Summer School

Here is what summer school looks like for us.

We are choosing to home school our kids year round. They do 2 pages out of a workbook each day. We take walks through the woods and talk through everything in our day. We look up how big Noah's ark was and measure it with a ruler.  We talk through temper tantrums. We sing songs like "He's Able, He's Able, The Fruit of the Spirit, and Who Built the Ark?"  My 22 month old is also picking up on "Alabare, Alabare."  Shiloh loves "El Shadai."  The 5 year old likes to make up his own songs.

I would like to say we take an "eclectic approach" to learning. We use workbooks but anything that the 5 year old asks about we research and talk about through out the day.  There are educational resources scattered throughout the house. On random days the kids will choose to learn about sharks or whales.  We recently read a book about bugs and catepillars.  I'm learning right along with each of the kids.

May

May brings warmer weather.  We are finally able to go outside most days.  We have graduations planned and Camp Meeting in June.  Our garden is also growing well. I continue to work on a contractual basis which is working well for our family.  I love following others blogs.  Today we went for a walk in the woods. All 3 kids are actually sleeping right now so that is amazing. I am so thankful and blessed to be a mama of my three toddlers.

Here are some recent pics:

Training for Camp Meeting 5K.  Hubby and I are running, pushing jogging strollers again.  The kids love to stretch with me.


Recent Trip to Lake Michigan

Back to Eden

Our garden is our new adventure. Last year we did raised garden beds and that also went well.  This year the hubby researched "Back to Eden" gardening.

First we planted the seeds and put them in an indoor green house in the kitchen.

Then we put eight truck loads of horse manure, shredded newspaper and hay on top of a layer of newspaper.  The newspaper was also on top of our grass.

We then put in fifteen yards of top soil.  We planted some potatoes and strawberry plants today.

We will also put mulch over top of the plants when they start to sprout a little.

The idea behind "Back to Eden" gardening is that you won't have to water much if at all because the mulch holds in the moisture. The mulch will also keep out a lot of the weeds.  We have mulch from our local tree company. The mulch or wood in small pieces is not even but it will work.  

Proverbs

The Book of First John

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments.   

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.  And his commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  

And this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith.  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Peace

The book of John has been giving me a lot of comfort lately.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In my Father's house there are many mansions, if if were not so, I would have told you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may also be. 
John 14:1-3

Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let if be afraid
John 14: 27

Burdens

Days are filled with sorrow and care,

Hearts are loney and drear;

Burdens are lifted at Calvary, 

Jesus is very near.

Cast your care on Jesus today, 

Leave your worry and fear;

Burdens are lifted at Calvary

Jesus is very near.

Trouble soul, the Savior can see

Every heartache and tear;

Burdens are lifted at Calvary.

Jesus is very near.

Burdens are lifted at Calvary,

Calvary, Calvary;

Burdens are lifted at Calvary

Jesus is very near

John M. Moore 1952

Imitators of God

Tradegy seems to be all around us.  Car crashes, natural disasters and shooting rampages.  Our finite minds try to gain understanding to what is going on around us.

My friend's nephew was recently killed in car crash. They honored Lucas this past Thursday at a basketball game.  I am amazed at Lucas' mom and her stamina.  At half time she gave a short speech of how Lucas strived to live like Jesus. Melissa told a public school gym full of teenagers that high school is not always a happy place. She encouraged teenagers to see out those who are struggling, to smile at new faces walking the halls.  

Through her grief Melissa was able to give her son's testimony and spurred others to spread Jesus love. "In his fifteen short years, Lucas taught us more about life than many learn in a hundred.  Lucas' heart and his gift of loving other encompassed everything he did. His compassion was evident in his service in Guatemala, through his loving on his little brother and sister, and standing up for those being bullied at school.  He cared more about others than himself."  Every day he sought to bring a smile to the face of those who were hurting. He overcame his own medical struggles with courage and dignity. We can be a light in a dark world."   

Her current verse to remember Lucas is:

Ephesians 5:1-2: Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.  

Come soon Lord Jesus!

Fear

Fear has been in my heart lately.  Anxiety has been in my heart too.  This is a picture of my oldest child when he was 20 months old. We just brought his little sister home from the hospital. He fully embraced each moment to the fullest. He would hug and kiss her, point to her nose and eyes and continued to march on sharing his parents devotion.  His dad is in the background giving him a send off into the world of toddler hood.  May I be more like my 20 month old.  Determined and ready to face any challenge.  

