CHANGE~A New Method For Our Homeschool

We'll soon complete 10 years at home together homeschooling our two, and it was becoming evident it is time for a change. This past few weeks, I interviewed my kids about their opinions regarding homeschooling~to hear some of their truth~what they think~their dreams, goals and ambitions~AND fears. My kids have worried about not being prepared.  I've worried about them NOT being prepared. I've studied and read all the stuff out there~I've shared much of it here~I've talked to other parents about their homeschool graduates~I have DONE my homework...but I could never EVER wrap my mind around that in the end~WHAT I DID or DO will be enough. I'm no teacher~well, SisterT isn't half bad as a teacher, but I certainly don't know it all~(despite those who *might* say otherwise that I THINK I DO...LOL)...and fear not only HAD them, it was nipping at my heels too...(READ what they told me~ HERE!)

Read more about the new schoolroom HERE!

We've made a change. It's a big change. And I am so excited! In fact during the orientation of the online process, I began to cry...no more is the burden totally mine...I share it with an online academy~We BeGiN on Monday~wooot!  Not only am I thrilled, but so are my teenagers who are so excited too! We've reworked some space here in the house and materials began arriving TODAY~

Soooooooooooo what's in store NOW for SisterT? Well, I'm still homeschooling but with MORE support than I dreamed~and the freedom is going to beeeeeeeeeee soooooooo nice!

Yes, they are still home. Yes, we are still family and the bonds are present and growing...YES~I have wonderful kids and BELIEVE in HOME EDUCATION~but in our 9th hr, I needed to be SURE that our education we were giving was going to DO WHAT A SOLID education needs to do~

Thank You, Lord!
He has blessed us~

Look for posts concerning our NEW journey in homeschooling~Virtual Academy! Thanks so much for stopping by and I plan to share about upcoming Drama Club tryout happening in less than 48 hrs~BOTH kiddos are trying out~WOOT! Production this spring is Charlotte's Webb~

Let me know if you have these same thoughts and how you are coping with it~What are your plans for your high schoolers to get them diplomas?  Is a GED equivalent in your estimation? Ring in~Thanks for stopping by and caring enough to drop me a shout-out~HUGS!!

REVIEW: True Treasures 10 Yrs Of TEACH Magazine

True Treasures 10 Yrs Of TEACH Magazine

compiled by Mrs. Lorie Flem
Website:  HERE
 Price:  $19.97  order your copy before 5-31-11 get $4 OFF/code: GabbyMom 
I say: Instant encouragement!

I received True Treasures From TEACH Magazine as part of The Gabby Moms review team for my honest opinions without monetary compensation. My opinions are my own.

 Need a little lift?  Want THE BEST of THE BEST of TEACH Magazine? How about a CUT to the CHASE of what TEACH soon to be called Eternal Encouragement (FREE SAMPLE) has to offer?  Grab a copy of True Treasures  for it's just that, a rare gem and FIT FOR A QUEEN! I found myself glued within its pages reading to satisfy my otherwise burned out-fried soul~There's some great stuff in this short read, and I'd have to encourage you to read and then go back~read it again. This is a book that is so rich, it could take some time to work on your heart~it did mine!

This is a softcover bound book has six divisions with articles within each to bring warmth to the heart. I particularly enjoyed the homemaking and marriage sections. What ENCOURAGEMENT!

HERE are some article samples and the index~

Head on over HERE to read what other GabbyMOMS are saying! woot!

INTERESTED IN A GiveAway? Head HERE! (Ends 1/31/11)

Homeschooler ROCKS~Sooo Does Homeschooling!

Crewmate, Lori's son is the drummer in this cool band~CK IT OUT~

Doc Discussion: Veeeerrry Interesting!

HSing yrs ago...memories...

SisterT took the kiddos to the Doc this morning for their ck up, and in discussing school I learned something really interesting. I learned that our doctor has had a somewhat (not sure how much, but seems profound) change of opinion regarding homeschooling.  Wow! 

The convo went like this:

Doc:  "How long have I been seeing them?"

Me:  Over two years, Sir.

Doc:  "You know how they portray homeschooling. And I don't know...I am into traditional...medicine...I never...I...well..."

Me:  Yes, well...you know it is really up to families what they do~the law allows families to teach as they see it best, and it's so individual...

Doc:  "Six years ago I had never heard of it.  And today, I have a much more open mind..." (looking at the kid on the table:) "And how are you today?"




And my daughter told him...



