This is something dear to my heart and I just haven't been motivated to write about it until today. I just read a post at Farm home life about the subject of kids being raised in daycare. She notes that people go to work and are more focused on material things then on what their children are doing, seeing and learning. I know there are some families out there that feel they NEED to have both working parents. I also know that the majority of those that feel that way, really don't. I believe almost anyone can make it work on one income, if they tried. Or if they WANTED to.
Trixie did a great job of making that argument, so I will take it a step further here and say what happens when that child has had a mom home with them for 5 years raising them, loving them, nurturing them, and teaching them, and then one day that mom ships her child off to school half the day to learn from someone else? (and don't even get me started on full day kindergarten!) Soon the child is gone to school for a full day and again parents wonder why their child came home with thoughts and attitudes they don't approve of. I would pose the question of how is it ok to say "Don't send your child to daycare because someone else is raising them" and yet its ok with those same people to send their child to school for 8hours a day?
Someone else is raising your children! Don't be confused about that. You don't see your child for 7-8 hours a day and someone else, whether teachers or peers, is instructing and teaching, molding and shaping your child's thoughts and attitudes towards life.
I know this is a controversial issue, and I know not everyone thinks they can homeschool, but I want people to own it. I want everyone to look at their choices, and know they are choosing to let others raise their children. If that is ok with you, then that's fine. I am not saying everyone has to do it this way, but acknowledge it. Don't pretend that because you look over the homework and attend the PTA meetings that makes you in charge of their education.
Being an involved parent at your child's school is great! And I think it is a must! And being an involved parent, makes you a good, no a great parent. But don't think you have any say in what your child is really learning. You can try to counter the things you don't like when they get home, but think of this... your child gets up at 6:45am and leaves for school by 7:30am. He is gone until 3:30pm when he comes home, spends the afternoon playing and doing a bit of homework, then goes to bed at 8pm. You saw that child a total of 5 hours and 15 minutes...his teachers and peers saw him for 8 hours. Who do you think will have more influence?
I know if anyone reads this I am going to get some harsh comments, but I just want people to think about it, and own their decisions.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Summer treats
Works for me Wednesday-
It is that time of year again. I know its only a week into Spring, but the kids are already begging for swim suits, sprinklers and Popsicles. In our house though, I do make some Popsicles out of juice, but a favorite item is the snow cone! I have a little hand crank shaver that we use. I take a small bowl and freeze some water. This pops out and fits into the shaver quite nicely (that way I can keep several on hand and not have to waste all the good drink ice on this project).
We take turns cranking away at it until everyone has a big cup full of "snow". I bet you all think this is where I pull out the big jugs of syrup they sell for this type of thing. But no! My husband came up with using fruit juice concentrate, with out adding the water! We simply allow the can of concentrate to thaw and then we pour it over the "snow". It has such a wonderful flavor! I love grape! There are plenty of flavors, though you have to for go Cotton Candy and Bubble Gum, but who will really miss them?
That's what works for me! Check out more ideas over at Rocks In My Dryer .
It is that time of year again. I know its only a week into Spring, but the kids are already begging for swim suits, sprinklers and Popsicles. In our house though, I do make some Popsicles out of juice, but a favorite item is the snow cone! I have a little hand crank shaver that we use. I take a small bowl and freeze some water. This pops out and fits into the shaver quite nicely (that way I can keep several on hand and not have to waste all the good drink ice on this project).
We take turns cranking away at it until everyone has a big cup full of "snow". I bet you all think this is where I pull out the big jugs of syrup they sell for this type of thing. But no! My husband came up with using fruit juice concentrate, with out adding the water! We simply allow the can of concentrate to thaw and then we pour it over the "snow". It has such a wonderful flavor! I love grape! There are plenty of flavors, though you have to for go Cotton Candy and Bubble Gum, but who will really miss them?
That's what works for me! Check out more ideas over at Rocks In My Dryer .
A down day
I love being a mom. I am trying very hard to learn to be a better mom as well as a better wife and homekeeper. I desperately want to take care of my home and my family. I want to cook and clean and sew (still haven't learned) and bake homemade bread (something is wrong with my yeast, or me) and grow a garden and can the produce for winter (I haven't even gotten books on this subject yet and its almost planting time). A lot of lofty goals and I am not managing them well.
Right now I am feeling overwhelmed. I am tired of doing the same things over and over. I did dishes twice today and as I am getting ready for bed, there stands a sink full of dishes! I gave the kids clothes to put away today and Jordan brings me a basket and says "look mom its full again." It never ends. I will never be able to sit down and look around and say "ahhh there we are, all done."
And I know this. It is not new information. But right now I am in a slump. I am tired of feeling like nothing I do is making progress. We do the same things day after day, and still, nothing changes. I don't have time to scrapbook, or read, or decorate my home because I feel like the mundane tasks of daily life are dragging me down.
And here I am getting ready for bed and kind of dreading the morning, where I know I will have to start over- messy dishes, floors, clothes- and feel once again like I am not measuring up to all I could be, should be, as a homekeeper.
Maybe tomorrow will be better.
Right now I am feeling overwhelmed. I am tired of doing the same things over and over. I did dishes twice today and as I am getting ready for bed, there stands a sink full of dishes! I gave the kids clothes to put away today and Jordan brings me a basket and says "look mom its full again." It never ends. I will never be able to sit down and look around and say "ahhh there we are, all done."
And I know this. It is not new information. But right now I am in a slump. I am tired of feeling like nothing I do is making progress. We do the same things day after day, and still, nothing changes. I don't have time to scrapbook, or read, or decorate my home because I feel like the mundane tasks of daily life are dragging me down.
And here I am getting ready for bed and kind of dreading the morning, where I know I will have to start over- messy dishes, floors, clothes- and feel once again like I am not measuring up to all I could be, should be, as a homekeeper.
