Peregrina's Poem

I just happened to visit Peregrina.  I don't read her blog regularly but every time I go there I find myself lingering, soaking up her words of wisdom.  It looks to me like she has stopped posting for a while.  I'm not quite sure what that is about.  I sure wish she'd publish a book because I'd snap that up in a second.  Anyway, this little poem just struck me tonight.  I think we'll use this one for our next dictation exercise and even memorize.

Let me be a little kinder,
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me;
Let me praise a little more;
Let me be, when I am weary,
Just a little bit more cheery;
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am striving for.

Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver;
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be;
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker;
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me.

~ Author Unknown

I just happened upon this blog with some lovely and meaningful ways to celebrate Easter.

(In)Courage

Creationism

I recently received an email notifying me of a MSNBC (or MSLSD as Mark Levin refers to them) poll.  The title of the email read, "Should Homeschoolers be Allowed to be Taught Truth: Vote!".  I find the word "truth" here to be ironic.
 
Homeschoolers (in our state and many other states) are free to use any curriculum they choose - and that even includes "unschooling".  Which, in my humble opinion, is as it should be.  Our society has slowly and scarily drifted from "parent knows best" to "big brother knows best".  It is funny that this poll refers to "homeschool textbooks", too.  I am of the belief that "textbooks" are a big part of our societal ills, anyway.  I am a huge fan of Charlotte Mason.  She was a turn of the century teacher and advocate of early homeschoolers in England when, politically, much the same thing was happening there as is now in the US.  Her philosophy was that the mind is a living entity that needs to be fed, not a container to be filled.  She advocated the use of "living books" - books that inspire the reader, feed the mind, and spark the imagination. Rather than a textbook feeding "information" that came from some arbitrary source, the information in these books is presented by the character (or the author) as a person that is personally attached to the information.  Information presented in this manner, she contends, will leave one wanting more information, being personally connected to it.  Therefore, we tend to use many living books - not textbooks - in our homeschool and the Bible is the mack Daddy of living books.  

Now as for Creationism vs. Evolution....I don't apologize for being a young earth believer.  I believe that the Bible was written as a historical narrative.  A science text?  No.  An accurate historical account?  Yes - that is corroborated by many other secular historical records.  I believe when we start doubting the validity or accurateness of the Bible we get into some murky water.  Some people may call me a dumb Christian.  I look at it as, "Why should I reinvent the wheel?".  We have learned and studied a lot (not so much recently though, for whatever reason) on Creationism vs. Evolution.  There is a series of children's adventure audios, Jonathon Park, that my girls literally eat up.  Another book I would urge you to read is Ruth Beechick's, Genesis:  Finding Our Roots.  This book answered MANY questions I had and she has such a depth of knowledge and research on this subject matter.  For instance, in the book she talks about dinosaurs.  Genesis mentions the word "dragon" which many believe was synonymous to dinosaur.   However many people have never seen this reference, because they read the English translation and the word "dragon" is only in the Hebrew text.   When the Bible was translated into English (by King James) the word dragon was translated to "large beast".  Well, the largest beast the English knew of at the time was a whale.  Hence "And God created great whales, and every living creature that moves which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind; and God saw that it was good." (Gen. 1:21).  And there are many more references to dragons throughout the OT.  Anyway, it is things like that throughout that book that convinced me and my simple little mind that I don't need to go there.  I think evolutionists have cleverly crafted and packaged their little "bit".  I am saddened that there are so many people out there that have turned their backs to the Biblical truths, though.  The thing that frightens me though is that this is a societal change (as evidenced by the poll results when I voted were about 2/3 voting "No").  I can try to teach my children truth but the fact is they ARE going to be influenced some by societal thinking.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

Call to Dunkirk

Recently I have had several Christians ask me and in their questioning seem somewhat skeptical about our decision and practice of homeschooling.  One even told me flat out that SHE WAS AGAINST IT.  I really have not experienced this much until now and am a little bit taken aback by this Christian response.  This little video sums it up, pretty much...





...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.  -1 Peter 3:15

Christ's Bell

My Mom recently sent me this email...I do believe it is a keeper.

Christ’s Bell
Someone took a lot of time doing this.


THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ.  (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3 :20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God  (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good  (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13 )
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16).   I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?


Keep this bell ringing...pass it on
'The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace...
Numbers 6:24-26

To love someone is Nothing,
To be Loved by someone is Something,
BUT to be LOVED by the one that YOU LOVE is EVERYTHING..