It's amazing that we really didn't know our physicians misgivings about our way of life.  He never voiced any concerns, but did ask us how we were doing each time we'd come in.  I'm thankful the wheels of thought are churning, and it urges us to keep doing as best we can~

We just NEVER know WHO might be watching...

Revamping and Remodeling~Methods and House

It was failing to work.  Really.  In fact, it was becoming more and more work, and I was beginning to wonder IF we were gonna make it.  Seriously wonder IF my kids were going to graduate high school b/c they were struggling, and so was I.  But WHAT to do?  Quit?  Take time off?  Go at it harder? CHANGE?  Revamp?  Options loomed in my head for days, weeks...and all the while I was hearing that inner voice say that I have to act and do something BIG.  I'm not one for change, much.  Sister really doesn't like that word because it usually puts me in a mindset if not in a complete state of being uncomfortable for a while, at least...BUT change that will come as a matter of revamping is perhaps just what we need~NEED.  I do not believe this coming change is a WANT, but a true and definite need.

Worry can take on a life of it's own that can reek havoc with the mind, body and spirit.  Oh this is no fun! I just had to make some decisions NOW before it was 'too late!' Sooo I began some research.  I began with TRUTH~I knew that our current methods of homeschooling were taking us down a path that was at the very least, stressful.  STRESS-FILLED would be a better word~so in looking for truth, again I needed to HEAR my children.  What were their long-term goals and dreams? Where are THEY PLANNING to go in life?  These are no longer 'little people' who Mama has to guide, protect and shield~They're like race horses chomping at the gate of life and AM I THE GATE holding them in?  Some self examination reveals that I am fearful for them~like most any Mom is this day and time, but I am even more willing to be there for them as they navigate new and strange waters~and why not NOW? Navigating newness while they have support is much better than when they are out on their own with so much to push through and adapt to~

Sooo in that research, I came to believe that because my daughter particularly is so worried and consumed, really with negative thoughts concerning being homeschooled, I needed to look deeper. I WELL remember the age of 16 and how actually MATURE this age is above the other stages in growth~so I want to listen closely and HEAR just what she is saying to me.  Do I stop homeschooling altogether and put them in public or private school or what?  HOW can I help her with her nagging fears of inadequacy?  Her particular goals are VERY high, so I want to make sure they are a place we can head in the next phase, that we adequately planned and plodded to accomplish what we need to now, so that those dreams of a bright future are a reality...but how?

SisterT is working on some dual/virtual schooling for them~that will ultimately provide high school diplomas just as real as if they attended a public or private school FOR THEM~in fact, I can deny it all day long, but unless they go right into university or community college after homeschooling, their homeschool diploma that I might issue may not be as credible (in some circles) as one that is 'recognized.' Jobs are hard to get right now in our economy, and I know that no employer with a choice over so many is going to necessarily look at all the pluses in a  kiddo who well~call it a nagging fear, but I believe I am hearing the voice of the Lord~yeah, it's radical.  AND in the past, I was well satisfied that I am doing what is needful~but WHY do I have this nagging voice? Is it evil or the Lord?  Well, in restructuring some of what we are doing, it will provide for all the goals and dreams~AND satisfies the recurring voice, but MOST IMPORTANT~my child will find herself...himself...in this experience?  I hope so~I'm still HERE~we're still homeschooling, but it is taking on a new dimension~we are going to operate more like a traditional classroom so that there is some confidence built~

I have really worried that somehow these changes were not going to be all positive~but I am giving them to the Lord as we believe we are following His will for our lives~it's a learning curve for sure!

In this new adventure, we needed desktop space~hence a room redo~oh my! It's not that the room didn't need this done, but just a matter of timing~oh that precious element in life~TIME!

Here are some pics of what we began with and where we're going~oh it's been a nasty mess...but remember we live in a repo'd ole house that was inhabitable that we're rehabing~HOPING to paint by next wkend~
The first four are befores and the rest are the process~

Sooo, HOW are you doing this cold blustery January? Hanging? Revampn'??

Sooo Cool~1670 Bible Found in WI ~AMAZING!!

I absolutely LOVE History and just came across a news story that a 1670 Bible has been found in Wisconsin~HOW COOL is THAT~whoot!

WLUK Story: 340-Year-Old Bible Found @ Yahoo! Video

Happy New Year AND LOOKING FORWARD...

RIP 2010...LOL

New Year's Eve is a time of reflection for many of us, and I guess I've just not given it much thought until today when I began reading all the thoughtful and hopeful posts on several blogs I follow...seems like a great idea to do some reflecting myself...