Maybe tomorrow will be better.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Family
This week has been crazy for me. Well, for all of us. First, starting last week we had everyone come down with the stomach bug. First it was Megan, but only for a day, then Jordan and I but not as bad, then after several days with nothing, Gabe started throwing up, and had a fever and it lasted from last Thursday until Tuesday this week! That is alotta grossness! And on top of it all, we aren't at home. We are taking care of my grandmother at my parents house in Wyoming, while they are on vacation. It's one thing to be sick at home, but it is hard on all of us to be sleeping on air mattresses and using someone else's toilet, and floor (eww). I haven't gotten it yet, and I am praying I don't! And now Jordan has come down with a fever and cough.
(sigh)
So, my grandmother lives with my parents. She is 87 and senile. She has been here for almost 4 years, and no one expected her to make it this long. Her body isn't ready to give up. None of us wants to see her in a nursing home, and my dad's siblings aren't a big help. My parents are tired. I have been on board with not using a nursing home, but I have seen my parents deteriorate themselves since she has been here. My parents used to go snowmobiling, fishing, camping, and now they watch TV and do a bit of gardening. I am sad for them. They got about 3 years between my brother moving out and my grandmother moving in. And during that time, my mom had to go take care of her mom while she died from cancer.
I want to see my parents enjoy this part of their lives. I am glad to have the flexibility to come with all the kids in tow and not worry about pulling them out of school. That is the great thing about homeschooling, it can travel with us where ever we go. (Though I must say with all the sickness, we haven't accomlished as much as I had hoped). And I love that my parents can go away together for a whole week and have fun. They worry about me though. That I can't handle the demands of caring for my grandmother.
And it is hard sometimes. She can still use the bathroom, though I have to direct her to get both her pants AND her undies. And more then once I have had to remind her to sit on the toilet, not in the bathtub. I sometimes have to tell her what to do with the fork full of food she is holding, and she insists the people in the TV won't listen when she talks. She has a babydoll she carries around and treats like her child and then in the next breath is almost crying because she is sure it is dead. Almost none of the sentences she says make sense, you can sometimes piece together a meaning, and sometimes not.
I love her.
When I was a kid, my brother and I would go to her house for two weeks in the summer. My parents didn't go on vacation, they came back home and worked. But we had a blast. Grammy would take us to Kmart and buy us a little toy, we would go to the frozen yogurt shop next door, she would show us her garden and we would help her weed it, and then we would watch soap operas and eat homemade trail mix all afternoon. She rememebred to ask about school, and other activities we did. I felt like I could talk to her about anything. She would hug and kiss us and tell us how very much she loved us...And we knew she did.
The other night as I was tucking her into bed, I looked in her eyes, and told her I loved her, and though she can't say my name, and probably doesn't even know it, she looked at me and said she loved me, and I miss her! I am a grown woman, she has been loosing her memory since late in my highschool days, but I just wanted her to cuddle me and give me frozen yogurt, and KNOW me.
That is the part of me that wants her to be home, where people love her and can take care of her. But then there are my parents. We never thought she would make it this long, what if this goes on and on? My parents should get to travel and do the things they love. I have asked them to hire someone to come in and take care of her when they aren't here, even daily so that they can go out to dinner on their anniversary, or a Wednesday....So they can go fishing or camping on the weekends and not worry. But my dad feels like it is his responsibility, he even feels guilty I am here for a week. I guess I worry that all the stress and inactivity will lead to my parents premature senility or death.
This whole thing has been rambly. I am just feeling torn between my love for my Grammy, and my love for my parents. I want the best for everyone. Please pray the Lord will be gracious and bless my parents for their service.
(sigh)
So, my grandmother lives with my parents. She is 87 and senile. She has been here for almost 4 years, and no one expected her to make it this long. Her body isn't ready to give up. None of us wants to see her in a nursing home, and my dad's siblings aren't a big help. My parents are tired. I have been on board with not using a nursing home, but I have seen my parents deteriorate themselves since she has been here. My parents used to go snowmobiling, fishing, camping, and now they watch TV and do a bit of gardening. I am sad for them. They got about 3 years between my brother moving out and my grandmother moving in. And during that time, my mom had to go take care of her mom while she died from cancer.
I want to see my parents enjoy this part of their lives. I am glad to have the flexibility to come with all the kids in tow and not worry about pulling them out of school. That is the great thing about homeschooling, it can travel with us where ever we go. (Though I must say with all the sickness, we haven't accomlished as much as I had hoped). And I love that my parents can go away together for a whole week and have fun. They worry about me though. That I can't handle the demands of caring for my grandmother.
And it is hard sometimes. She can still use the bathroom, though I have to direct her to get both her pants AND her undies. And more then once I have had to remind her to sit on the toilet, not in the bathtub. I sometimes have to tell her what to do with the fork full of food she is holding, and she insists the people in the TV won't listen when she talks. She has a babydoll she carries around and treats like her child and then in the next breath is almost crying because she is sure it is dead. Almost none of the sentences she says make sense, you can sometimes piece together a meaning, and sometimes not.
I love her.
When I was a kid, my brother and I would go to her house for two weeks in the summer. My parents didn't go on vacation, they came back home and worked. But we had a blast. Grammy would take us to Kmart and buy us a little toy, we would go to the frozen yogurt shop next door, she would show us her garden and we would help her weed it, and then we would watch soap operas and eat homemade trail mix all afternoon. She rememebred to ask about school, and other activities we did. I felt like I could talk to her about anything. She would hug and kiss us and tell us how very much she loved us...And we knew she did.
The other night as I was tucking her into bed, I looked in her eyes, and told her I loved her, and though she can't say my name, and probably doesn't even know it, she looked at me and said she loved me, and I miss her! I am a grown woman, she has been loosing her memory since late in my highschool days, but I just wanted her to cuddle me and give me frozen yogurt, and KNOW me.
That is the part of me that wants her to be home, where people love her and can take care of her. But then there are my parents. We never thought she would make it this long, what if this goes on and on? My parents should get to travel and do the things they love. I have asked them to hire someone to come in and take care of her when they aren't here, even daily so that they can go out to dinner on their anniversary, or a Wednesday....So they can go fishing or camping on the weekends and not worry. But my dad feels like it is his responsibility, he even feels guilty I am here for a week. I guess I worry that all the stress and inactivity will lead to my parents premature senility or death.