Merry Christmas!!

Weeks 3&4 Jamestown Settlement

It seems like ages since I have posted homeschool stuff. I guess we have been too busy with it all but we have slowed down a bit and taken 3 weeks instead of 2 for both our Jamestown and Indian studies. Part of the reason is that we finished Squanto early and I decided to read aloud Blood on the River. I can't say enough good things about this book. At first I was a little apprehensive and couldn't find many reviews online to find out if it was appropriate for my girls. I decided just to go ahead and read it and it is a great read! There are parts that get a little (unnecessarily) graphic. But all-in-all it is a wonderfully written living history book. The characters John Smith, Reverend Hunt, and Samuel Collier (the main character) all teach some great character values - channel your anger, you don't work you don't eat, act out of love not fear, and rely on others/have many legs. Although it is not a blatant Christian work it does have positive Christian elements and influence.

We are even thinking about going to Jamestown for a couple of days. They have homeschool days going on right now. Even if you can't attend I recommend virtually visiting their site. There's lots of resources there.

WWJD Bracelets

Jesus the Light of the World Candle

Paint with Glue and attach the "Jesus the Light of the World" label
Sprinkle with glitter
Voila

Enjoy!

We've been burning this at night for dinner. Simply wonderful.

Scripture memory verse - John 8:12

I made Ms. Priss' a little more difficult by cutting apart every word. For Lil Bit's I printed what I could fit on a 3x5 card and let her piece that together. By the end of the week they could say it and put it together no problem without looking at the white board with the written verse. So, as a little treat we decided to hone our sewing skills and make some room decorations.

Punch holes

String together with some of Mom's ribbon stash - if you've read much of my blog you know I have a little bit to spare!

There you have it!

Making Wigwams & Teepees
tip #1: Use Tacky Glue and clips

Tip #2: label the inside of your wigwam with two 1's, two 2's, two 3's, and two 4's directly across/opposite from each other to help the kids know where to place their strips.

Tip #3: Secure the strips around the ring with paper clips

Tip #4: Thin the glue with a little water

Could this be Powhatan Territories? I got this idea from Erica. I just love her blog!

We're moving on to the Pilgrims next. I have LOTS of books for that. I'm thinking we'll be through with this curriculum in about 4 years.

A daily Fix

My sister has had me on the lookout when I've been out shopping or on my yard sale expeditions to find the Bible on cd for her. I just happened to be reading this gal's blog and clicked on her link to this:



It is amazing. Yes I know - my husband tells me that word is grossly overused - but in this case it is perfectly fitting. Brian Hardin is wonderful. His Christian love and faith is so evident through his readings. My sister gave me the idea to download and listen at night before bed. I'll have to say, it is the perfect delivery to relax you before nodding off. I beg you to try it...you just might like it!

Because I'm TOO cheap...

...to buy this to track our number of school days:


So I made this, instead. I think it superior in so many ways, if I do say so myself.




Coffee stirrers (cut in half, mind you), rubber bands, 3 jelly jars, and some folded pieces of cardstock (oh yes, a recycled almond container for the extras). I go back and forth but I think our family will fare ok during any economic recession we might have to endure. Because I don't see a thing in the world odd, unusual or miserly about this...even during an economic boom. I've been known to get out a spatula and get EVERY LAST smidgen of lotion out of a bottle, gall darn it. (I know if you're reading this that you're chuckling at this, Colleen.) I digress..

Since I shared the "days in school tally jars" I thought I'd also share some more of our daily calendar activities.

One child is responsible for changing the "yesterday", "today", and "tomorrow" tabs. They're so easy to make (and cheap...eh excuse me, inexpensive)...again, just folded cardstock. Simply hang them over the calendar date. Oh yes...remember the plasti-tak? That's what's holding up the calendar numbers.


I eventually want to print and laminate this board instead of using the dry erase board. Anywhooo.... I usually let the other child write this information on the board and let them alternate these tasks every day. Want to know how I keep up with whose day is who's? Simple, I just look at the handwriting on the board from the day before. I started out writing this information in myself and having them copy it on those silly sheets (pre-workbox days) then I thought, "what am I doing? Let THEM own it!"

The ordinal monthly number information comes from this book that I've mentioned before.



After we're done with calendar stuff we do a daily devotional and their journal is always in the first drawer of their workboxes. We use this Carson-Delossa book that I really like.