God doesn't want us to have fear or anxiety. Life is hard, even crazy difficult, but God walks along each step of the way. I need to give each fear, each anxiety to my Creator and he will carry me. 

Speech Apraxia Resources

As a homeschool mom you want the best for your kids but you want to minimize the outside influences on your household.  My 3 year old has some speech difficulties. I was a nanny for a girl with speech difficulties and I find that my knowledge of ASL has helped as well.  Instead of bringing in a speech therapist we decided to look for our own resources.  I continue to pray that I will run into another homeschool mom who is a speech therapist or knows of specific resources for me to use.

Youtube has some great resources.

Ipad also has some resources for speech apaxia.

Articulation Station has also been helpful for us.

Gratitude

Impulsive

This weekend I tried to be impulsive. I made a couple plans with friends and intended to go out to eat while the hubby was away. However, it just didn't happen.  Friday afternoon I was able to hang out with a friend and her two kids. I went to Meijer also with 2 kids. Wow, is Meijer overstimulating for me now. Its hard for me to focus.

I also thought being impulsive and "Free" would bring me happiness. It doesn't. So thankful my hubby keeps me grounded. I desire to continue to live the simple life and continue to simplify my life.

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;  All other ground is sinking sand,  All other ground is sinking sand.

Grief

Grief is a multifaceted response to loss to which a bond or affection was formed, particularly to the loss of someone to which a bond or affection was formed. Although conventionally focused on the emotional response to loss, it also has physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, spiritual, and philosophical dimensions.

Yesterday I got home from work and my hubby said "someone was killed on a road near us." He then showed me the news clip. That someone was a son of a girl in my hometown neighborhood. We would play "wedding." Melissa was usually the bride because she was the tallest and around age 13 fit into my mom's wedding dress (she was tall for her age). My friend Amy and I were the bridesmaids and my sister was the flower girl.
We would set up the wedding scene and even walk down the aisle to the music of Pachelbel Canon in D.

Fast forward nearly a decade. Melissa is in college, has a son and continues to teach piano lessons. I helped Melissa by holding little baby Lucas. He cuddled and slept the entire time. What a sweet baby, only a couple weeks old. Lucas grew and grew and grew. He played the viola, ran cross country and played basketball. About 4 years ago he struggled with a brain infection. The doctors said this infection was life threatening. He made it through that challenge only to be hit by a car yesterday while he was crossing the street to the bus stop. Lucas wanted to be a doctor and he was only fifteen.

"Grief is an emotion beyond compare. The mind doesn't rest. The body won't be still. Sleep will not come. Memories, moments, conversations, touches, hugs, hopes, dreams. He was our miracle."   My dear friend Amy put these words on her face book page recently.

Please pray for this family. They need to feel God's loving arms around them.

Isaiah 43:2 New King James Version (NKJV) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Panic Attacks

So, after having 3 kids, 3 and under I will have to say that I have been deal with panic attacks the majority of last year. I have high anxiety during transitions and packing the kids up into the car. Maybe because we had a 97 Volvo that I packed 3 kids into the back of for several months. Oh, and maybe it was because those car seats are difficult to latch when a kid is flaring their arms. Or maybe I panicked because I was not sure if I would be able to get the 3 year old latched correctly without getting bit. I would often pray out loud "Dear God, please let me find the buckle and give me grace and strength for today."

Any time we were transitioning to go outside or go in the car, someone was throwing a temper tantrum and the baby would always cry. My heart would race and I found it difficult to breathe.  I would panic that I was going to forget something or a kid would act out and I would not be able to control them. I would panic that I am going to lose my water bottle (because when you are nursing 2 kids, you need your water!)

My husband again helped me out this past week with meeting me at the Secretary of State. Even though I do not have a baby anymore, I now have 3 walking and talking toddlers. I wear little Jonah (all 25lbs of him) on my back in the ergo just because it is easier for me in public places. He is content to watch the people. And so for the second time in my life I have been wearing a baby for my drivers license. You cannot see him but I will always know he was there.

One of the blogs I follow had a great article on Baby Boot Camp. During these toddler years I need to continue to remember to be focused on my toddlers.  They will grow someday, and someday I will have more time on my hands and less anxiety.  I found great tips in that article to put away the phone, don't go anywhere, and to just be there for my toddlers.  And that is what parenting is all about, correct? :)

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Move

I closed on my first house this week. What a crescendo to years of looking for a house.  My hubby and I both signed the papers. Now we have to figure out how to move our stuff.  We have a trailer, van, and a car top carrier.  We currently have a smaller house so not too much furniture but lots of bins of clothes.  I save most of the hand-me-downs friends and neighbors give me.