This whole thing has been rambly. I am just feeling torn between my love for my Grammy, and my love for my parents. I want the best for everyone. Please pray the Lord will be gracious and bless my parents for their service.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Too much
No one in my life reads this blog. Well, I don't think anyone reads it quite yet, but I haven't told anyone I know about it. My husband knows I write it, but I haven't told him the address. A few friends know I have one but I have never really advertised where or what it's about. It isn't to be secretive or anything. I am not hiding something from my family and friends. Partly I don't think anyone would be interested, and mostly I want a place where I can say what I want and not have people judge me. Or at least, if they do judge me, I can delete their comments and go about my business.
As I have mentioned, I don't believe I have any "readers". I believe a few people have popped in here since I commented on their blogs, but I don't have a following so to speak. I guess that is a good thing since I have been reading about all the controversy other bloggers face when they report about their real lives. In one of Lindsey's comments a woman said someone commented negatively to her and left it anonymous saying she knew the person in real life. SO she wondered all the time who it is that fakes it with her but criticized her on her blog.
And that is why my real life friends and family don't come here. I have other spaces to leave pictures for relatives and share stories with friends, but this space is for me to ponder life, write about the mundane, as well as what I am passionate about (I will get to blogging about that someday) and for me to feel free to open up with out fear of loosing friends or offending those I see daily.
As I have mentioned, I don't believe I have any "readers". I believe a few people have popped in here since I commented on their blogs, but I don't have a following so to speak. I guess that is a good thing since I have been reading about all the controversy other bloggers face when they report about their real lives. In one of Lindsey's comments a woman said someone commented negatively to her and left it anonymous saying she knew the person in real life. SO she wondered all the time who it is that fakes it with her but criticized her on her blog.
And that is why my real life friends and family don't come here. I have other spaces to leave pictures for relatives and share stories with friends, but this space is for me to ponder life, write about the mundane, as well as what I am passionate about (I will get to blogging about that someday) and for me to feel free to open up with out fear of loosing friends or offending those I see daily.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Behind again... always....
ok, so I am behind on laundry again, not too bad this time, but still not as organized as I want to be. I am also behind on Bible reading. I was doing so well in January but February just got away from me. I can still catch up if I double up for the next few weeks. I am trying hard not to just give up because I am behind.
I am finally de cluttering my bedroom! I have kids clothes laying on my ottoman that need to go in storage or taken to the consignment store. I never know what to keep for then next child. My older son is 7 years older then the youngest son. Do I save things he has grown out of for the next 7 years until the baby fits into it? Or do I say, let's move it out and I can repurchase up to date clothing when the time comes? I have my middle child, the girl, with no one to pass down clothes to. I hope to have another baby, and hopefully another girl, but since I am not preggo yet, there would be at least 7 years difference there too. So, should I give away the clothes, or keep them in hopes of using them some day?
I think it is harder for me to get rid of the girl clothes. First of all, they are all so cute! I can't bare to part with them! And I of course love to shop, so you would think I would just toss everything and start over, but I guess I am feeling a bit meloncholy over the possibility I WON'T have another. I hope to, and we are "trying", but nothing yet, and I do feel my childbearing years slipping away.
I know some people have kids after 35 and even well into their fourties, but I never saw myself doing that. I don't know how to describe my feelings on it exactly, but my husband and I always thought, we will have kids while we are young and struggling, then when we are older and more settled, and they are grown, we will still be young enough to travel and enjoy each other. I already have a 7 year difference between oldest and youngest. If I had another even now, the difference would be 10 years. That is a big deal to me.
And there is also the issue of my not wanting medical intervention in my pregnancy. I had my last child at home in a beautiful water birth that I will cherish all of my life! I would expect the same thing, though the older I get the less likely I will get by with no complications.
And so, I am not sure what to do now. I think about it all the time, what to do, do we perminently seal the deal and move on with three beautiful healthy children, do we adopt which would guarantee me a girl if I choose, or do we keep praying and waiting for more babies in God's time. The waiting and not knowing is hardest for me. If I knew that I would have a beautiful baby in two years, then I could be hapy and enjoy the time with only 3. But if we keep trying for the next 5 years and nothing, then decide to stop, I feel like I will worry and wonder the whole time and...oh this all seems so silly, of course I know I should be content and not worry and that is how a good Christian woman behaves, but I can't help it. I pray and wonder what to think or feel or do next and I don't feel like I have any answers...
and so I am waiting....
I am finally de cluttering my bedroom! I have kids clothes laying on my ottoman that need to go in storage or taken to the consignment store. I never know what to keep for then next child. My older son is 7 years older then the youngest son. Do I save things he has grown out of for the next 7 years until the baby fits into it? Or do I say, let's move it out and I can repurchase up to date clothing when the time comes? I have my middle child, the girl, with no one to pass down clothes to. I hope to have another baby, and hopefully another girl, but since I am not preggo yet, there would be at least 7 years difference there too. So, should I give away the clothes, or keep them in hopes of using them some day?
I think it is harder for me to get rid of the girl clothes. First of all, they are all so cute! I can't bare to part with them! And I of course love to shop, so you would think I would just toss everything and start over, but I guess I am feeling a bit meloncholy over the possibility I WON'T have another. I hope to, and we are "trying", but nothing yet, and I do feel my childbearing years slipping away.
I know some people have kids after 35 and even well into their fourties, but I never saw myself doing that. I don't know how to describe my feelings on it exactly, but my husband and I always thought, we will have kids while we are young and struggling, then when we are older and more settled, and they are grown, we will still be young enough to travel and enjoy each other. I already have a 7 year difference between oldest and youngest. If I had another even now, the difference would be 10 years. That is a big deal to me.
And there is also the issue of my not wanting medical intervention in my pregnancy. I had my last child at home in a beautiful water birth that I will cherish all of my life! I would expect the same thing, though the older I get the less likely I will get by with no complications.
