sweet, caramel coffee.

What can I say?  I like me some sugar!  But really, sugar isn't good for me, and I know I need to limit it.  I just don't always know how to go about limiting sugars while still having my meals and snacks taste good.

This is why I'm excited about this book!  They have included MANY recipes that they say will help curb my constant desire for sugar, as well as help me feel satisfied, but not deprived.  
  

I have much to learn about how God made our bodies to process foods, why you should eat certain foods and not others, and how to go about consuming foods in a way that doesn't make you feel like you're missing out, but helps you stay healthy and lose weight in the process.

NOT that I'm trying to lose weight now...no.  I'm gaining weight for a pretty good (adorable, so sweet) reason - due in July.

But I am very interested in learning how to eat in a healthy way.

If you're interested in reading some counter-cultural advice with regards to how we consume foods, you'll want to read this book!  It's written in a very conversational, fun manner.  I've enjoyed what I've read so far.

PLUS, I have a friend, Mandi, who has been losing weight just by following these principles.  She was actually losing weight TOO quickly (!!!) so she decided to add in some more "crossover" meals to make sure she was staying healthy.

Amazing!

You can click on the following links to order the book:

http://tinyurl.com/TrimHealthyMamaUS

http://tinyurl.com/TrimHealthyMamaEbook

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  I will receive no other compensation .  All opinions expressed are my own.   

Linked to the HHH 

I wanted a tan, but I ended up with wind burn

When I was in high school, instead of going to Myrtle Beach for Spring Break, my family went on skiing vacations to Colorado or other such COLD vacation spots.

When I'd get back from skiing the slopes, I'd walk the halls at school and see tan lines and white t-shirts sporting the warmth of other, non-skiing vacations.  I may have also been wearing a white t-shirt, but it didn't look nearly as nice with my wind burned cheeks and pasty white arms.

I felt so sorry for myself.

I even remember pouting to my mom while we were on one of those ski trips.  I didn't like to be cold.  I wanted to get a tan and go to the beach and be...like everyone else!

Now, looking back, I see how ungrateful I was.  I didn't realize or appreciate what an incredibly expensive, unique vacation I was given by parents who showered me with love and opportunities. 

Nate and I are going to make decisions for our children that they may not like.  They may pout at times and want something different - something that someone else has or does.

But hopefully, someday, they'll look back on the decisions we made and realize what amazing opportunities they were given.  And how much they were (and are) loved.

  Linked up at the HHH

Saying "Yes"

"Someone who knows that in every hard place is exactly where you extend grace, who looks a hopeful child in the eye and says yes, even though she knows every yes means a mess but this is how you bless"  

Ann Voskamp

"Mom, can I make pancakes for breakfast?"

"Can I play play-doh?"

"We're going to play checkers!"

The snow was up to their knees! 

There's always a wet mess when they come back in.  :)

Uno - A new favorite with the boys that ends up with cards scattered throughout the living room.

Mom, can I (cut up into millions of pieces scraps of fabric to) make my doll a hair thing?

Art time!  Pencils and paper everywhere by the end..

The above quote resonated with me. 

Saying yes to messes is harder on some days than others.

But I'm working on it because I truly do believe that messes bring about creativity and learning in ways that neat and tidy work book pages can't.

And as long as the messes get cleaned up afterwards (preferably by the kids who make them), it's usually a little easier to say, "Yes!"

Just so happened that while I was writing this post, the kids were doing science experiments at the table.  Sometimes it's just best for me to be in the other room while "messes" are being made.  ;)

Reasons We "Keep On Keepin' On" With Homeschooling

Not too long ago, I'd had it with homeschooling.

I was in the first trimester of a particularly sickly (for me) pregnancy.  I had absolutely no desire to teach or even think about schooling our children.

I lobbied my husband (which happens to be appropriate since he's a local politician ;) ) numerous times to send them to school.  I'm pretty sure I would have signed them up had he agreed (he says I wouldn't have...guess we'll never know.)

How thankful I am for him!  He's so unchanging and steady and knows how I can be - ready to try something else, especially when I'm weak.

