The most important things

I haven't made many posts about homeschooling. This isn't because I don't think it's important or don't have anything to say about it, but mostly because it's been my experience that when I talk about the fact that I homeschool--someone seems to feel judged. I really try to not sound holier than thou because I really don't think that!! I feel that God has called our family to homeschool so of course I talk positively about it. I don't get offended when others talk of Christian school or public school as good for their families so please don't feel offended when I share about one of the most important parts of our life!

That being said, I've been thinking a lot about the most important things I teach my kids. After our experience with Classical Conversations this year, I was left feeling a little less than adequate as a homeschooling mom. I sat in my six year old's class with other five and six year olds who could skip count their 7's, 8's and 9's. Mine can only go as high as doing her 3's. Six year olds could sing every history sentence back from the beginning of the year, and one even stood in the opening with his seven year old sister and quoted the entire 168 card timeline series from "Creation" to present day. Talk about wanting to crawl into a hole and hide. Each week her tutor told me how good she was at the presentations. Yes, she has a loud mouth and is not afraid to use it! :) At first this was enough, but after awhile it seemed this was the only thing she was good at! She loved the fine arts section when they used pencil and then painted. That was her favorite. Oh, and snack. She complained every week that they didn't eat snack soon enough during the day! So here it was when I went into her classroom, little six year olds spouting off what a "gerund" was, and mine sitting there asking when snack was coming!

In the middle kids' class, my daughter was thrilled to be there. My son, not so much. Anywhere that resembles a classroom is not where he wants to be!! He's smart enough--for sure. I don't worry about the two of them when it comes to academics. They are both very good readers and excel in Math. They are fast learners in everything so they are my easy-to-school kids! This makes it nice--especially since they are only 13 months apart, and I teach them everything together besides Math.

My oldest was in an all day classroom setting for the first time in his life. He's in "8th" grade. Even though it was just one day a week, it was rough on him. He didn't enjoy it. Everyone kept telling me how much he would love it so I held out a little bit of hope, but no, he held to his belief that school is for the birds.

After striking out with three out of four kids involved, I had to start wondering about myself. It certainly made me think it must be me. I mean, I will be the first to admit that we didn't work on it like we should at home. Sure, we listened to the CD in the car, and some weeks we did work on our timeline and look up some of the things they talked about. But all in all, I know I didn't do what I needed to do for my kids to be the kids who knew it all! But I kept asking myself, how could I? Every time we'd start, my three year old would have some sort of need (or just the need to be a pest!) Even if I tried while the baby was napping, that would mean his morning nap was used to do all of our "regular" schoolwork and then his afternoon nap was used for CC schoolwork. Nothing else ever would get done. But still.... other moms do it!

But looking at the facts realistically, the only other family who had a baby have a 4 year old and 6 year old as their other two--no older kids. My friend started the year there with a baby but stopped shortly after Christmas. We seem to have a lot in common when it comes to "school." Plus, there were only two other families with 3 year olds as well. I happened to have both--a baby and a 3 year old. I'm not making excuses. I'm just being realistic.

So I started to think about all these families who have it all together! It can get pretty intimidating out there in the real world. Homeschool moms always seem to be competing for who can make school the most fun; who has the most creative games, crafts, snacks, etc.; whose 2nd grade can read on a 7th grade level; whose children are lining up for the spelling and geography bee; who is involved in every co-op, homeschool group, and activity and still manages to have the smartest kids!! I'm telling ya, it can get exhausting trying to keep up--especially when it seems that you are the one who keeps having babies and lagging behind. I wrote a post once about "there is no Supermom" but, like I said, I'm just as guilty of comparing myself to "her."

But Sunday night as I watched my children proclaim the gospel through their words and songs, my heart started to change. I watched my nine year old, who had cried back in September the first time she stood up to do her presentation at CC and couldn't even make it through, stand in front of 150+ people and quote lots of memorized lines, remember when she was supposed to come in, and be one of the loudest singers in the choir. I watched my [almost] eight year old son, who can't stand to sit in a classroom and who cringes with fear at "impromtu" speaking, easily spout off his memorized parts, show promise of a true actor, sing his solo with ease and truly belt out every song that the choir sang for Jesus. I heard my six year old, with her sweet precious voice, lift up praises as she sang "Jesus, name above all names" for her Savior.