And so, I am not sure what to do now. I think about it all the time, what to do, do we perminently seal the deal and move on with three beautiful healthy children, do we adopt which would guarantee me a girl if I choose, or do we keep praying and waiting for more babies in God's time. The waiting and not knowing is hardest for me. If I knew that I would have a beautiful baby in two years, then I could be hapy and enjoy the time with only 3. But if we keep trying for the next 5 years and nothing, then decide to stop, I feel like I will worry and wonder the whole time and...oh this all seems so silly, of course I know I should be content and not worry and that is how a good Christian woman behaves, but I can't help it. I pray and wonder what to think or feel or do next and I don't feel like I have any answers...
and so I am waiting....
Monday, February 12, 2007
The House Fairy
I have subscribed to a great site called FlyLady for a couple of years now. They help you clean and organize your house. There are tips for decluttering and creating habits. I have really enjoyed the ideas and encouragement I get there. I can't say I follow the program perfectly, but I am slowly trying to develop good habits. Well, I came across another site through FlyLady that helps kids clean up and help around the house. It is called The House Fairy .
I think it looks like a great idea. I could probably create the whole thing myself, but for 2 years of notes and new ideas, I figured why not give it a go. And it is only $10. I love the idea of rewarding instead of nagging. It's just positive reinforcement. I am not very good at that. I can nag and pick at all the wrong doings, but it is harder for me to point out the good things without being prompted. I guess it's a classic case of "the squeaky wheel gets the oil".
My only concern is that my 9 year old will think it is lame. Several of the testimonies said they had some pre teens on board, just to get prizes, but they knew mom was really the fairy. All well and good, but how do you keep them from spoiling it for the youngsters? And as of yet he hasn't questioned Santa, at least to us, but I am wondering if this cheesy video work will make him see the light? I may try to do the notes and prizes, but not do the videos, that way they can use their imaginations...We shall see.
I hope to start a little later this week, after Valentine's Day. I already have some gifts for the kids for that.
And speaking of V-day, I don't get a date with hubby:(
I am helping with a youth fundraiser at our church. I am fixing the spaghetti dinner (hopefully with help) and the kids will serve about 15 couples. My hubby has very surprisingly offered to help in the nursery that night...I guess since I am not available, he figured on letting all the other couples stay together. What a sweetie!
(shhhhh....I do have a little late night surprise when we get home though) hehe
I think it looks like a great idea. I could probably create the whole thing myself, but for 2 years of notes and new ideas, I figured why not give it a go. And it is only $10. I love the idea of rewarding instead of nagging. It's just positive reinforcement. I am not very good at that. I can nag and pick at all the wrong doings, but it is harder for me to point out the good things without being prompted. I guess it's a classic case of "the squeaky wheel gets the oil".
My only concern is that my 9 year old will think it is lame. Several of the testimonies said they had some pre teens on board, just to get prizes, but they knew mom was really the fairy. All well and good, but how do you keep them from spoiling it for the youngsters? And as of yet he hasn't questioned Santa, at least to us, but I am wondering if this cheesy video work will make him see the light? I may try to do the notes and prizes, but not do the videos, that way they can use their imaginations...We shall see.
I hope to start a little later this week, after Valentine's Day. I already have some gifts for the kids for that.
And speaking of V-day, I don't get a date with hubby:(
I am helping with a youth fundraiser at our church. I am fixing the spaghetti dinner (hopefully with help) and the kids will serve about 15 couples. My hubby has very surprisingly offered to help in the nursery that night...I guess since I am not available, he figured on letting all the other couples stay together. What a sweetie!
(shhhhh....I do have a little late night surprise when we get home though) hehe
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Boring daily musings
I guess, if anyone even pays attention, you may notice that I don't post often. It is not from lack of computer time. I guess mostly it is because I read some pretty great blogs, and they say all the things I want to say. And they say it better then I ever could. And so I find myself feeling a little inadequate to post about the same topics. I should still, journal my life, for my own sake. But I so enjoy reading about everyone else's goings on, that I end up short on time and energy for writing my own.
Oh and did I mention we are boring! LOL
I mean we have nothing going on right now. Well, that's not entirely true. We go to dance class, basketball practices and games, have piano lessons, grocery shop, read, play games... but that is everyday stuff and rarely seems to merit an entry.
Today I have decided I have put off the laundry long enough, and since I have no clean undies, I am sitting here in my robe washing load after load. It's funny how all the kids clothes get washed, and hubby has enough clothes to last a lifetime, so I don't have to wash his as often, but mine never get in the mix. I get down to wearing my pregnant underwear before I get around to washing mine. I mean, we also have towels, rags, diapers, sheets, blankets etc to wash, I know how mine gets put off. But really I should be on top of it.
I had a system for a while, each day of the week had a category. Like Monday-sheets, Tues- kids clothes, Wed- towels, Thurs-parents, Friday-extra stuff that was forgotten. That way I wouldn't have to do any on the weekends. And I work in the diapers when needed. I don't follow the system any more. I don't know why. It worked. But we are all getting lazy around here.
So starting today I am jumping back into the laundry system! I have my clothes in and will do hubby's today too. And I came to realize, that though I would like fresh clean sheets every week, washing 5 sets of bedding in one day doesn't happen. And so we will start to rotate Monday's. And then only wash each set every 3 weeks (boys bunk together the first Monday, Megan the second Monday, and ours the third. ) And maybe leave the fourth Monday for the guest bedding, though it rarely gets used unless the kids are playing in it, and I feel like I should re-wash it even if they have just been building forts with it.
Anyway, I am going to tackle the laundry yet!
And like I said, too boring to write about! hehe
Oh and did I mention we are boring! LOL
I mean we have nothing going on right now. Well, that's not entirely true. We go to dance class, basketball practices and games, have piano lessons, grocery shop, read, play games... but that is everyday stuff and rarely seems to merit an entry.