So now, we are praying how to fill our new house up. I will be looking into doing daycare, fostercare or an exchange student.  But I also pray God will place people in our lives who need some extra support.  I am excited to make new memories in my kitchen especially.

Psalm 84: 10  For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

Vegan Thanksgiving

Okay, so in January my hubby and decided that we were going to go vegan as a family.

Here it is turkey season and our kids will not be eating turkey this year. Nor will they be partaking in the ham at Christmas time. Some days I tell my 4 year old that when he is 18 he can eat "clean meats" and we go down the list which includes chicken, turkey, or deer. I will have to say that I have had some yummy jerk venison made by co-workers in the past.

We hosted thanksgiving this year at our house. Both sisters, brother, niece and nephew attended. They brought the meat, our family prepared the side dishes. We made homemade bread, added carrots, onions, garlic and seasonings such as sage, fennel, and celery seed to make stuffing. I also made a homemade gravy from cashews, nutritional yeast flakes and potatoes. There was also broccoli as a side dish. My kids did not complain nor notice that they were not eating meat.

Other items on the menu included peach pie with flax seed and pureed tofu, cheese cake made with dates and walnuts for a crust.  So, it is possible to be vegan for the holidays.

this post is linked to Mom 2 Mom Monday

Behold

Behold, behold! 
I stand at the door and knock, knock, knock, 
Behold, behold! 
I stand at the door and knock, knock, knock, 
If anyone hear my voice, 
If anyone hear my voice, 
And will open, open, open the door, 
I will come in. 

Read more: http://artists.letssingit.com/cedarmont-kids-lyrics-behold-behold-xq8bz25#ixzz3JCAuoC00
LetsSingIt - Your favorite Music Community 

Behold, Behold is a simple kids song based on Revelation 3:20 Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him and he with Me.

However, how many of us are focused on our child's salvation each hour of the day?  I know I struggle most days with wiping the bums, brushing the teeth and feeding the kids each day.  I struggle to be patient through the temper tantrums, whining and yelling.  

Something that I have recently been convicted of what is my ultimate goal each day? I can be so focused on trying to teach the kids something and improve their brain power. However, what good am I if the task does not ultimately lead them back to Jesus?  I'm trying to incorporate Bible stories, lessons and applications each day and each hour of the day. Even when we are out for a walk I ultimately bring the 4 year old conversations back to how Jesus is coming soon and we need to be ready for him.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.  Revelation 22:12

November

I'm sure many people can't believe its November.  We had an interesting week last week. We feel God is calling us to open our home to foster kids, day care kids and/or students from a foreign country. However, we only have space for our family in our current home.

We put in an offer at a house that seemed to the be the best fit for us.  More bedrooms, larger kitchen and acreage for the kids to run. However when doing the inspections we found the roof will need to be replaced in the next 1-5 years and windows in the next 3-5 years.  Those are big expenses that need consideration in our budget.

We didn't buy the house but got some cute outdoor pictures on the property.

My current goal is to live contently, live simply and continue to seek God's guidance for our family.

American Dream = the American Nightmare

We are taught from a young age to go to school, get good grades, go to college, go to graduate school and get a good job. Then after that you need a new car, a big house and then you can pop out two kids, who will spend most of their little lives institutionalized in daycare setting and the school system.

dWhere does all this planning lead people?  Down the path of depression. You are always trying to keep up with your neighbors and their new car, updates in their home, new clothes etc etc.  We are constantly trying to change our appearance to look better for others.

But what about God?  What does God require of us? He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?  Micah 6:8.  Walk humbly with him? What does that really mean?  The devil wants us to be busy. He wants us to work our 40 hour per week job so we can be distracted. We are so distracted because we have a house payment, car payment, daycare payment and wardrobe payment.

I bought into the whole career dream for a couple years. I was bumped up the pay scale by a supervisor and I was given my own office, a rarity in my line of work.  I was told that I was on the track to be unit chief. However, the high pay and office did not bring me happiness. I found that by being pregnant I could get a maternity leave and "get out of working."