I stand in awe as my children's prayer life blows mine out of the water. They come to me and tell me of prayers that they have been praying that have now been answered. They are persistent in their pleadings to our Father. I am thrilled beyond measure to hear them lay their petitions and praises before the throne.

I sat teary eyed as my nine year old joined the church this past Sunday, knowing that the really important part had been done last week as she went before the elders and answered, with confidence, fifteen questions that most adults wouldn't be able to answer. I know she knew those things because her daddy and I asked them to her a couple of days before, and she didn't have a hesitation as she explained who her first parents were, why she was a sinner, what sin was, and why she needed a Savior. She knew those because she has grown up with a family at home and at church as well as grandparents who have taught her the important things!

I am often blown away by comments from my 14 year old, and have been since he was very young, teaching me even more about God and the world around us. He has such a great perspective sometimes, and he sees himself very clearly as a sinner in need of a Savior.

I watched yesterday as my eight year old son freely gave his 3 year old sister his balloon after her's popped (doing something that he had already warned her not to do.) I see him time after time put each of his sisters before himself as he learns to live sacrificially and selflessly. I don't claim to be the one who made him that way! He seeks his Savior.

I try to answer the hard questions from my six year old as she's trying to learn all about this world and the God who created it. She asks questions like "Mom, does God make wrecks happen?" and "Mom, why did God let Satan tempt Eve?" I hear her talk about heaven and the new world with excitement as she and her siblings discuss what they think it will be like! They want to ride on dinosaurs and lie down with lions.

And then I think, yes, these are the important things. They know their Jesus. They are learning to be servants. They have a long way to go--but they are getting there. They remember to pray for the people in Japan when I don't. They remember to do our catechisms at night when Jon and I don't. They remember that we need to do devotions when I don't. They are teaching me more than I could ever teach them, and they are playing a huge part in my sanctification.

As for academics, yes it's important. I'm not saying that at all! They are learning it--at their own speed. They are making it through the math and the spelling. They are learning history and writing (sort of.) I'm doing what I can to make sure they stay where they need to be, but sometimes life gets in the way. And they are learning how to deal with that life in a way that pleases Jesus. And I'm proud to claim them as my children!!

My heart is filled with joy!!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!

 Vanya is going home!! He's got a forever home now!! There have been several families who have expressed a desire to adopt this sweet precious boy, and one of them is going to be the most blessed of all to welcome him into their family!!

I've prayed so many times for this little boy over the past week or so as God has brought him to my mind. It makes my heart soar to know that he's got a family!! How great is our God! He works in mighty ways in the hearts of his people.

Thank you to the ones of you who reposted my posts about Vanya! That page on my blog got triple the amount of hits yesterday than any of them ever have!! I was amazed and humbled that God would use it to get the word out.

Thank you, God, that you care for the orphans--and that you use your people here on earth to do it! I thank you for turning your people's hearts towards this ministry of adoption and that we would continue until every last little boy and girl has a forever home!

Easter Musical

Our children at church, the "Covenant Kids," put on a musical Sunday night called Little League Gospel. I was in charge of it, and it has taken a big part of my life since January. It was wonderful, but it will be nice to have my life back as well!! :) I was so proud of all the kids and how hard they worked. The musical included four traditional hymns as well as a few contemporary songs. I really wanted the kids to get familiar with some old hymns of the faith as that is missing in today's church it seems. Liza-Hill and Breck both were two of the main characters with big speaking roles. Breck had a solo and Shepley had a duet with a friend. Cama-Jane ended up singing in the entire program as well even though we hadn't planned on it! :) They all did a fantastic job!!

The four kids with speaking parts 

 Liza-Hill

 Breck

 Shepley singing her duet with her friend, Lauren

A few kids from church with our pastor

Another special day

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." ~3 John 1:4

Sunday was another big day in our kids' spiritual lives. My nine year old made a public profession of her faith and joined the church. I felt a little sorry for my 14 year old who was only able to do it a few months ago--only because the church hadn't offered the class in quite awhile. But thankfully we now have people in place who get things done! :) So Liza-Hill was able to go through the Communicant's Class, talk with the elders and then publicly profess her faith in front of the congregation and family on Sunday. It was a special time for her and for us as we know that this is much more important than so many of the other things that we celebrate in life!! Of course the day she accepted Christ as her Savior when she was five years old was the first most important day!! But this ranks up there. She is now part of a loving church family who will support her, teach her, challenge her, love her and even rebuke her if needed.

