The College Student

Hard to believe how fast time comes and goes.  Seriously I need to stop blinking and slow things down a bit.

Our sweet Ethiopian has begun her studies, dabbling in getting her feet wet in higher education.  This is her first experience outside of her home education, here in America.  She is eager and ready.

We are several weeks in now and up to our eyeballs in assignments, but she is enjoying this new step in finding out what and where God is taking her.

Extension Homeschool class (high school)

My seventeen year old daughter decided to tag along with her eldest sister to a cake decorating class.  She has been practicing with frosting, fondant and gum paste in these two 4 week sessions. They found the classes at our local fabric craft center. I think this one was her first with just frosting, she has made several over these past few weeks. 

 

They both enjoyed trying new things in the decorating cakes world.  And it was super nice to have my married daughter make an effort to spend time with her younger sister.  Mentoring is huge, never mind friendship between sisters!

We are proud of her and happy to help her make way for another frosting design session.

Hard work, but somebody has to eat the cake.

 

 

Homeschool (and Parenting) Wisdom

Slow down.

Do less.

Breathe deeply.

Choose to be present.

(which means not half present, 

not multitasking,

 not keeping an eye on your Pinterest

 or email

 or texts.

And certainly it means that phone 

shouldn't be an extension of your arm!)

Make a list of things that you would like to do together.

(then do them...

one at a time

 in a slow chew your food,

 so you can savor it,

 kind of way!)

Hug your kids.

Kiss your kids.

Make food together.

Go on a picnic 

(you can even do it in your living room floor

 when the weather just isn't quite outside picnic worthy!)

Do messy and not so messy crafts.

Go to the library...

you will never regret time spent together gathering books.

Read together.  

(sprawl out together in one room. 

 Tea and snacks make it perfect!)

Enjoy the outdoors.

Go for a walk.

Go for a hike.

Go in search of something new.

Get in the car and take an old fashioned ride...

like we did in childhood before gas prices were so outrageous. 

 Choose to live extravagantly just for a day.

Reach out and be kind to someone who needs it.

Find an elderly person to befriend. 

 It will mean the world to everyone involved.

Don't become overwhelmed and lose focus that your time is short

 and slowing down actually reduces stress.

Say no to activities.  

Weed down to the ones that are necessary.

Be brave and say no to them for a season. 

 (trust me you will live!)

Thank God for what He has given you.  

Pray together.

Teach them to love God.  To love family.  To love others.  

Read your Bible...it is full of wisdom.

Teach your kids to read theirs each day

 and tell them it is God's love letter to them 

and to you!

Childhood is fleeting.  

You blink and your kids are grown-up.  

Make a decision to live in a new slow downed pace...

and in it I promise you that will find joy unspeakable!

If you are a new homeschooling parent I welcome you to your new year!  

Don't be afraid!

Enjoy it. 

 I encourage you to stop and ask God to speak to your heart.

  Ask Him to help you keep it simple and learn to love the spot He has you in.

*If you are a parent minus the homeschooling.  Ditto!

Remember...children grow so fast. 

 Be intentional in how you live out their childhood

 and your days as their loving parent.

Testimony

Testimony:  

your witness,

 your profession (of faith),

 your confession (to what you have experienced)

your declaration (manifestation)

It is your story!

It isn't just knowledge, it's about sharing your relationship (Jesus + you) with others.

Ever have something continually pop into your head (heart)?  Well, for the past few weeks God has been depositing "testimony" into my spirit.  When this happens I always begin to look around me and to ask the Holy Spirit what it is in it that He wants to teach me. I dig in deeper and open up my bible and study tools to get a deeper and clearer understanding of the word itself (and the meaning within the word!)  I listen and look for the word or deed being done.

So in pressing in to understand testimony, 

 I have discovered a hidden gem. 

I have shared my faith many times over the years, a few times behind a microphone, in group situations, one on one situations as the Lord led me and on this here blog.  But never did I truly understand the impact and power that is within each of our testimonies.

  As we share, it releases the power of God to go out and to reach the hearts, minds and souls of those who have ears to hear.  It can change lives, open doors and bring others to greater faith, never mind to salvation!

