Just what I needed...

I haven't been blogging much lately... I've been a little down in the dumps. Nothing specific is wrong... just having myself a little pity party of 1! And once you've "wallered" in self-pity for a while, it gets pretty deep and hard to get out! I couldn't figure out why I seemed to have this dark cloud over me and why I couldn't get out from under it.

Monday, yesterday, and today I attended a 3 day parent practicum (given by Classical Conversations) which really does a great job explaining different types of education models and specifically the Classical Christian Education model. I had a pretty good understanding from being a part of CC this past year, but this event really helped reinforce what I've been learning and gave me some new ideas for next year. In the afternoons I attended the tutor training - CC foundations (K4-6th grade) has parent tutors who model teaching the new grammar each week to the students and the parents and this training prepares tutors for this role.

Not only was this 3 day event educational for me... but it was also encouraging and enlightening (which is what I needed most)!

I am realizing that my "cloud" came from losing my focus. Rather that focusing on Christ and what He wants from me, I was focused on myself. I have been putting pressure where there shouldn't be any if I was truly trusting Him.

Yesterday we watched a video on a college who does things differently from any other college I know of... St. John's College. I just started laughing as I watched it. I couldn't understand some of the stuff they were saying! Everyone on there came across as extremely educated... like, I would be very intimidated to have a conversation with one of them because I'd be afraid I wouldn't be able to keep up! I was laughing because I thought... "Seriously? Would my children even be able to get into this college with the education that I am capable of providing?? I'm going to ruin them!" Did you get that? Let me repeat that and this time look at the words I've bolded: "Seriously? Would MY children even be able to get into this college with the education that I am capable of providing?? I'M going to ruin them." Me, ME, MEEE!!! Then, I just felt the Lord speaking to my spirit and he just gave me a little nugget... I love when He does that! I felt Him say...

You don't have to CREATE your children. I've already done that. And I've given them all of the gifts they will need to fulfill My purpose for them. I don't NEED you to do anything except what I've called you to do. I will give you everything you need to do what I ask of you.

WOW! Talk about humbling... but it also removed some of the pressure I've put on myself! And why do I even want to be in control?? I can only see a tiny portion of our lives, but God has infinite wisdom and sees all of eternity... He sees the big picture! But, still, it's a struggle I will have to continue to work through with a lot of prayer because I am... A. Control. Freak.

So here are a few of the other lessons I learned (or was reminded of) this week:
I don't have to be perfect.
My children don't have to be perfect.
Its ok that I'm just a normal person!
There is no magical homeschooling superpower.
I don't need this or that kind of personality.
I don't need to know everything.
I don't have to have the patience of Job!
I don't have to know what lies ahead.
I don't have to be in control. God has us in His hands and He is in perfect control at all times.
I am teaching my children ALL THE TIME... not just when we're "having school." Deut 11:19 tells us that we are to teach our children His commands when we wake up, when we lie down, even when we're just sitting around our home! God gave us our children and the high calling of making disciples of them. (Matt:18-20)

Today we read Psalm 121 which says:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

What an encouraging scripture! Sometimes I lose my Christ-centered focus, I get off track, and I focus on myself. I loved this reminder that God loves us with an everlasting love. We are in His palm and He watches over us with great care. He is ever-present in every moment in our lives. The Creator of the Universe knows and cares about every. little. detail. of our lives! He is in complete and total control!!

Our first year homeschooling

Whew! What a year! This first year homeschooling has been a whirlwind of an adventure. There have been a lot of ups, a lot of downs, and it has been a huge learning experience for all of us! When we first started, I had NO idea how this was going to work... with a 4 year old perfectionist who desperately feared failure and didn't even want to TRY ANYTHING he didn't know how to do, and a 2 year old (turned 3 mid school year) who was into EVERYTHING, and a newborn who relied on me every second of everyday. All I know is that the Lord was leading us down this path and... when things seem impossible and you just obediently follow God's will for your life not knowing how it's going to work... God shows off! He has blessed us in ways I never imagined.

The growth and change I've seen in Connor has been amazing! He used to whine every time it was time for school. He cried hysterically if he couldn't write the letter A perfectly the very first time he tried.  And so on. So our first goal before we could even begin academics, was to teach him the importance of a good, positive attitude and that practice makes perfect... and its ok to laugh at yourself if you try to make an A and it looks like a dog. :) And we laughed, A LOT!  It didn't take long and he was getting the hang of our new routine.  He stopped complaining and started asking, "Can we do school now?"  Ofcourse, we still have our struggles sometimes and we are learning how to deal with each one as they arise, just as we dealt with that one. God continues to provide answers.

