Our Family
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Pasta Lions
Our Mystery of History lessons this week were on Nebuchadnezzar II, Daniel, and Aesop's Fables. The three activities we did were: find a picture of the Ishtar Gate, make a pasta lion, and read some of Aesop's Fables. The children drew whatever kind of view of a lion they wanted on a piece of construction paper. Then they put glue where they wanted their pasta and decorated them with Macaroni and Angel Hair Noodles. While they were making their lions, I read several of Aesop's Fables to them. Have I mentioned lately how much I love using The Mystery of History?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
In Loving Memory.....
Of my brother Steven May 16th 1976- Feb 15th 2004 whose life ended tragically when a drunk driver used an off ramp as an on ramp and hit him head on. He was killed instantly. This is a picture of the last time I ever saw him when he drove 20 hours to my house for Thanksgiving dinner and to meet his new nephew. 8 years have gone by since he died. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday and other times like a lifetime ago. I miss him every single day and have an empty place in my life where he should still be.
Thankfully, I know I will see him again someday and we will all be together again. I know I can stand on the promises that we are given in the Bible. John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." In Romans 8:28 we are told that, "And we know that in All things God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose." We can't even begin to understand why things happen the way they do but can take comfort in the knowledge that God knows and promises to use all those things for good.
John 14:2- " In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so , I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come back and take you with me that you also may be where I am."
We can't keep our focus on things of this world but instead focus on things from above. Focus on the things that are important to God not man. Don't get caught up in the petty arguments and worries of this world. Tell your friends and family that you love them you never know if you will have the chance again.
Until we meet again......
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
My Qualifications to Homeschool
I try not to get offended when people ask me what makes me qualified to homeschool, or when someone who is a public schoolteacher that is considering or beginning homeschooling comments that they are more qualified because of their degree. The truth is they just don't understand homeschooling at all.
I did really well in school and have a college degree. I know people who successfully homeschool that have several degrees and people with only a high school education. It is not a piece of paper that makes you qualified to homeschool.
What makes me qualified to homeschool is the Lord himself. He blessed me with these 7 children at this exact moment in time for me to , "train up." He wants me to, (from deutoronomy 6:4-9)" keep his commandments on my heart, impress them on my children, talk about them when we sit at home, walk along the road, when we lie down and when we rise up."
People don't think they need qualifications to have a child. Or teach them how to walk, talk, feed themselves, use the bathroom, or ride a bike.. We teach them to love, have compassion, be a good friend. From the moment they are born we are teaching them. Why then, should we need a piece of paper that "qualifies" us to homeschool them. Homeschooling is much more than teaching children their alphabet or how to add. The Lord has entrusted these children to us for a time to raise them to further His kingdom and to accomplish His work here on earth. Homeschooling is a lifestyle designed to teach everything your child needs to know in order to do that. It looks different to every family and even every child.
Yes, there are practical things we need to be able to teach our children. I know that I was worried when I started homeschooling that my child's knowledge would surpass mine in some areas and then what would I do? I have come to find that even when there are things that you need to teach your children that you don't know or are not very good at, there are many ways to teach them. You can find an expert in the field to teach them, take an internet course, or just simply surround them with books and information so they can teach themselves. I don't have to be a Marine Biologist for my daughter to learn Marine Biology. A text book and some lab assignments will enable her to teach herself.
We have the freedom as homeschoolers to cater to each child and create a learning environment where they can love to learn. Parents always want to do the best they can for their children, that includes homeschoolers too. Being their parent qualifies me to be able to homeschool them. It doesn't mean I will know everything, or even do everything right all the time. It does mean that I will strive everyday to love and educate our children the best we can and trust in the fact that whatever God has called us to do, He will equip us for.
I did really well in school and have a college degree. I know people who successfully homeschool that have several degrees and people with only a high school education. It is not a piece of paper that makes you qualified to homeschool.
What makes me qualified to homeschool is the Lord himself. He blessed me with these 7 children at this exact moment in time for me to , "train up." He wants me to, (from deutoronomy 6:4-9)" keep his commandments on my heart, impress them on my children, talk about them when we sit at home, walk along the road, when we lie down and when we rise up."
People don't think they need qualifications to have a child. Or teach them how to walk, talk, feed themselves, use the bathroom, or ride a bike.. We teach them to love, have compassion, be a good friend. From the moment they are born we are teaching them. Why then, should we need a piece of paper that "qualifies" us to homeschool them. Homeschooling is much more than teaching children their alphabet or how to add. The Lord has entrusted these children to us for a time to raise them to further His kingdom and to accomplish His work here on earth. Homeschooling is a lifestyle designed to teach everything your child needs to know in order to do that. It looks different to every family and even every child.
Yes, there are practical things we need to be able to teach our children. I know that I was worried when I started homeschooling that my child's knowledge would surpass mine in some areas and then what would I do? I have come to find that even when there are things that you need to teach your children that you don't know or are not very good at, there are many ways to teach them. You can find an expert in the field to teach them, take an internet course, or just simply surround them with books and information so they can teach themselves. I don't have to be a Marine Biologist for my daughter to learn Marine Biology. A text book and some lab assignments will enable her to teach herself.