Sooo I had to think a minute about last year~wow.
WE MADE IT...one more year...one more time...one more of everything...and
this past year was better...Better in that our home is coming together, our marriage is improving, and our kiddos are still great...and well, God has preserved our health...Well, just overall it's been pretty good, not perfect, but definitely good.

I am soo thankful for:
My family~I have a good husband who can drive me crazy and IS also my sanity...my kids who are so good and kind~what a gift from God...my mother who is very important in my life...my animals~just love those critters!
Our home~it's not perfect, but it's ours...and well on its way to better...making some changes and working a plan!
My friends~I have some incredible friends.  Without my girlfriends, I'd be lost. I have several who I've known for over 25 years who are my sisters...I have others who I haven't known as long who I treasure too~I deeply love my friends who God has given me...
My health~WHAT would I have IF I didn't have this? Little, indeed...very precious little without health.
My God~Without Him, I'd be nothing; I'd surely fail...fall...freakout! He's everything!

Soooo looking forward:

CHANGE:  Life is going to be different.

I am going to continue working at getting in bed earlier. This nightowlish stuff has GOT TO GO...lol...and so it will!

I am going to continue healthy eating patterns and working on becoming spiritually fit in all my life.  I am working a 12 step recovery program for compulsive over eating, and this will continue.  No sugar or white flour~working to weigh and measure all my food. I will remain caffeine free and pork free. I will eat mostly fruit and veggies with lean meats and low salt...

I will add into my life exercise. I have the opportunity tonight to walk and I'm going to do it~I will ask God for the strength to do this daily...

I am hoping for some changes in our homeschooling~that my children gain the needed things and that we grow closer as a family...

I am looking to gain some knowledge in some craft areas~I want to learn to quilt...yes, I do! And so I shall, Lord willing!

Maybe by next year this time I will be healthy enough to have tubed down a hill or made a snow angel~MY FIRST EVER...I'd like to...

I am sooo looking forward to what good things God has in store for us~
Thank you, God...

Happy New Year to you and your family!

REAL HELP~With Everything!

Struggling?
Give it ALL to Jesus~
Only God sized problems can be fixed by GOD!

I HAVE NO Problems~Be Prepared to Cry...For JOY!

If I thought I had problems...If you think you do too~

I have NO problems, and neither do you...in God~amen. 
All things are possible to them that believe!

Review: Fearless~Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado

Fearless~Imagine Your Life Without Fear

Author: Max Lucado
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN:  978-0-8499-2139-1
Pages: 221
Price:  $24.99
I say: I really enjoyed it!

Fear is one of those things we all have that can nag us in the back of our minds ripping us of joy and peace.  Max Lucado shares an overcomer's manual to living life free of those fears!  Being free from fear and living in Him~knowing that He has it all handled for our best~we are His creation and His design~that He cares so much we can trust Him!  Courage combats fear with faith!  I found Fearless inspirational, and you will too!

Max Lucado is a master storyteller who can weave the messages of God in unique ways.  One is of a young boy driving in wild abandon down the road, without whim or care~in His father's lap!  Can't we live our lives and drive on fearlessly when we are in our Father's lap too? There's wonderful safety and peace in His presence!

Descriptions of Jesus in the Garden with His fears, His own distress over the coming terror, the cruel death on the cross when all the way Jesus shows us that He laid His fears and distress at the feet of God~in prayer to trust Him for His future. We can do the same?  Fear is conquered in courage through faith and enabled by prayers.  Max Lucado shows the way...



You will want to read Fearless! Walk away from anxiety and angst and live in a way that is peaceful! Get this book HERE!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

ISSUE ALERT: Parental Rights?

We've got our kids, right?

I mean, we had them or adopted them, right?

We're homeschoolers, or most of us, anyway, but those who are sending their children into the public schools may not be aware of potential growing trends.  There is law that diminishes a parent's influences over their children when they enter the school~yes, that's right! It's MORE than just the fact that those kids are not in their parent's presence and influences at school, but that the school can exercise powers over the parental influences when it sees fit.

Do parents really REALLY understand the dangers of sending their child to the local school?

Do they really understand that it's MORE than cultural things that kids "get" in the school?

AND do we homeschoolers realize what a gift we have in being able to homeschool?

AND what blessings to have our young people at home with us so that we can foster tight bonds of love and teach them as God commands?