BUT

This year for our homeschool (and also in our regular family devotion time) we will be pressing in to learn HOW to share our testimony.  We will be jotting down our thoughts, which in turn will lead us to share our testimonies with each other.  Like all things, practice makes perfect!  (not saying that in any given situation that you can't just spontaneously share your testimony, but I am saying that with practice you will be more confident and clearer with what you are trying to express).  

This in turn will give us MORE opportunity to let God open doors for us to minister to others for Him!  Even the smallest child can do this (and so can YOU!)

I feel like God is asking me to be 'the poster child of testimony.'  Perhaps, in me sharing it with you, that God will begin to stir your heart to share your testimony with others.  Perhaps you have, perhaps you haven't done this yet. 

Wondering how many of you have officially shared your testimony with someone?  

Was it recently or do you too need to dust of your story 

and get ready to willingly and joyfully share it!

Revelations 12:11

They defeated him because of the Lamb’s blood
and because of the message of their witness.
Even when facing death
they did not cling to life.

A Fun and Educational Learning Program!!!!

Several weeks back, before the finishing of another school year, (end of year 18 of homeschooling!!!)
 I was approached by a team member from K5 Learning to review their online site.  I was excited for the chance, as I was looking for a way to do some review for 4 of my home schooled students.  The site is not just for home schooled children, but for any parent or child who wants to open up to some excellent educational opportunities online, with this very supportive company. 

The site offers reading, math and spelling practice.  I must say that when I tested each of my children, prior to their starting with the program, I felt a little daunted.  My daughter in kindergarten seemed to need more help than I was supposed to be giving.  I am not sure if there was suppose to be audible sound help with the directions, or if there just was a glitch in the system.  I did offer her help in figuring out what needed to be done in each tested area in reading. My daughter turned 6 in early April and was reading at about first grade level in my estimation.  My other 3 students, grade 5 and two 6th graders, managed on their own quite well  in the testing area.

The test results came the next day and we were able to jump into 6 fun-filled weeks of hassle-free extra school! (I didn't tell my kids that it was still 'school,' as they thought it was merely fun!)  The work was challenging enough to hold their interest, but not so difficult that they were discouraged in any of the areas they happily dove into.

 I was encouraged and really was impressed by how the program was set up and how it educated them without their even being aware that learning was going on.  Learning areas included; arithmetic, reading, phonics, spelling, geometry, vocabulary, sight words, math facts, comprehension, money/time and fractions.

Now let me say that my kids don't do a lot of computer stuff before 7th grade.  So this was exciting for them to be able to have a program at their level to be able to attach themselves to.  One that was specific to their level (as I did share their test results with them) and fun enough that it was never a battle for their daily time on the site.

Now this program is intended for grades kindergarten up to the ending of grade 5.  However, my thought was review is always good, and upon testing I learned that my 5th and sixth grader needed some attention in math and in reading comprehension.  (both tested lower than the grade just finished.)  

I contacted the company several times with questions on placement level (for my kindergartner- who they said was at second grade level in all areas).  They were quick to respond and offer me help.  

Now as their Mama and teacher, I was aware of some of their weak areas already.  We had set to a plan of more summer reading and continuing in last years math for extra help in the summer months.  This program was perfect for the first part of our expedition in learning. it touched on many things we had covered, but some that were brand spanking new to them that their DVD math program had not yet begun to teach.  When new concepts came, they pressed in and 'got it.' 

 Yah!!

My kids thoroughly enjoyed their daily time in the program.  Each segment gets rewarded with some fun games in between lessons.  They never had to be prodded to sit and do any of the sections of  K5 Learning.  They quickly learned that the game area was just within reach if they continued to the end of each learning segment. They looked forward to it and spent many hours over our 6 week trial 'having at it.'

The weeks went by quickly, as time always seems to do and we were sad to see our trial come to an end.  I must say that while each child had their turn and happily memorized their individual username and password, the other 3 would often gather around silently watching what the program would offer them that time.  It really was like when you turn on a light in the dark and all the moths and such come to the area to see what all the excitement is about. Hee-hee.  