Today I have decided I have put off the laundry long enough, and since I have no clean undies, I am sitting here in my robe washing load after load. It's funny how all the kids clothes get washed, and hubby has enough clothes to last a lifetime, so I don't have to wash his as often, but mine never get in the mix. I get down to wearing my pregnant underwear before I get around to washing mine. I mean, we also have towels, rags, diapers, sheets, blankets etc to wash, I know how mine gets put off. But really I should be on top of it.
I had a system for a while, each day of the week had a category. Like Monday-sheets, Tues- kids clothes, Wed- towels, Thurs-parents, Friday-extra stuff that was forgotten. That way I wouldn't have to do any on the weekends. And I work in the diapers when needed. I don't follow the system any more. I don't know why. It worked. But we are all getting lazy around here.
So starting today I am jumping back into the laundry system! I have my clothes in and will do hubby's today too. And I came to realize, that though I would like fresh clean sheets every week, washing 5 sets of bedding in one day doesn't happen. And so we will start to rotate Monday's. And then only wash each set every 3 weeks (boys bunk together the first Monday, Megan the second Monday, and ours the third. ) And maybe leave the fourth Monday for the guest bedding, though it rarely gets used unless the kids are playing in it, and I feel like I should re-wash it even if they have just been building forts with it.
Anyway, I am going to tackle the laundry yet!
And like I said, too boring to write about! hehe
Friday, January 19, 2007
Prosperity
Lindsey at Enjoy the Journey has a post up today about being prosperous and I commented there but also wanted to leave a blurb here too.
I used to think that I needed to be rich to feel blessed and happy. I like to shop, I want cool stuff but I shouldn't need that kind of prosperity to be truly happy. I have come to realize I am so blessed by being faithful to Jesus, knowing I am loved by Him and having a beautiful family, we are all healthy and we have food, shelter, clothes, fun...Who could ask for more.
But I understand the peace and joy and CONTENTMENT that comes through knowing a living savior who will provide for me what HE sees fit for me to have. I can't add any days to my life by worrying about things out of my control. We have seen so many times that as long as we are faithful, God will provide our needs. Times when we couldn't pay our bills, we'd get a random insurance reduction in the mail...God is good!
I was reading Job last night and God was asking Job who was he to question God's plan for him. Did Job create the world? Was Job there when God breathed life into Adam? Then who is he to question God's goal for his life? I feel like I too often question why we are going through something, financial struggle, church strife, rebellious children, my own doubt when it isn't my place to question WHY, only to ask Jesus for his guidance, perserverance and grace.
I want to try to be more of a person who is content with my circumstances no matter what they may be.
I have a post I am mulling around about grace as well...I will get to that later :)
I used to think that I needed to be rich to feel blessed and happy. I like to shop, I want cool stuff but I shouldn't need that kind of prosperity to be truly happy. I have come to realize I am so blessed by being faithful to Jesus, knowing I am loved by Him and having a beautiful family, we are all healthy and we have food, shelter, clothes, fun...Who could ask for more.
But I understand the peace and joy and CONTENTMENT that comes through knowing a living savior who will provide for me what HE sees fit for me to have. I can't add any days to my life by worrying about things out of my control. We have seen so many times that as long as we are faithful, God will provide our needs. Times when we couldn't pay our bills, we'd get a random insurance reduction in the mail...God is good!
I was reading Job last night and God was asking Job who was he to question God's plan for him. Did Job create the world? Was Job there when God breathed life into Adam? Then who is he to question God's goal for his life? I feel like I too often question why we are going through something, financial struggle, church strife, rebellious children, my own doubt when it isn't my place to question WHY, only to ask Jesus for his guidance, perserverance and grace.
I want to try to be more of a person who is content with my circumstances no matter what they may be.
I have a post I am mulling around about grace as well...I will get to that later :)
Friday, January 05, 2007
Bible reading of the day
I posted earlier that I am reading through the Bible chronologically this year and today's reading is Job 6-9. I had some thoughts on yesterday's reading, but it is later then I should be up, so I may have to wait until tomorrow. We have the first half of this season's LOST recorded and have been watching them (again) the past few nights. Tonight we couldn't stop one from the end, so here we are at 11:48...YIKES!
Tomorrow is another day :)
Tomorrow is another day :)
Thursday, January 04, 2007
2007 Reading list
So, I want to list the books I am reading so far this year as well as how far I have gotten with my chronological Bible reading .
First, I am reading The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I am loving this book! Just re-defining my mission in life, and that it is ok to take "the road less traveled" even when the world is telling you otherwise.
Also, I just started reading Captivating by John and Staci Eldredge. Again, can you see I am interested in learning to be the woman God intended me to be this year?
And I am in the process of becoming a La Leche League leader so I have multiple books being read for that...but I won't list them now unless someone wants to know :)
As for the Bible reading...I have read Genisis 1-3 (Jan1), Genisis 4-7 (Jan 2), and Genisis 8-11 (Jan 3). Today's reading is Job 1-5.
Oh hehe I almost forgot...I started The Innocent Man by John Grisham in December while on our trip and I haven't finished it yet. So I will count that on my 2007 list.
Happy Reading!
First, I am reading The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I am loving this book! Just re-defining my mission in life, and that it is ok to take "the road less traveled" even when the world is telling you otherwise.
Also, I just started reading Captivating by John and Staci Eldredge. Again, can you see I am interested in learning to be the woman God intended me to be this year?
And I am in the process of becoming a La Leche League leader so I have multiple books being read for that...but I won't list them now unless someone wants to know :)
As for the Bible reading...I have read Genisis 1-3 (Jan1), Genisis 4-7 (Jan 2), and Genisis 8-11 (Jan 3). Today's reading is Job 1-5.
Oh hehe I almost forgot...I started The Innocent Man by John Grisham in December while on our trip and I haven't finished it yet. So I will count that on my 2007 list.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Five in a Row
I just learned about this unit study curriculum in December and have checked it out from the library to take a look at. I like the format a lot and love the thought of learning so much through simple picture books. I am still concerned because they have different curriculum for different age groups, and it doesn't really coincide. I like to teach the same subjects at the different levels for my 1st and 3rd grader. But I think my son could still benefit from the younger version and I will add in some of books geared for his age.