According to Parental Rights (dot) Org., new legislation in the form of an appeal from the Ninth Cricuit Court of Appeals, Fields v. Palmdale School District “that the Meyer-Pierce right [of parents to direct the upbringing of their children] does not exist beyond the threshold of the school door.” Is there any wonder the public schools and education are failing our children? Uh...so mamas and daddies have no influence or rights at the school? Uh...uh...uh...?
 
  Parental rights are defined as

...the legal obligations and responsibilities that apply to the parent of a child. They can include caring for the child, protecting the child, feeding the child, consenting to medical care, and having physical custody of the child. There are additional legal obligations of caring for a child such as ensuring that they attend school and receive proper medical treatment if they are injured. Failure to meet your legal parenting responsibilities can result in child abuse or neglect. Legal Row/parental rights

I'm celebrating my freedom to homeschool my kids and going to keep a close watch on what's going on with MY freedom~ Head over to Parental Rights.org! to sign the petition and support protecting parental rights for our children!

Passing Along a GREAT Article on TEENS~

Marcia Summerville wrote Tapestry of Grace curriculum and her hub is with HSLDA~what wonderful encouragement for shepherding our teens HERE!

FREE: Parent Resources from A W A N A

You can trust AWANA to offer good sound parent advice regarding our kids and their spiritual walk. AWANA, which is an acronym based on II Tim 2:15 stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed~meaning that as we follow Christ, we will not need feel shame or sorrow when we stand before Him as the verse further says STUDY to show they self approved unto God~giving us the mandate for a high regard for the Word of God, the Bible. 

Here's that link AWANA(dot)ORG!

Marriage, God's Way NOT Man's Way

Marriage began in the garden with God performing the FIRST marriage ceremony. While humanistic political worldly idealists seek to change what God BEGAN, there are efforts to maintain the rights of the family in our nation. Others want their 'unions' recognized by the government and God, but it's not as it was in the beginning, but rather an interpretation to gain rights legitimizing alternatives to the plan of God.  NO! NO! NO, This must not be done!  Of course, I cannot tell people who to love, but I know who can, and HE did not ordain homosexual relationship or condone them, but rather He condemns them in His Word, the Bible...

The National Organization for Marriage is hosting the Summer For Marriage Tour in our nation and you can get out to support God's Way and MARRIAGE HERE looking up where in your area and praying for those who will be attending!  God will not be mocked and whatever we sow we will reap.  We must stand for God and His ways which are higher than ours!

The Lord's Prayer~Sooo Cute!

GodTube Enjoy!
(Somebody's been teaching....WONDER WHO???)

Where Do I Divide It?

I had an interesting experience last Saturday.  After we had taken my daughter to her first day on her new job we went shopping, and we saw a sight that has left me thinking... .... YEAH, and SisterT does THINK on occasions!! ha! But what I SAW I have never seen before... ... ...

I guess you could call me judgmental~or discriminating.. . . you know, these words have a BAD rap in our society today, but I call it THINKING and DISERNMENT~

I was sitting in a parking lot, and along came a traditional conservative Amish family of three~husband, wife and little baby~NO PROBLEM here~none with me.... NONE!  

While the vision of such a devout couple was sweet, what did NOT look quite right to me was when the wife pulled out the potato chip can (you know the looong one-NOT a bag) and well... ... ... that wasn't too bad or IF it is bad...then in the back of the buggy was a super huge package of toilette paper... ... .. .. . .. .

Now, like I said, I am probably being judgmental, but something is WRONG with this picture~however IF I don't judge the situation, I have think about just where they are drawing the line in what they are willing to do to become separate from this world~ahem! Isn't this the reason for their clothing and lifestyle choices in order to please God? So if modern conveniences are wrong or evil, then how do they decide which ones are OK, like the chips and double thickness paper ON A ROLL??

With this said, this picture IF YOU CAN IMAGINE IT~and one I wish I had taken my camera to capture, just didn't add up~but trying NOT to judge~not be ugly myself about this in any kind of cynical way...

WHERE do I draw the line in this world in my own worldly affairs is MY QUESTION~what I need to consider rather than focus on this couple who were doing their best I am sure, that they could to live their own faith...

There are so many times and places that I find one foot squarely planted in this world with the pull of its powerful lure sucking me away from the God of my heart, while my spirit and heart longs for more intimacy with Him...such a conflict~a war, really...

WHERE to draw the line is such a difficult question, and to find ones self being reminded that I too have to and HAVE made a decision of dividing from this world and seeking God more intimately~should I inch closer to God more than I am?