The other surprise has been how much Dylan loves and wants to participate in school, too. I had to buy him some pre-k workbooks so he could be a big boy doing school right along with Connor. He likes to work on projects, colors, shapes, letters, counting, etc. He has learned a lot and enjoys it so much that I may start doing K4 with him this next school year even though he will still be 3 when we start. He may not be able to do everything yet, but that's ok... I just want to go ahead and take advantage of this love for learning he has. I have absolutely no idea how that will work because Dylan is SO stubborn strong-willed. Can't wait to see God show off!!

One of the biggest blessings this year has been Classical Conversations. The curriculum is amazing and I loved having the entire year planned out. I loved that Connor was able to go to class with other students his age who were following the same curriculum and participate in art projects and science projects each week. I loved that he gave a presentation each week and has become so comfortable with speaking in front of a group. I also love classical education and how much he has been able to commit to memory! But beyond all of these things, I have loved our CC families! They have become an extension of our family. Everyone (without exception) in this group has blessed our family in one way or another. Without them, I would NEVER have ventured out on the field trips we were able to go on. These moms just stepped up when I needed them (without me even having to ask) and took my children under their wings... and mothered them. What an amazing act of love for me and them! Even their daughters would plead to hold the baby to which I responded, "YES, please!" And their sons opened doors for me whether I had my hands full or not. Actually, just tonight one young man opened the door for me and when I said, "thank you," his response was, "it's my pleasure." WOW! Can I sign my boys up for lessons?? :) Those are the boys I want influencing my boys... and they are!

Here are some pictures from CC class (Abecedarians - Mrs. Garrison, Kenyon, Kalyn, and Connor):

The nursery with Ms Marita (Dylan, Chase, Jace, Keira, and Kenzie):

Tonight we had our CC end-of-year celebration. The children were recognized for their achievements this year as were the tutors, moms, and our amazing CC director! The children were also able to recite some of the facts they memorized this year. It was a little sad that this was the end of the school year... but now I'm looking forward to next year.  And for those who aren't returning next year... we will remain close because of the bond we've formed this year.

Here is Connor ready to go to the EOY celebration:

And then he made me take one with his shades... cool dude!

Picture with mom and dad:

 

Connor - Congratulations on completing your first year of school! You have done such a great job and you have learned SO much! You're now a Kindergartener!! What a terrific young man you are becoming!

Dylan - You have been so much fun this year! You have an amazing love for learning and you have so much zeal and energy! It may take Mommy a little while to figure out the best way to teach you... but please be patient with me. We can't wait to see the great things you will do!

Sam - You have a little while before you officially start "school," but you are going to learn so much from your big brothers. They can't wait to teach you the things they are learning now... Mommy is hoping you learn from their mistakes and don't repeat them. :)

We love you boys SO much! You have blessed our lives more than you will ever know and we know you will all grow to be AMAZING young men! Please remember: put the Lord first in ALL you do, we will always love you no matter what, and never stop learning.

Strawberry pickin' and jammin'

We went on a field trip to a strawberry farm on Tuesday with our CC group (and just a shout out to my CC family for rescuing me that morning!). It started a little rough, but Connor and Dylan ended up having a wonderful time picking (thank you, Rachel!) and even Sam was very happy (thank you, Chele!). We ended up with a lot of strawberries... and they were so tasty... so we ended up making freezer jam with them.  Here are a few pics:

The strawberry field (part of it anyway):

Connor picking strawberries:

Dylan picking strawberries:

Connor and Dylan crushing the strawberries

Crushed strawberries (after this we added the hot sugar/pectin/water mixture):

Strawberry jam:

Now praying we did it right!

Our little garden

The past couple of years we have grown a few veggies in earth boxes, but we decided to expand just a little and build a couple of raised beds. We started our vegetable plants from seeds this year (we usually just buy plants that are already started) so we're hoping they're successful. We wanted Connor and Dylan to be involved in the whole process so they could see how we get big, beautiful (hopefully) vegetables from tiny seeds and how grand God's design is! They helped us plant the seeds in pellets and we prayed over them. Then they helped us prepare the soil in the beds (and ofcourse their favorite part was worm hunting!). And, then they helped us plant and fertilize the vegetable plants. When the vegetables grow they will help us pick them, store them, and cook them. It's so amazing to see them learn so much!