And so we will try this out starting Monday...I will let you know how it goes!
(I love that my library had this so I can try it for FREE!!! Wish they offered more curriculum to try as well)
And so we will try this out starting Monday...I will let you know how it goes!
(I love that my library had this so I can try it for FREE!!! Wish they offered more curriculum to try as well)
Great ideas...
I have to say that my favorite blog to read these days is Enjoy the Journey . I am going to post some links here to some great things Lindsey is writing about there and copy her ideas for myself! :)
First, I didn't make any real New Year's resolutions. Lindsey gave me the idea to make more meaningful goals for my life and make them take a bit longer. I don't have my list ready...but I will post it when I do. I want my life to be more then a bunch of failed resolutions. I have goals and putting a year deadline is kind of strict I think. I don't want quick fixes, I want lifestyle changes, heart changes, permanent changes.
The other great list Lindsey has going is a list of books she is reading . I think it is a great idea. I have some great books I am working on and I would love to get ideas of what else people think is a good read.
So these are some new lists I will be working on. Along with that I am going to be reading through the bible this year with a link I found on A Gracious Home giving daily chronological bible readings.
I hope to post back about things I am learning.
First, I didn't make any real New Year's resolutions. Lindsey gave me the idea to make more meaningful goals for my life and make them take a bit longer. I don't have my list ready...but I will post it when I do. I want my life to be more then a bunch of failed resolutions. I have goals and putting a year deadline is kind of strict I think. I don't want quick fixes, I want lifestyle changes, heart changes, permanent changes.
The other great list Lindsey has going is a list of books she is reading . I think it is a great idea. I have some great books I am working on and I would love to get ideas of what else people think is a good read.
So these are some new lists I will be working on. Along with that I am going to be reading through the bible this year with a link I found on A Gracious Home giving daily chronological bible readings.
I hope to post back about things I am learning.
Monday, January 01, 2007
The recovery period
We are back from our wintery travels and I have tons of things bouncing around my head to blog about...but for now I need to spend a few days washing clothes, unpacking and organizing. I will be back soon :)
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Phew, I made it!
Well, I made it through the weekend packed with plans! YAY! We had a great time. I am tired, but I think everyone enjoyed the festivities. Now I need to wash clothes and pack for the BIG TRIP I mentioned earlier. We are heading out Wednesday morning for my husband's grandparents house in Dallas, TX. We will spend a few days there with extended family and then head to Oklahoma City to his mothers house and celebrate with his brothers and their wives and kids. A few days there and it is home for a day to wash and rest, then on to my parents in Cheyenne, WY.
I have not at all been looking forward to this trip. As a matter of fact, I was trying very hard to get out of it earlier this month. I tried bribing hubby, whining, complaining...but of course, he wants to see his family. And I admit, he doesn't get to see them often. They don't visit us and we have been a few times to see them, but at Christmas time, I like to be home. I guess that sounds selfish, but I enjoy staying home. If anyone wants to visit they are more then welcome. And so I guess it is really about time we made a trip to his family. But it still doesn't make it easy on me to have to change my traditions.
I have come to accept this trip and stop trying to get out of it. I do look forward to seeing my sister in law (wife to hubby's younger bro). Her and I get along great and can commiserate about the same family traits in our husbands and the rest of the family :) We talked last night and made plans to go see a movie when we get to TX, oh and do some after Christmas shopping as well.
So please pray for a safe trip for us and that the kids are well behaved in the car (it is a 16 hour drive to Dallas, we will do it in 2 days). Also check out another great prayer for this week leading up to our Savior's birth.
And Merry Christmas to all!!!!!!!!!!!
I have not at all been looking forward to this trip. As a matter of fact, I was trying very hard to get out of it earlier this month. I tried bribing hubby, whining, complaining...but of course, he wants to see his family. And I admit, he doesn't get to see them often. They don't visit us and we have been a few times to see them, but at Christmas time, I like to be home. I guess that sounds selfish, but I enjoy staying home. If anyone wants to visit they are more then welcome. And so I guess it is really about time we made a trip to his family. But it still doesn't make it easy on me to have to change my traditions.
I have come to accept this trip and stop trying to get out of it. I do look forward to seeing my sister in law (wife to hubby's younger bro). Her and I get along great and can commiserate about the same family traits in our husbands and the rest of the family :) We talked last night and made plans to go see a movie when we get to TX, oh and do some after Christmas shopping as well.
So please pray for a safe trip for us and that the kids are well behaved in the car (it is a 16 hour drive to Dallas, we will do it in 2 days). Also check out another great prayer for this week leading up to our Savior's birth.
And Merry Christmas to all!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Tis the season
So, I am reading all sorts of things about not taking your family for granted this holiday season, and not getting overly stressed, just enjoy the ride, etc. Well, I like that idea. Just have fun, make memories, don't worry about doing everything perfect. Hmmm, somehow in the midtst of my good intentions, my schedule filled up. I have been going non-stop since, umm...well, um...now that I think about it, since September! I am looking back at my calendar here. I have everything written down that was a scheduled appointment, class, field trip, playdate, trip to see my parents in WY, and dinner dates, mom's night out, dad out with the guys, (phew I am tired just reading it) and we have been running constantly for months...no wonder I am tired!
And lately I have been pretty preoccupied with all the stuff. I am caught up in what I need to accomplish and what I have left to do before the BIG TRIP, that I haven't stopped to consider what my children are going through. Like today, we were walking into Walmart and I was carrying the baby, my purse and a newly purchased Starbucks Pumpkin spice Frapuccino (venti). My sweet Princess was walking in front of me and I guess she stopped for whatever reason and I hit her head with my hand and my newly purchase aforementioned drink went tumbling to the ground. I was in a hurry; angry it spilled because 1) I just got it and had only a couple of sips 2)I am trying to be frugal so when I treat myself like that it is kind of guiltridden anyway and 3) I had just had the thought that maybe I was carrying too much and should have left the drink in the car. So I proceeded to very childishly tell her it was her fault for stopping in front of me and why didn't she watch where she was going and now I didn't get to enjoy my yummy drink...I am so ashamed.