Our blessings are overflowing with children who are choosing to walk in the truth! I know that nothing is guaranteed in this life. I know that it isn't easy to choose the right thing. As a matter of fact, the Bible tells us that the gate is narrow (Matt. 7:13) that we are supposed to take. It's about making hard choices sometimes. But I have faith and confidence in my God--that he will lead my children down the right paths. I also believe that teaching my children the truth of the Bible--no matter how hard it may be--is what we must be doing as parents. I am thankful for a church who supports my beliefs and teaches me in the reformed faith. They also believes that, as a church, they are to teach and support the parents to be the main teachers of their children. I love my church! I love the family that we all have become! I love the way that they love me and my children! And I love all of the children (and adults) there and pledge to do all I can to help those parents bring them up in Jesus as well. That's what being a part of a church is about.

And I'm so glad my little girl now has the opportunity to see that in action even more!! She knows that she is part of a greater family than just our church. She knows she is part of the great, worldwide family of God. That, my friends, is the most exciting of all. One day

"every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." ~Phil. 2: 10-11

and my children will be among them--joined with all the nations and also joined with my husband and myself with our parents, siblings, and the list goes on.... Yes, we are blessed. Thank you, my Jesus, for your blessings! And I certainly have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth!

Please spread the word

Here's Vanya waiting for his forever home. Isn't he precious?

I don't have a lot of time because I'm waiting for my family to get into town, but I just saw this on a friend's blog, and I had to share it!

This little boy, Vanya, needs a forever home!! He is in Eastern Europe, and he is pleading for a home! You see, Vanya is HIV+. He truly believes that he will soon be chosen. The fact is, he must be chosen or a much worse fate than living in an orphanage awaits him. He will be sent to a mental institution--which is where they send all older children who don't get adopted. The saddest part is that he doesn't need to go there for any reason because he has no mental problems!! Imagine the thought! Imagine what he will see and have to endure until he gets old enough to be set "free." How then will he have a normal life to be able to function.

From what I understand, with the right medical care, an HIV+ child can live a full healthy life without the disease ever developing into AIDS. You also do not have to be afraid of transmission to you or your other children through any amount of kissing, hugging, playing, sharing of cups, or any normal childhood stuff!

Oh, every fiber in my being wants to adopt this child! I want to grab him up and kiss him and love him and tell him "Yes, you are chosen!" Right now is not the time for us. I think with my heart. My husband thinks with his head. Together, we make a pretty good team! But right now is not our time.

But maybe it's time for one of you or someone you know. The link that I've linked to is a blog where they are raising money to give to a family to adopt this child!! You would not be alone! Share this on your blog, share on your facebook page, share by word of mouth!! Just share!! Let's get Vanya home!!

The journey of manhood

My oldest took a big step toward manhood today. There have been lots of physical signs along the way, of course--a deepening voice, more body hair, a manly "swagger", getting taller, etc. All these things happen without any effort though. Anyone can do these--they don't take or build character.

No, today Trand stepped up because he was the "head of the house" this week. He's been the one to take care of things while Jon has been out of town so much lately. And he made the choice to do what needed to be done.

You see, Trand's goat died yesterday. We don't know for sure why, but we think it was from an infection in her leg. Jon had them out on ropes for about a week and a half "clearing" some areas for us. One day, when he went out to check on them, Trand's goat "Shin guards" had the rope wrapped tightly around one of her legs, and it had cut her. He unwrapped it. But the next day when Trand went out to check, she had done it again. We brought the goats back in so keep it from happening anymore. That was on Friday. I noticed over the weekend that it might need some attention, but I didn't think it was that serious. I guess I was wrong.

When I got home yesterday from CC, I saw the goat lying down by the little barn. Instinctively, I knew something was wrong. I told the kids to go in the house, and I took a bucket of water down. The other goat came over to drink, but I could tell that Shin guards was dead. Oh, I was so sad for Trand!!