We have the freedom as homeschoolers to cater to each child and create a learning environment where they can love to learn. Parents always want to do the best they can for their children, that includes homeschoolers too. Being their parent qualifies me to be able to homeschool them. It doesn't mean I will know everything, or even do everything right all the time. It does mean that I will strive everyday to love and educate our children the best we can and trust in the fact that whatever God has called us to do, He will equip us for.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Snow Fun!
Snow is a big deal around here. We don't see it very often and it doesn't last very long. Whispers of snow will send flocks of people to Walmart to buy up all the milk and bread just in case. Schools are cancelled even if there is a chance it might snow. Friday or Saturday, we started to some a mention of possible snow in the forecast for today. Last night, we watched the weather and they were in fact calling for the snow to start at about 3:30 am with possible 1-2 inches of accumulation. By afternoon, the snow was supposed to turn to rain, presenting a chance for sleet, freezing rain, and icy roads Monday evening.
The children were very excited to see the snow when we got up. Knowing that it wouldn't last very long, they started looking for warm clothing to head out right after breakfast. They got out the sled, made a small snowman, and threw some snow balls. After about an hour they headed in to warm up and we got a little schoolwork done and then bundled up and went back outside. It is now pouring down rain, so our time in the snow is over. It will all be melted soon and hopefully won't freeze.
The children were very excited to see the snow when we got up. Knowing that it wouldn't last very long, they started looking for warm clothing to head out right after breakfast. They got out the sled, made a small snowman, and threw some snow balls. After about an hour they headed in to warm up and we got a little schoolwork done and then bundled up and went back outside. It is now pouring down rain, so our time in the snow is over. It will all be melted soon and hopefully won't freeze.
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| Christian eating snowball |
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| Carrying the sled up the hill |
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| Lily all bundled up |
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| Anthony making a snowman |
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| Christian. Lily, Chelsea making snowballs |
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| Nick, Christian, Chelsea |
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| Alex sledding down the hill |
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| We have a great hill for sledding! |
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| Emelia didn't get to play in the snow |
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| Anthony's snowman |
Menu Plan Monday 2/13/12
Winter has arrived! It is cold and snowy today, the perfect day to sit under a blanket and drink hot tea. Instead, I will be digging out any hats and gloves we have so the children can play outside before it all melts.
Here is this week's menu plan:
Fri 2/10-pizza
Sat 2/11- mushroom and swiss burgers, potato salad, applesauce
Sun 2/12- cheez it chicken, rice, corn
Mon 2/13-lasagna, homemade bread
Tues 2/14-Take out from the Valentine Banquet at church (kids are having chicken nuggets)
Wed 2/15- baked tilapia, scalloped potatoes, stir fry veggies
Thurs 2/16-breakfast
Go to www.orgjunkie.com for great menu planning inspiration.
Here is this week's menu plan:
Fri 2/10-pizza
Sat 2/11- mushroom and swiss burgers, potato salad, applesauce
Sun 2/12- cheez it chicken, rice, corn
Mon 2/13-lasagna, homemade bread
Tues 2/14-Take out from the Valentine Banquet at church (kids are having chicken nuggets)
Wed 2/15- baked tilapia, scalloped potatoes, stir fry veggies
Thurs 2/16-breakfast
Go to www.orgjunkie.com for great menu planning inspiration.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Art Class 2/10/2012
Today's class was a little hectic. Five of my children were ready to paint their clay sculptures, while 5 other children needed to make their sculptures. I was helping to get paint set up and ready for my children while the others were getting their clay and I did not get any pictures of the children painting. I will take some of their finished products next week.
After we finished painting, the children designed a picture frame out of decorated popsicle sticks, and drew a crayon picture inside the frame. After they finished that, they worked on creating a drawing that looked like a stain glass window. Then, those that finished that project went to the drawing easels. It was a very busy morning! Here are the only pictures I got:
After we finished painting, the children designed a picture frame out of decorated popsicle sticks, and drew a crayon picture inside the frame. After they finished that, they worked on creating a drawing that looked like a stain glass window. Then, those that finished that project went to the drawing easels. It was a very busy morning! Here are the only pictures I got:
Review: Cooper and Me and the Military
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| Hardcover $12.99 |
Cooper and Me and the Military
Website: http://www.cooperandme.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/cooper_and_me
From the back of the book: "Meet Trooper, Cooper's best friend, and learn how he was adopted by Gracie and Joe and their parents, who both serve in the military. Find out how this family stays close despite being separated."
This book has been dedicated to all the families who serve our country.
This book like the others in the series is written in rhyme which my children love. The illustrations are very sweet and childlike. The story itself is very cute and helps children know that even though we have to be far away sometimes, our loved ones still think about and miss us. It shows a way we can keep loved ones close even when they are far away.
Like the other Cooper and Me books, it has several interactive features which makes it not just a great story, but a learning experience.
A Special Memory Creation-gives an outline of a letter to send to service men and women and the website to send letters and messages to our troops
Life Lessons-talks about the different ways we can stay connected to loved ones that are far away
Connections- asks feelings questions about loved ones that are far away
Learning Together- questions and answers about the story
“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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