I love my baby. She didn't mean it. I shouldn't have gotten mad. It is times like that when I feel like the worst mother in the world. And it's not like I just got over it. I stewed about it through the whole store. My hubby called and I was short with him because I was still mad. And tonight I sit here regretting it all.
And I am again looking at the schedule for the next few days, (wrapping friends gifts, baking cookies for a cookie exchange, making cookies for Literature club -we read the gingerbread man, boy and baby, carrying out a pre planned party for my husbands work friends and their families where we bake cookies and visit, still have to buy those gifts, and then there is the labeling and mailing of the Christmas cards, oh and I haven't written the Christmas letter to go with it, and there is homeschool group caroling, and then another Christmas party with church friends, not to mention wrapping "santa" presents to take-secretly- to grandmas next week, oh and washing and packing, car maintenence....) and I am overwhelmed by all the commitments, things I don't think we can just get out of as my husband suggests. I want to enjoy this time of celebration. I want to enjoy the family and friends that I am doing all this for...
Maybe next year I will learn. Maybe I will remember and choose to say no to a few more things. Maybe.
And lately I have been pretty preoccupied with all the stuff. I am caught up in what I need to accomplish and what I have left to do before the BIG TRIP, that I haven't stopped to consider what my children are going through. Like today, we were walking into Walmart and I was carrying the baby, my purse and a newly purchased Starbucks Pumpkin spice Frapuccino (venti). My sweet Princess was walking in front of me and I guess she stopped for whatever reason and I hit her head with my hand and my newly purchase aforementioned drink went tumbling to the ground. I was in a hurry; angry it spilled because 1) I just got it and had only a couple of sips 2)I am trying to be frugal so when I treat myself like that it is kind of guiltridden anyway and 3) I had just had the thought that maybe I was carrying too much and should have left the drink in the car. So I proceeded to very childishly tell her it was her fault for stopping in front of me and why didn't she watch where she was going and now I didn't get to enjoy my yummy drink...I am so ashamed.
I love my baby. She didn't mean it. I shouldn't have gotten mad. It is times like that when I feel like the worst mother in the world. And it's not like I just got over it. I stewed about it through the whole store. My hubby called and I was short with him because I was still mad. And tonight I sit here regretting it all.
And I am again looking at the schedule for the next few days, (wrapping friends gifts, baking cookies for a cookie exchange, making cookies for Literature club -we read the gingerbread man, boy and baby, carrying out a pre planned party for my husbands work friends and their families where we bake cookies and visit, still have to buy those gifts, and then there is the labeling and mailing of the Christmas cards, oh and I haven't written the Christmas letter to go with it, and there is homeschool group caroling, and then another Christmas party with church friends, not to mention wrapping "santa" presents to take-secretly- to grandmas next week, oh and washing and packing, car maintenence....) and I am overwhelmed by all the commitments, things I don't think we can just get out of as my husband suggests. I want to enjoy this time of celebration. I want to enjoy the family and friends that I am doing all this for...
Maybe next year I will learn. Maybe I will remember and choose to say no to a few more things. Maybe.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Still Learning
I am getting the hang of this blogging thing I think. I still don't have much of interest to say, but I am leaning cool things like how to link to other blogs! What a revelation! I am learning the lingo, and most importantly I am getting great holiday tips like this one from Advent for evangelicals or here at Real Learning where you can get ideas for making some holiday gifts.
I also tried a tip from Tammy who left me a comment on my post about "making" the kids pick out library books. I did as she suggested and picked out some books, left them on the coffee table, and said nothing about them. J-train picked them up and read them! I am amazed! Now if I can just figure out how to trick him into writing :)
Oh wait...I did! Over Thanksgiving I found a story he had written, comic book style, last year. At the bottom he had written "Part 1". So I read it and then said, "That was great, I wonder when Part 2 will be out?" And he spent the next few hours composing and drawing pictures for "Part 2" (and this one is coming to DVD and VHS soon LOL).
hmmm...could I trick him into cleaning the bathroom?? Maybe I shouldn't push my luck! Thanks for your help Tammy!
I also tried a tip from Tammy who left me a comment on my post about "making" the kids pick out library books. I did as she suggested and picked out some books, left them on the coffee table, and said nothing about them. J-train picked them up and read them! I am amazed! Now if I can just figure out how to trick him into writing :)
Oh wait...I did! Over Thanksgiving I found a story he had written, comic book style, last year. At the bottom he had written "Part 1". So I read it and then said, "That was great, I wonder when Part 2 will be out?" And he spent the next few hours composing and drawing pictures for "Part 2" (and this one is coming to DVD and VHS soon LOL).
hmmm...could I trick him into cleaning the bathroom?? Maybe I shouldn't push my luck! Thanks for your help Tammy!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Christmas Meme
I got this from Lisa at Joyful Chaos and thought I would pass it on...
1.Hot Chocolate or apple cider?
I have always been an apple cider girl...but learning to love rich gourmet hot chocolate with chocolate biscotti
2. Turkey or Ham?
Turkey! YUM!
3. Do you get a fake or real-you-cut-it-yourself Christmas tree?
We have the fake tree that was my parents when they first got married. They got it from my mom's parents. It was the tree we had all my growing up years, and My husband and I have used it for 10 years now. Some day soon we will get a new one.
4. Decorations on the outside of your house?
Lights around the roofline, wreath on the door, some snowman signs stuck in the grouns that say "Let it snow"
5. Snowball fights or sleddin'?
I would rather watch!
6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
I love shopping anywhere! But love the fun festive atmoshere of the outside shopping centers and malls in our area.
7. Favorite Christmas song?
well, I love What Child is this? but I really enjoy all the music both secular and "religious"
8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?