Of course, I should.  My division isn't as close to the Savior as it should or even could be...

Oh Lord, help me to become closer to you... AND thank you for showing me this precious family and teaching me something through them...Amen.

FREEbie: AW Tozier download/books

Queen of Free  has some free books on her site~so neat!

Christian Blogger's Writing Project~

It's exciting to collaborate with other Christians to share our faith~The topic is Psalm 23~head over to Faithful Bloggers to check it out! 

Psalm 23

The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

 
Psalm 23 has to be one of the best known sets of verses in the entire Bible.  I don't think there's a funeral where it's not read or quoted as a strong source of comfort for the bereaving family because of its peaceful and serene word pictures the loving kind Shepherd who cares for His sheep~tending them and helping them as only the Good Shepherd can.  This Shepherd is unlike any other because He has the power to make the needs of the flock satisfied, to restore and bless abundantly in the green pasture of life~

Verse four speaks to me of STRENGTH in days of disaster and trial.  I WILL FEAR NO EVIL~for HE IS WITH ME...no matter what may come whether it is the worst of my imagination or a blessing, I can have confidence in the Savior, the Shepherd who is ever present and guiding me.  Confidence and security to step out in faith~faith in this Shepherd who never leaves me...Who gives me comfort...a sense of knowing that in the greater scheme of life, ALL is well~

Truely Psalm 23 is well remembered in days of distress and such a source of strength just for today...

Inspirations: God's Responses

We can always count on Him to "fix" what we can't!

 

YOU SAY	GOD SAYS	BIBLE VERSES
You say:  'It's impossible'	God says:   All things are possible	( Luke 18:27)
You say:  'I'm too tired'	God says:  I will give you rest	( Matthew 11:28-30)
You say:  'Nobody really loves me'	God says:  I love you	( John 3:1   6 & John 3:34 )
You say:  'I can't go on'	God says:  My grace is sufficient	(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say:  'I can't figure things out'	God says:  I will direct your steps	(Proverbs 3:5-   6)
You say:  'I can't do it'	God says:  You can do all things	( Philippians 4:13)
You say:  'I'm not able'	God says:  I am able	(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'	God says:  It will be worth it	(Roman 8:28 )
You say:  'I can't forgive myself'	God says:  I Forgive you	(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say:  'I can't manage'	God says:  I will supply all your needs	( Philippians 4:19)
You say:  'I'm afraid'	God says:  I have not given you a spirit of fear	( II Timothy 1:7)
You say:  'I'm always worried and frustrated'	God says:  Cast all your cares on ME	(I Peter 5:7)
You say:  'I'm not smart enough'	God says:  I give you wisdom	(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say:  'I feel all alone'	God says:  I will never leave you or forsake you	(Hebrews 13:5)

It's The End of The Line~Finishing UP!

Beginning our journey in homeschooling in HOPE~just where do we want to be when we are done?  DONE! Just the word makes me tremble inside, not because I want them gone or don't want to finish, it's the awesome responsibility that I have to do a good job~to "finish well" with them and for them that has me feeling so! But the HOPE is wrapped up in dreams and processes that will bring us to the finish line~final days, hours and minutes of home education~but really the learning NEVER will stop nor will the parenting~Like my mother of almost seventy likes to remind this mid-forty gal~YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY CHILD~and I will always KNOW more than you! Such wisdom, but I remember when I did not believe such was posssible, that I would NEVER know as much as my Mama~she's always going to have lived and expereinced more than me. . .so much knowledge and judgement!

Our children will find this out one day too, if they haven't already.  When they were young, we were their heroes, but now in the teen years I am seeing the rise of their own independence and ideas...it's not all bad~tough as the teen years are for so many reasons!  But where does this all lead us?

Our children and ourselves must come together as families to discover their dreams and goals for the journey and finish of homeschooling in their lives! We cannot educate them if they refuse, nor can they become educated as well without parents.  It's a partnership to the FINISH LINE~to the end of it. 

Goals, dreams wrapped in HOPE will bring about processes to get to the end.  Just like a good athlete, measurable goals and marks are set and strived for~reached for~desired!

Where do we want to end up?  Do our children share our desires and vision?  It starts here and ends somewhere down the road after all the effort and time has passed. . .but HOPE will remain for the future; it won't leave just because one stop along our journey is completed.  Oh no! HOPE will continue to be with us as long as life gives rise to breath and we continue to move. . .forward. . .

Finishing up? Just beginning?  HOPE won't leave even after...happily ever after...