The program has you set up the child with a username and password, which they use to enter into the site.  Also you set up a parents access area, so you can check on progress and see both the strengths and weaknesses of the program.  It is done very clearly and easy for any parent to be able to access their students work.  You can try a trial too!

I will happily link you to the site and let you read the specifics yourself- K5 Learning.  I did not receive any payment for the review, other than a 6 week free trial subscription and an agreement to post an honest review.  I have been offered a $25 referral program reward, if anyone signs up through this post and lists me as their reason for wanting to try the program!

My review is honest and I hope it may help you in finding a great educational opportunity!

Have a great  learning filled summer friends!

I'll leave you with these heartfelt words from my 6 year old daughter, when asked what she thought of K5 Learning,
 "Oh, I loved it Mama!" 
 "Getting the frogs into the spaceship was so fun!" 
"Thanks for letting me do it Mama!"

A Homeschooling Mama's Prayer

Homeschooling is a path God chose for my family.  A path we have walked for many years now (so many that I think I have truly lost count).  One that still requires me to fall before Him, asking for help.  I find great need to seek Him, asking for help, so that I may direct the steps of my children. 

 How often I have felt that I am not qualified to take on the job of teaching my children.  How often have I wrestled with feelings of inadequacy in how to teach 8 children.  Honestly, some days I just wonder if I can even master success with one.  Questioning if I have bought the right materials, if the curriculum is the right fit, if I am following the books correctly.  Wondering if I am giving them enough, challenging them enough, preparing them so that God can use them as He desires.

This morning I was up prior to the sun, I found this verse.  As I read it, I saw that it is so true, I need God to help me empty me, so that He can fill me with what He desires.  He can form me and shape me, so that I in turn can form and shape the ones He has graciously entrusted to me.

  It's not about me and how much I know,

but how much He wants me to empty myself,

 so He can fill me with His ways and His wisdom to pour out upon my children!

Psalm 40: 17  

(The Message Bible)

 

And me?  I'm a mess.  I'm nothing and have nothing;

make something of me.

You can do it;

you've got what it takes~

but God,

don't put it off. 

 

Teaching Children How to be a Blessing

(part one)

After looking around the Internet, I became greatly aware that there is a great lacking on 

 teaching children to be a blessing.
 I found many posts on how to bless your children,
100's of ideas of how to bless them.
  But I couldn't find one such list of how children can step out to be a blessing.

  Now, don't get me wrong, blessing your children is great.  I do it - you do it, but are they doing it?  If they are or even if they aren't, wouldn't you like them to live this way.  Like the kind of living that doesn't require you to walk around behind them reminding of them to do it. (smirking). 

As a homeschooling mother, I have decided that this needs to be put into our curriculum.  So my children will be memorizing this scripture.  We will make a list of ways to be a blessing and writing essays on how we are blessed and why?  (see below)  We will also, as they say, 'take it to the streets.'  The ministry of blessing is about serving, really that is what is meant by ministry; service to others.

I think the Bible clearly tells us that we are blessed so that we can pour out blessings to others.  The whole blessed to be a blessing idea. Now the Bible doesn't spell it out exactly like that, but it does point us firmly in that direction. I am going to do a few more posts on how to be a blessing, with Scripture added in to help us.

 We are told to love God with all our hearts and to also love others (God used the word neighbors) as ourselves.  Now, here in America I don't think we have a problem loving ourselves, our society is based on self-focus.  We as humans are born not only sinful, but selfish in our ways. My children are no different and need continued guidance in training them to walk in ways that please God.  I want my children to spend less time on thinking or pondering self, and to instead focus with greater intent on becoming one who blesses.

As their mother, I am encouraging them to think on how they can bless me (and others) throughout their day.  God promises them that if they honor their parents (honor means- love, respect, caring for, obedience to...) that he will bless them because of that life style choice with a long life.  Those who honor God, He honors.  

So imagine this "Little Blesser" having the favor of God over their long little lives.  Makes you want to get busy at working, "How to be a Blessing," into your parenting plan.  I want my children blessed by God and in turn, poured out to be a blessing on the path they trod upon.