Yet each time I returned from maternity leave I found it harder and harder to leave my babies. I had to disconnect from them and then try to reengage with them on the weekend.  I took an extended maternity leave after the 3rd baby. Then I returned to worked full time for 4 months. We had a great sitter who cooked, cleaned and kept the kids happy.   I was earning money for my 401K, building my savings account and keeping my clinical skills up to date. But I longed to be with my two toddlers going through various stages and my arms longed to hold my baby.

So last month I quit my full time job. I left the comforts of state benefits and insurance. I have to say that being home full time for 30 days now has really changed my view of moms who "work at home."  My head is split 3 different directions each hour of the day. I am trying to give each kid attention, clean the house, mentally stimulate the 4 year old. Plus nurse the the 31 month old and the 14 month old.

Some days my brain daydreams what it would be like to be with my co-workers. However, I want to stay the course and stay focused on my kids.  Here is a quote from an Ellen G. White Book called Child Guidance.

It is the privilege of parents to take their children with them to the
gates of the city of God, saying, “I have tried to instruct my children to
love the Lord, to do His will, and to glorify Him.” To such the gate will
be thrown open, and parents and children will enter in. But all cannot
enter. Some are left outside with their children, whose characters have
not been transformed by submission to the will of God. A hand is
raised, and the words are spoken, “You have neglected home duties.
You have failed to do the work that would have fitted the soul for
a home in heaven. You cannot enter." 

I desire to have each of my children walk through those pearly gates with me. Some days I am left exhausted and filled with tears and frustration.  I pray my daily family worship time, readings from the Bible, and talking to our Heavenly Father would impact my kids.  I must do everything I can to point my children to the path that leads to Christ.  

Beyond the Sling Book by Mayim Bialik Book Review

Beyond the Sling by Mayim Bialik 

Why I like this book:

Mayim is a vegan, co-sleeping, gentle discipline kind of girl.

We also are vegan in this household. We slowly took items out of our menu. The pork, chicken and turkey went first. I am talking with my kids about how if they want to eat "clean meats" (like chicken and turkey) when they are 18, they may eat those meats.  I love how Mayim talks of how she brings her vegan bran muffins to birthday parties. 

We make homemade muffins with blueberries, oats, flax seed, and pureed squash. I bring the muffins to La Leche Meetings, outings and now I have the confidence to bring them to birthday parties too.  The kids love the muffins and now the 4 year old can make them almost by himself.  

I did not start co-sleeping til my 3rd kid, out of the need to get more rest and deal with the toddlers during the day. However, there is much research that points to the positives of having mother and baby in close proximately to each other.  I really like having baby in my room also, as I barely wake up during feedings and he doesn't get so upset before I pick him up. Mayim talks of all the positives of co-sleeping and how to co-sleep safely or have baby sleeping near mama. 

I agree Mayim's approach to discipline.  She recommends spending as much time as possible with your kid. This way you can get to know your kid and know the specific style of parental guidance that is warranted for each kid.  Mayim has a PhD and is in the TV business, however she took time out of her career to build relationships with her two kids. She also does not allow her kids to watch television.  She feels that her kids could be doing better things with her time. She also does not even do "educational toys."  She speaks of how her kids are a "bit delayed" in their speech and some growth patterns. However, they are able to focus better on certain tasks. Instead Mayim has a very simple playing style with kids. Wooden toys and pots/pan etc. I have also noticed that my kids love to play with "adult items" such as brooms, pans, and toilet paper. I would like to think that their frontal lobe is developing in a more positive manner than most "mainstream kids."  

The whole gentle discipline thing is newer to me. I struggle with talking my two year old through each frustrating moment and temper tantrum. Many times she needs to go potty when she is having a temper tantrum, or it is a transition from one activity to another. Other times she is just tired and her brain is not functioning at 100%.  Here is a quote I really like: "Gentle Discipline can work for every child, and every parent, if we only invest the time and energy to make it happen with consistency, authenticity, and love." Another point she makes is the question: "Is the physical punishment really working? Well, research indicates that physical punishment fails to promote long term compliance and is actually correlated with less internalization of appropriate behavior and compliance.  In addition, many studies report the more defiant they are and the less likely they are to show empathy for others.  Throughout the world, physical punishment is associated with increased psychological maladjustment and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, as well as drug and alcohol abuse (Bialik, 2013)."  

The whole punishment route does not help explain to the child why a certain behavior is not appropriate. Many of the incarcerated persons I have worked with were disciplined in harsh manner. Gentle discipline takes every once of energy right out of you. But I believe in the end my kids will understand the importance of why I am guiding them on a certain path. 

                                              

                                                     Starting the day with chamomile tea.