Here are some pictures from our little garden adventure so far:

 Worm hunting!

 Found some!!

Planting

And fertilizing.

And digging.

Sam chilled.

And ate grass.

And cooed.

And melted my heart!

When Dylan got bored with gardening, he chilled with Sam.

And jumped on the trampoline.

I had to get my hands in the dirt, too.

And done! 

(Molly the dog worked hard, too, apparently)

Resurrection Eggs

One of my favorite tools for teaching our kiddos about Easter is Resurrection Eggs!  I think you can buy them... but we made ours and the kids help fill the eggs with the things that represent different parts of the story leading up to the Resurrection. Then each day during the week leading up to Easter, we retell the story and open each egg at the appropriate time in the story. It really helps them to remember it when they have visual reminders and can touch and feel.

So I thought I'd share it...

I took an egg carton and some scrapbook paper and made a package to keep them in.

Each egg is numbered with the order in which they are to be opened and I made a cheat sheet at the top to help me remember what is in each egg. The kids have a much better memory than I do. :)

In each egg is something to represent each part of the story leading up to and including Jesus' resurrection. I'm also inluding the verses we use, but in a lot of parts I just summarize what's happening in a way they can better understand.

1. A small branch with leaves to represent Palm Sunday - John 12:12-13
2. A small wash cloth to represent Jesus washing the disciples feet - John 13:1-17 (the kids take turns pretend washing each other's feet with the cloth)
3. A dime to represent Judas betraying Jesus - Matthew 26:14-16
4. A cracker to represent Jesus' body (The Last Supper) - Matthew 26:26
5. A small cup to represent Jesus' blood (The Last Supper) - Matthew 26:27-28
6. A rubberband to represent the whips used on Jesus (this one is very delicate and I get the most questions and concerns starting here - we just explain how Jesus knew about this and how all of this was necessary for us to spend eternity with Him in heaven and because He loves us SO much, He was willing to do whatever it took for us to get to be with Him forever) - Luke 22:63-65
7. A branch of only thorns to represent the crown of thorns - Matthew 27:28-30
8. A cross made of sticks to represent the cross on which Jesus was crucified - Mark 15:21-39
9. A piece of gauze to represent the linens Jesus wore - John 19:23
10. A die to represent the soldiers casting lots for His linens - John 19:24
11. A stone to represent the stone in front of the tomb - Matthew 27:59-60
12. Empty... HE IS RISEN! Matthew 28:1-10

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:5-6

Showing kindness... It's kind of like t-ball.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Kindness is a lesson we are constantly working on in our home. We remind the boys on a regular basis to show kindness (and gentleness!) to one another. We tell them about the importance of being kind... sharing toys, using our hands to hug... not to hit, letting someone else pick a game or a movie, picking up their toys or making up their bed without being asked, etc.

However, when we go out into the world; when we are away from home, I am usually so wrapped up in our errands and making sure everyone is doing what they should be doing, I forget to remind them of the importance of showing kindness to others... outside of our home. AND, I forget to make an effort to show kindness to others myself. There are SO many opportunities, everywhere we go. Showing kindness can have a huge impact on someone, even if its just making a point to smile at someone.

The bible tells us in Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

So today, we had a talk about that and it went something like this:

Me: Hey boys, I want to talk to you for a minute. (They came into the kitchen and I asked them to sit with me.) Do you know the reason why we go to t-ball practice?
Connor: So we can learn how to hit and throw the ball and run the bases.
Me: That's right. And why do we do that?
Connor: So we can get better.
Me: Right again! And why do we need to get better?
Connor: Hmmmmmmm.
Dylan: I don't know.
Me: So we can play our best at the game! Right?
Dylan: Right!
Connor: Oh, yeah. Right!
Me: OK, now, you know how we are always talking about showing kindness to each other and to me and to daddy? Well, that's kind of like practice. We need to do it here as much as we can so that we can get better. And when we go out of the house, to Wal-mart, or to school group, or to church, or anywhere else... that's like the game! We really need to show others what we've been practicing at home. I know sometimes we are really busy, but we still need to show kindness to others where ever we go. Jesus wants us to show kindness to others so they can experience His love through us. So, I thought we could make something to help us out!