Here is what I wrote on our fridge (*dry erase makers):

Philippians 2:3-4  

Expanded Bible/ with some Mama Notes added in

When you do things

do not let selfishness 

or pride

(me-me-me-me)

to be your guide.

Instead be humble and (stop and choose) 

give (action)

more honor (regard/value)

to others than to yourself.

Do not  be interested only in your life 

(again either me-me-me or  an I-I-I attitude),

but be interested

in the lives of others.

(be a blessing to make others happy).

Homework:  (this was for my kids- also written on the refrigerator door)

• write out a list of how you are blessed (my children are doing it in essay form)
• God blesses you so we can be a blessing to others- how will you choose to live this way today?

Homeschooling in December

Homeschooling allows us the benefit of truly slowing down for the month of December.  Only holding tight to our heaviest of courses and releasing us to explore areas of homemaking, art, and the joys of preparing for the coming of Christmas.

Today we embark on our slower pace.  We will begin by looking through cookbooks and deciding what new recipes (or perhaps old) that we want to create.  We will poke around in our art supplies and see what fun things we can make with all our collections, that are awaiting their release from their basement storage. We will enjoy our collection of Christmas books that have made their way down from the attic in the large old wooden crate that contains them.

Of course if it should happen to snow, well then, we will don our apparel that has been tucked away in its place until such moments and joyfully make snow forts, snow angels and sled like crazy! Warming ourselves by the fire with cups of hot cocoa that is stirred with peppermint sticks and laced with clouds of whipped cream.  December is not the month to think of calories or cutting back in our house, that is what January arrives for!

I look forward to this time. 

 A time to make memories. 

 A time to talk and laugh. 

 A time to spend more time reading aloud to my children (we are rereading The Five Little Peppers)

 and sprawling out before the fireplace with the books of our choice.  

Afternoons will be filled with teas, cookie and perhaps other tasty treats.  Honestly, it will go by too quickly.

Over the years I have learned that this change of pace does wonders for all of our hearts.  It helps us to rise to the occasion of winter schooling and allows for the extras in schooling that don't often happen, due to busy schedules and such.  

I highly recommend that you consider some type of slow down, allowing yourself a time of joyful refreshing to come to your souls.

Bless you my friends and rejoice because God loves you so very much- so much that He gave us Jesus.  The One we celebrate and prepare for this month.  

Come Lord Jesus, Come!

Homeschool Happiness!

Encouragement is the bomb, really it is. 

 A few days back I got a little email telling me that I was nominated for a homeschool blog award.
(scroll way down to see all the neat categories for this years awards!)

  Bust my buttons.

  Someone out there took a few minutes to put my name in for one of the Homeschool Blog Award categories! Now, in the past I have been nominated (probably by this same someone),
 into the Encourager and Homeschool Mom categories.

 I was encouraged by the, "Hey, you were nominated!" email, and I was also curious to see what category this nomination fell into. Can you believe someone put me in for~

Favorite Homeschool Mom Blog 2013!

How humbling, as I really don't feel like such a great homeschool mom. Last year had been a hard year, not only as a homeschooling teacher/mother, but just as a mother in general. This was like someone slipping up beside me, putting an arm around me and saying...
"You are our favorite Homeschooling Mama! We consider you our friend!"

thanks, really- thanks!

If you feel so led, you can vote in any of the categories for any of the wonderful blogging brothers and sisters in Christ that take time out of their busy lives, to share them with us.  The voting will be done on November 18th- at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. You can vote once a day in any of the categories...so vote and vote again and again and again- until the clock strikes midnight on the 18th.

I always love voting time...it let's you meet people you'd never normally meet and gives you some fresh ideas on what people are interested in these days.  (sometimes I lose touch in the little world I live in).  I love blogs and I love seeing what others are doing in their lives (whether it be homeschooling, homemaking, heart sharing...!) 

Again...thanks for the brightener to my heart.  
I feel blessed, truly blessed!

When Homeschooling and Adoption Meet

Yesterday two of my students had an assignment to compose a poem.  They were reading various types of poetry in English, and had been struggling with the whole 'poetry thing.'  I encouraged them to keep at it, though I might have said that they should quit at the Limericks, as they were pretty awful.  