He assured me that our kids were doing just fine during this period of time that I was unable to continue on with our curriculum.  I knew they were learning how to do the laundry and the dishes and be servants to their mother who laid on the couch most days.  He also pointed out some things that I'd have to do if we sent them to school - things that I currently didn't have to stress over (and I'm not just talking about having to unload the dishwasher by myself.  ;) )

Putting the silverware away - you can tell I didn't have him pose for this pic.  ;)

He told me I'd soon feel better (as in my other pregnancies) and I may even enjoy homeschooling again.

You know what?  He was right.

We've completed four weeks of school (since I was sick) and overall it has gone really, really well.

But, I know how it feels to not want to continue. 

I know how it feels to desire that the "burden" of educating your children fall on someone else's shoulders. 

I know how it feels to have homeschooling be perceived as a burden and not as a blessing.

I also know how it feels to be on the other side.  The wondrous other side where I find almost everything about homeschooling alluring.

My feelings can be rather unpredictable at times.  I can't make decisions based on my moods.  (Shocking, I know.)

So, when I'm feeling down in the dumps about homeschooling, I need to remind myself of why we do this counter-cultural thing in the first place.

Below are some of the reasons we have chosen homeschooling over other educational options (in no particular order).   

Disclaimer:  I've always hesitated to put our reasons down online because I have so many close friends and family that have chosen other educational options.  However, I hope they know by now that I respect them and trust that the Lord is leading each of them in their decisions.  That said, These are OUR family's reasons.  This isn't a judgement on your educational decisions.  (You can read this link and know that my hope has never been in homeschooling.)  Just as you probably have a list of reasons you send your child to his or her school, this is a list to HELP ME REMEMBER our reasons when I'm feeling extra low.  

* We desire our children to have a foundation that is based upon godly morals and principles - an education that does not take the Creator out of the created.  In our house, every subject ties back to the Creator God.

* We knew that I could most likely develop stronger bonds with our children if they weren't separated from me every day for 7-8 hours.  Also, the kids could develop stronger bonds with each other seeing as how they have no choice BUT to play with each other for the majority of each day.  Even if they'd rather not...  ;)

Youngest with Oldest

* Private school is expensive.  We didn't ask, "is Private school worth the cost?"  We asked, "is Private school worth having me go back to work?"  For our family, the answer was, "No."  We knew we could teach the same (or similar) "stuff" for a fraction of the cost while still maintaining our desire and conviction to have me stay home.

* Our immature children don't need to be around other immature children for 7-8 hours per day, every day with very little mature adult interaction.  I was a teacher.  As much as I enjoyed those kids and would have liked to give them my attention, it couldn't always happen.  Short conversations with pats on the head here and there were par for the course.  I felt badly that I couldn't help direct and "love on" them more, but it just wasn't possible.

* I enjoy being around my kids and they like being around me right now too.  I didn't feel like giving that up so soon.

* We can tailor their education to their needs.  Also, with only a handful of students, it doesn't take all day to teach them what they need to learn.  They have more time for exploration, life-skills training, volunteering...or more important things like, shooting each other with Nerf guns.  ;)

* We can vacation when we so desire.  We can also take the day off when it's warm in the Spring or when we stayed up too late with friends.  We can do school while everyone else has a snow day, decide to take a snow day when no one else has one, or take the day off when our friends are also off.  In short, the word FREEDOM sums it up rather nicely.

Went on a work trip with Nate during the week in mid Sept. and surprised the kids with an overnight stay at an indoor water park.

I'm sure there are more reasons that we have chosen to homeschool, but those are the ones that immediately come to my mind.

So, when I'm feeling like I don't want to continue or I'm just in a "homeschool funk", I hope to re-visit these reasons (and even these reasons).  Maybe they'll help give me the right amount of encouragement to...

Keep on Keepin' On.  

P.S.  I don't think it's a good idea to homeschool in a bubble with just your immediate family.  Homeschoolers should be part of a real, live community (online community is good, but not as good as live relationships).  We are part of a church family that has those who homeschool and those who don't.  We're also part of a large homeschooling group that does field trips and play dates.  This gives us accountability and encouragement.  Community is so important. 

If you want to read more of my thoughts on homeschooling, you may be interested in:
how we deal with the dreaded Socialization question,
or how we overcame our disagreement about how we'd educate our kids,
or even how we organize our homeschool.