He got home at 4:30. I told him, and the tears immediately sprang to his eyes. But we had to leave right away, and we didn't get home until almost 10 pm.

So first thing this morning, we went out. He pumped up the tires on the tractor (because they all have slow leaks) and put the trailer on the back. It took both of us to lift her up into the trailer (exactly what I would have planned to do this morning.) After we got her in, I looked at my 14 year old son, tears streaming down his face, quietly looking at his lifeless goat, and in that instant, my heart broke for him as it has at least 500 times over the span of his short life. This mom stuff never gets easier! I knew he was thinking of the day he first got her. Oh, how he loved her and had so many plans for her--plans that never happened just because of life.

The plan was to breed the goats and use them for milk goats. They were also going to show them in the county fair. Neither of these ideas ever came to fruition because I got pregnant and just couldn't deal with large livestock at the time! Talk about feeling guilty now!!  I know he doesn't blame me, but I do.

So then, I left him on his own. He drove her over to the side of the woods and dug a hole big enough to bury a goat. That's a big hole!! I can imagine that as he dug, he thought about her and the things he had wanted to do with her. I'm sure he remembered when she lived on the lanai her first couple of months and how he would change her straw bed and pan feed her her mother's milk that we would go pick up every week!! I'm sure he remembered the sweat and hard work he put into gutting the chicken coop to make it a goat barn and how he engineered and built a feeding trough and hay bin on the wall of the barn all by himself. I'm sure he remembered the excitement and smiles the goats brought when they were cute little kids jumping all over the yard!

And as he walked back into the house with red rimmed eyes and a dirty, tear streaked face, I knew that he had taken quite a few strides towards manhood this morning. He was sad. His heart was broken. It was hard work. But he did it. He had to do it because his dad wasn't here to help him this time. Yesterday I kept thinking how this was a horrible week for Jon to be out of town, but now I don't know. If Jon was here, I know Trand would've helped him with the job, but Jon would have done most of it--that's just what dads do. But since his dad wasn't here, Trand had to grow up a little bit more and do it himself. Even though he was broken hearted, he had to take it like a man.....and he did.

My son is becoming a man of character who isn't afraid to step up when life is hard. He is well on his way to becoming exactly the kind of man that this society is in desperate need of, and I'm so proud of him. I'm privileged to be able to watch him every step of the way.

Oh Florida, why did you do it??

I've been proud to be a Floridian over the past couple of years--proud of the conservative House that we have in our State government. They've done a great job trying to keep Obama's decisions at bay. I appreciate all they've done. But today, I'm embarrassed! How can someone do something as stupid as banning the word "uterus" from the House floor??? Now, the link that I've posted here is from a liberal source. Of course it is!! They are the ones having a hay day with this. Forget all of the good things that the House has done this year. Now they've screwed it all up because THIS is what everyone is going to be talking about!!

Forget about the fact that in a few days they are going to be trying to get a law passed that would require a doctor to give an ultrasound to a woman considering an abortion and then talk with her in depth about what actually happens during an abortion. How great is that?? But now, all we get to hear is how no one is allowed to talk about "them", but they are trying to pass a law that is all about "them!"

Don't get me wrong. I understand the reasoning behind the statement made by the Speaker of the House. He asked a Democratic House member to avoid using the word "uterus" (according to a female Republican colleague) because there are younger, under age pages there working in the House. He wanted to make sure they didn't offend anyone. But in making that rule, he actually made the word "uterus" a dirty word! I can tell you that if my children had been there, they wouldn't have thought a thing of it. They know exactly what it is (surprise, surprise) and would have been pretty shocked to hear it banned.

IT'S AN ORGAN for goodness sake!!

What affect is this going to have on the the upcoming decision to inform women before having abortions? Who knows? I certainly hope it doesn't have any affect. I think that bill has a good chance of being passed in our conservative House. It's a bill that needs to be passed. But all we're going to hear from the liberal media is about the stupid statement banning the word "uterus" instead of the important issues at hand.

I think it was a stupid decision, quickly made, and I'm sure completely regretted at this point!! But let's get on with it and focus on the real issues--please!