But these poems were different, they made me smile.  They made warmth and joy well up in my heart.  I asked if I could publish them, to which one came and said, "Yes," and the other ripped the page out of her book, so I am assuming in her Ethiopian way that this means, 'Sure!'  

I am proud of my 16 year old, as she came here 3 years ago barely speaking English.  We started her with mainly first grade curriculum and quickly flew through the grades to get her caught up to the grade she would have been in back in Ethiopia.  It was humbling for her I am sure, because back in her village she was the number one girl student. Number one out of hundreds of others that somehow managed to arrive at school, often walking for hours to get there and have the opportunity for education.  Here it was her against a language that was totally foreign to her.  New beginnings, new challenges, but ready to rise to it all!

She is driven and really is a delight to teach as she is eager to learn. She carries with her a teachable spirit, which does my heart good for sure.  She often has me in stitches as I grade her books.  She tries so hard, sometimes it just doesn't say what she thought it said.  I always thank her, as when you sit grading umpteen books, a laugh is a good thing.

But yesterday what welled in my soul wasn't laughter, it was pride.  Pride from a mother who has seen a lot in raising a larger brood.  A mother who has stood in prayer battling for her children, both physically and spiritually speaking.  A mother who is passionate about rescuing orphans and believes in family- one the hand of God creates.  Her poem gave me a peak into her heart and what I saw was encouraging to my mother's heart. 

(I have not edited her work...so read it in its pure beauty. Coming from a girl who lived for 5 years in an orphanage, waiting and praying for a Christian family to adopt her. From a girl who went from barely speaking or writing English to one who is composing Psalms, in her new 3 year old language...)

Psalm...by Ethiopian daughter

I lift up my soul to praise your Name

Because you deliver me from evil eyes

Your protection guides me through the life

Your the Light to my past that guides me

Your are the hope, when I need

You are the confidence that I seek

I gave you thanks for all you have done for me

I promise to fellow you from this day to the end.

What I would tell you about my 14 year old, is that she came to us at 3 pretty broken.  We fought a very difficult fight to get her adopted and to make her our forever daughter.  She had many fears and we were told she would never attach to anyone normally.  We never bought their lies.  We never applied them to either our hearts or hers.  When she went catatonic during rainstorms, we comforted her

 and taught her how to dance in puddles. 

 "The experts" called us miracle workers, they said they couldn't believe this was the same child that their paperwork declared.  I smiled and gave the glory to God, who allowed us to be instruments in her healing.  That is why I hate labels, they can ruin and destroy a life.  What I do believe in is prayer, hope, trust and more prayer...I have seen it work first hand.

...

 This beautiful girl is a joy,

 she is a lover of not only her family,

 but of the One who called her to Himself.

Psalm...by Princess Sunshine

 O Lord I praise you

for all you have done in my life.

O Lord I thank you for restoring and rescuing me.

O Lord I praise you for giving

me this family I have.

O Lord work in this family

I have, as well as in me.

O Lord teach us to love

each other, like you said

in your commandments.

O Lord I thank you.

Embarking on Another Year of Homeschool

{hear the crowd cheer, hear the roar of the people, whistles, banners and amazement}

why?

We have embarked in our eighteenth year of homeschool!  Why did we choose this road?  When we began it was an oddity.  When we bought our first curriculum, only a few were available- compared with the choices available today.  The Internet was new (well, at least to my family) and a homeschool chat board was my only form of encouragement. 

We walk this road because God, the One we love and follow, called us to it.  We continue forward each year with His call still driving us, on this path of homeschooling.

In the beginning we chose a name for our little school that rose up in a sleepy farm community.  We called our little home school, 'Growing Along Together.'  Back then in order to get some curriculum we had to sound like we were an official school, my how things have changed.  

It hasn't always been easy.  We've had our struggles and our grand successes.  We've seen milestones among our ranks and bonding grow as God not only showed Himself strong in our lessons, but in a calling to grow our family through adoption.  I am amazed as I look back and see how in 5 short years, that He added 5 children to our hearts and home.  A sibling group of 3, a baby from Ethiopia, and a just turned teen also from our beloved Ethiopia.  I became the mother of what most say is many.  But still our hearts stay focused on what and who had called us.  Always, always remembering that where He calls you, He enables you.  We could never do this without Him.