I had typed up some acts of kindness and cut them into strips. Here are some examples:

Next I asked them to wrap each one around a crayon to curl them up:

Then we put all of the slips into a jar:

Me: Now whenever we go out, we can pick out 1 of these acts of kindness, and make a point to do whatever the paper says. And sometimes, when we have some free time, we may pull one and make a special trip to brighten someone's day.

The finished jar.



"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

Attitude: A Reflection of the Heart

Attitudes... they reveal so much about us. Our thoughts, our beliefs, our values.  They are a compilation of what we know, what we have experienced, what we believe, and how we feel about things. They provide great insight into our hearts. So, what a great resource for us as parents to peek into the windows of our children's hearts!  I've been doing a lot of reading and thinking about this subject lately, so I thought I would share a few things I've learned so far. We are still working on applying all of these concepts in our own lives, but these concepts are really helping us deal with some "heart" issues in our family.

We've all seen it. We all know exactly when it begins to rear its ugly head. A bad attitude! It may show itself in the form of a whine or complaint, a huff or puff, an annoyed stance, crossed arms, a grumble, a sigh, etc., etc., etc.  We recognize it immediately... but why do they have that attitude, what is it saying about their heart, how do we react, and how can we change it?

Why do they have that attitude and what is it saying about their heart?
There can be a number of reasons for a bad attitude. If we listen to what they say, their words can reveal a lot.  They may reveal an attitude to selfishness, pride, defiance, anger, or uncooperativeness. They may reveal character flaws such as laziness, discontentment, or impatience. Or they may reveal wrong thinking... they may have a misconception or misguided feelings about something.  If they don't say anything, but still are showing a bad attitude in their actions, its important to talk with them to find out the reason for the bad attitude.  When we understand the reason, we can address it and begin a process to change it.

How do we react?
Bad attitudes in our children can bring out bad attitudes in us. We can become angry or hurt by their words or actions. We can feel disrespected, unappreciated and irritated.  If we respond to our child's bad attitude with anger or harshness, we can give a mixed message when we are telling them to change their attitude when all the while, we need to change ours.  If we become angry, we may need to take some time to calm down and think about what we want to say before confronting our child. Also, if our child's emotions are high, that may be another good reason to put off the conversation. Wait until everyone is in a calmer frame of mind and can have a rational discussion. If we only address the bad behavior or words, and leave the attitude unchecked, we can be fostering a future lifestyle of bad attitudes, bad moods, and a negative mind-set.

How can we change it?
Changing an attitude takes consistency over time. It is not an easy fix that will take place after one conversation. Once we pinpoint what attitude, character flaw, or wrong thinking our child has revealed through their words/actions, we can begin discussions to reflect their feelings, let them know we understand, and share our thoughts and feelings with them as well as provide discipline if needed. This may take many cycles, but it needs to take place every time the bad attitude comes out because a child can have many different bad attitudes revealing different things that need to be addressed.

The goal is for our children to learn to recognize a bad attitude in themselves, think about why they have that attitude, and figure out healthy ways to respond to their feelings (taking some quiet time for themselves, praying, reading the bible, etc.) and change their own attitude.  God wants us to reflect an attitude of Christ. Romans 15: 5-6 says, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."  As parents, we can help our children learn ways to recognize and change negative attitudes, moods, and mind-sets.

This has just been a brief summary of some of the concepts we are putting into action in our family.  If you would like to read more about this subject and learn some other great ideas/concepts (and see examples), I highly recommend the book "Good and Angry - Exchanging Frustration for Character... In You and Your Kids!" by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller. This subject on attitude is covered in just one chapter. It is FULL of great ideas about the usefulness of anger, giving instruction... and getting your kids to obey the first time!, giving correction, accepting limits, teaching self-control and integrity, and more from a biblical view.

First Lapbook!!

This is our first lapbook creation! It is a review of what Connor learned in the 1st 6 weeks of Classical Conversations. All of the materials for the lapbook came from:
http://www.wisdomandrighteousness.com/resources/cclapbooks/

I created this one for him so he can work through all of the activities and review the facts he memorized in weeks 1-6. When he gets a little older he will be responsible for making the lapbook himself, but for now, I enjoyed doing it for him. :)

Can't wait to get started on the review lapbook for weeks 7-12!!