I have the child that didn't write on the white board or rather the child that simply changed the calendar tabs (yes it's tit-for-tat in our house) find and read the bible verse in the actual Bible. I think that's important rather than just to read it from the devotional book and as my friend Jenn says - they're learning math skills while loooking up verses. I couldn't resist posting all of these pix. I just love the little story they collectively tell.







Then I write the verse on the white board and usually try to incorporate a little further journaling/drawing activity to go along with the devotional or verse read.



So that's it...our daily grind. Not so bad, I don't think.

Is it December Already?!?

Where does the time go? December has been a fun month. Brought to you in part by the beauty of homeschooling. Here's a little of what we've been up to...

New haircuts
While I was attending the Marcy Cook math conference, Auntie-A took them to Sharon for new haircuts. Its funny because not only did we grow up knowing Sharon, but hubby also used to go to her to have his hair cut while he was in college. And we didn't find that out until waaaay after college. I guess what they say about 6 degrees of seperation is true.





Lifeline's Mother-Daughter Tea
This is a tea that Lifeline Pregnancy Center hosted for area gals. One of my best friends, JA (and no that does not stand for what you think!!! - who also can be referred to as "miss pretty hair and smile" or "MPH&S") and I helped with it.
It was a very positive mother-daughter experience that emphasized the importance of communication, honesty, and generally having a good relationship between mothers (parents) and daughters. All good stuff. Nancy, from Lifeline who came up with the whole idea and orchestrated the event beautifully, is a supersweet gal. These girls are all homeschooled and good friends. We feel so fortunate to call them our dear friends. God answers prayers.


I was in charge of the craft and this is what the girls made. It was not my idea - I just took and it and ran. They are paperwhite bulbs. It was a very easy (read mess-free) craft that symbolizes our faith and growing with God (the bulb/roots in the rocks - remember the wise man?) with resulting purity (the white flower). The verse that we taped to the cup reads, "Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him" -Colossians 2:17
Photo-op
We finally got our Christmas Card photos done. These are some funny out-takes. What hams.


What is she about to do with that lightbulb? Aaaaaaallllllllllvvvviiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!




While Visions of Sugarplums Danced in Their Heads
Or maybe on the topiary form. I had this gumdrop topiary that I did back in 2004 while we were still in Charlotte and due to moving (which took the course of 2 years) and then our temporary lapse in sanity last year with hubby taking a job ACROSS THE COUNTRY, I haven't done it since. It is a fun time in our lives now because the girls can take something like this and do it themselves. They had fun but since I hadn't let the gum drops thaw (yes, I stored them in the freezer since 2004) they were cold and sticky on their fingers. They asked for the little gloves. Honest. I'm not THAT anal! But the gloves didn't come without their own problems. Wonder when Dollar Tree is going to start carrying junior plastic gloves?!? Heehee







Disney on Ice & Girl Scouts
We also went to see Disney on Ice with the girls' Girl Scout troop. We went early with Ms. England's family and ate together at the Cheesecake Factory. .


Oh how I miss CF. I got the Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp, my old standard. When you find something you like I say don't deviate.Anyway, we didn't take any pix while at DOI but we did stay with Auntie-A and Uncle-Fun. Here's Miss Priss snuggled up on the couch with Uncle-Fun the next morning.

Later in the week we had a GS troop Christmas party and the girls earned their badges for the fall. Ms. Lauri is a great troop leader.






Intimate Mother-Daugher Tea
Well, I don't know if we should really call it a "Tea" since we didn't officially drink tea - rather punch and cider. It was a nice lunch with four generations of mothers and daughters. Thanks to Auntie-A and Meme too we had plenty-o tasty things to eat.




Farmer Santa?
You know some of the best things in life aren't planned. I have never really "pushed" sitting on Santa's lap to my girls. They never have much cared for it and sadly it always seemed like a lot of trouble. (Is that wrong?). So most (if not all) of the pictures we have of the girls with Santa were not planned events but happenstance. Anyway, it was the last day of the Farmer's Market for the year (until spring) just up from our house so I took the girls. And lo-and-behold who was there, none other than Old St. Nick himself. The girls didn't want to sit on his lap but I bribed them by pointing out the container of candy canes beside his chair (;-), Coll). When we walked away Miss Priss said, he was a crazy Santa. And Little-bit looks just thrilled, huh?!?




Dancing Angels
Whew...this is getting long and its only December 20th?!? The last event I have pictures of is the girls' homeschool dance class. Ms. Pam is a wonderful teacher - first class all the way. We're hoping to start acrobatics with her after the first of the year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!