Both parenting and schooling has kept us on our knees.  As we seek Him, He comes.  He fills our lives, He directs our paths, He grants wisdom and guides us.  

Thought you'd like to see the kids on the first day of school...times are a busy...but boy the reward for the work is worth it.  

We continue to press on.  Believing that He who calls us and enables us is Good and so very faithful!

Our soon to be 19 year old...

beginning her first semester at college!

Another one graduated (that's two if you're counting!)

Our 16 year old freshman... 

Miss Sassy Pants

Our 14 year old freshman...

12 years old and entering the sixth grade this year...

Another of my sixth graders, ready to go!

Fifth grade...can you see he keeps me on my toes?

Look who started kindergarten!

And we're off 

(pray for me if I cross your mind!)

And I'd love to hear from you who pop by to check on us

...leave me a love note 

and a prayer request if you have any.

Sparkly Love Muffins!

Mama Can Cook and the Kids are Learning Too!

 Muffins...oh Yum!  Who doesn't love a tasty muffin?

 

Princess Sweetness stepped into the kitchen with a recipe that was created as I looked into the pantry to see what was left after the ravages of 4 weeks of this Mama having the flu.

 I found a piece of math scratch paper left on the counter, post homeschool and scribbled out the recipe for her to follow- coaching her from the sidelines. The recipe came out of my love of creating, a little of this and a little of that and soon something yummy!

Princess Sweetness has much Ethiopian cooking experience, but is still learning a lot of other kitchen skills. It has been 3 years since she arrived on American soil and joined our family, so really her cooking skills are coming along nicely! This year we have put in a little extra time each week, so as to make sure cooking and kitchen skills would be part of our homeschool learning.

I told her we would publish this, if the muffins turned out to be a hit with everyone...

so...

  I grouped the how to in three steps: 

wet ingredients, dry ingredients and last minute touches.

Sparkly Love Muffins-the recipe!

tools needed: 

mixer

large bowl

measuring cups and spoons

wooden spoon

fork (optional)

oven set to 350 degrees

rubber spatula

cooking spray  

   

 wet ingredients:

3 eggs

1/2 cup white sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup vegetable oil 

4 Tbs. softened butter  

2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

1 Tbs. pure vanilla extract 

3 mashed up bananas 

(ours were pulled out of the freezer earlier in the day and were very squishy, so it was included in out wet ingredient area.  If yours are not frozen, stir them in at the end of the recipe).

Dry ingredients:

1/2 cup oatmeal

3 cups white flour

 (can use whole wheat, I was out.)

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1 Tbs. cinnamon 

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp salt. 

last minute detail: 

Turbanado sugar to taste

(a crystalized brown sugar)

   

Directions:  

In a large bowl beat eggs and sugars together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes)- start on a low mixing speed, then kick it up to full speed ahead!

Add butter one tablespoon at a time, until incorporated.  Slowly stream in oil, beater should be on low speed.   Add the rest of the wet ingredients. Set aside.

Now let's get our dry ingredients together in a nice large bowl.  Mix with a fork to make sure they are well combined.  

Add the dry ingredients in quarters until all is in, careful to not over mix or your muffins will be little heavy muffin bombs.   You can either mix dry into wet with a wooden spoon, or over low speed with your mixer.  

*now would be the time to add your mashed bananas if you are not using up frozen ones.

Prepare a 12 serving muffin tin with cooking spray.  Add batter to top of the cups.  Generously sprinkle the turbinado sugar on the top of each muffin. 

 Bake for 17-20 minutes until golden and sparkly.  Set muffin tin on wire rack to cook for 5 minutes.  Release muffins from tin and allow to cool on wire racks. 

 Eat and say, 

"Those are some awesome
 Sparkly Love Muffins!"

  
The head chef! 
Princess Sweetness loves herself some sugar, 

so these Sparkly Love Muffins were sugared up, 
ready for those you love.