I love them! My favorite is miracle on 34th street.
9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?
before Thanksgiving for sure...but the day after it begins!
10. Stockings before or after presents?
The kids are allowed to get their stockings before we get up if they are up first. It keeps them busy and buys us some more sleep time. Then when everyone is up we have a breakfast of Swedish Tea ring and then on to the presents!
11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?
I wish more people went caroling. I would love to watch and listen. This year we are getting together with our homeschool group to go caroling! I can't wait!
12. Go to someone else's house or they come to you?
I like to stay home, but this year we are traveling to my husband's family in Texas and Oklahoma. Then for New Year's we will be in Wyoming with my family.
13. Do you read the Christmas Story? If so when?
Of course! That is the reason for the season! We try to read it several times and make sure to tell the kids that Santa gives gifts because it moves him so much that Jesus came as a gift to all mankind!
14. What do you do after presents and dinner?
Watch a Christmas movie, chat, play with new toys/games.
15. What is your favorite holiday smell?
I love the smell of stuffing baking for Christmas dinner...but a favorite candle I burn all year is Cinnamon/Bayberry from PartyLite.
16. Ice skating or walking around the mall?
Well, I can't ice skate, so the mall has it!
17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day?
We usually open presents from relatives that were mailed to us on Christmas eve. That way we can make sure the kids know who gave it and it isn't in the pile of Santa gifts.
18. Favorite Christmas memory?
I remember when I was maybe about 10, we were driving home from a relatives house, on Christmas eve. My brother and I were laying in the back seat (before seatbelts) and up in the sky I saw Rudolph's nose glowing in the sky! It was moving and since it was late at night, I was sure it was Santa and his sleigh! I was so excited to have seen him! I love that memory.
19. Favorite Part about winter?
Being in the cozy house with carols playing, candles burning, lights twinkling and snow falling. Or waking up to a winter wonderland (when the trees are covered in that thick white icy stuff.) ditto!
20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?
Yep.
If you're here and reading this meme, you're tagged!
1.Hot Chocolate or apple cider?
I have always been an apple cider girl...but learning to love rich gourmet hot chocolate with chocolate biscotti
2. Turkey or Ham?
Turkey! YUM!
3. Do you get a fake or real-you-cut-it-yourself Christmas tree?
We have the fake tree that was my parents when they first got married. They got it from my mom's parents. It was the tree we had all my growing up years, and My husband and I have used it for 10 years now. Some day soon we will get a new one.
4. Decorations on the outside of your house?
Lights around the roofline, wreath on the door, some snowman signs stuck in the grouns that say "Let it snow"
5. Snowball fights or sleddin'?
I would rather watch!
6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
I love shopping anywhere! But love the fun festive atmoshere of the outside shopping centers and malls in our area.
7. Favorite Christmas song?
well, I love What Child is this? but I really enjoy all the music both secular and "religious"
8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?
I love them! My favorite is miracle on 34th street.
9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?
before Thanksgiving for sure...but the day after it begins!
10. Stockings before or after presents?
The kids are allowed to get their stockings before we get up if they are up first. It keeps them busy and buys us some more sleep time. Then when everyone is up we have a breakfast of Swedish Tea ring and then on to the presents!
11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?
I wish more people went caroling. I would love to watch and listen. This year we are getting together with our homeschool group to go caroling! I can't wait!
12. Go to someone else's house or they come to you?
I like to stay home, but this year we are traveling to my husband's family in Texas and Oklahoma. Then for New Year's we will be in Wyoming with my family.
13. Do you read the Christmas Story? If so when?
Of course! That is the reason for the season! We try to read it several times and make sure to tell the kids that Santa gives gifts because it moves him so much that Jesus came as a gift to all mankind!
14. What do you do after presents and dinner?
Watch a Christmas movie, chat, play with new toys/games.
15. What is your favorite holiday smell?
I love the smell of stuffing baking for Christmas dinner...but a favorite candle I burn all year is Cinnamon/Bayberry from PartyLite.
16. Ice skating or walking around the mall?
Well, I can't ice skate, so the mall has it!
17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day?
We usually open presents from relatives that were mailed to us on Christmas eve. That way we can make sure the kids know who gave it and it isn't in the pile of Santa gifts.
18. Favorite Christmas memory?
I remember when I was maybe about 10, we were driving home from a relatives house, on Christmas eve. My brother and I were laying in the back seat (before seatbelts) and up in the sky I saw Rudolph's nose glowing in the sky! It was moving and since it was late at night, I was sure it was Santa and his sleigh! I was so excited to have seen him! I love that memory.
19. Favorite Part about winter?
Being in the cozy house with carols playing, candles burning, lights twinkling and snow falling. Or waking up to a winter wonderland (when the trees are covered in that thick white icy stuff.) ditto!
20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?
Yep.
If you're here and reading this meme, you're tagged!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Family Tradition
Is it a right of passage for all the cousins to play in the muck in Great grandand's (my grandfather) backyard
on Thanksgiving and get incredibly dirty so that they have to be declothed and scrubbed before dinner? And so they sit at dinner naked waiting for their clothes to be cleaned? Well it is in our family. For a long time my kids had been the only kids at these family celebrations. Only one of my cousins has children. And they are younger then mine...So this year was the first year they were all old enough to really play together and get in trouble together.
The mistake was letting them go outside alone! You would think, as adults, we would know that. But as happens often, you get together with those you don't see often, and the conversations take off. You get involved and, well, I think we kind of forgot about the little ones. They were content, not bothering anyone, quiet...So no one worried. Then we found them crawling in the dirt through a tube and under a neighbor's fence!
It brings back such memories! My grandfather lived in a different house when I was a kid. His backyard went up a hill, so it had these tiered levels, used mostly as gardens. As children, my cousins and my brother and I used to run wild back there during holiday get togethers. We would play hide and seek, chase, freeze tag. All up and down therse leveled gardens, with big bushes, trees, brush, flowers rocks and wood. It was dirty, dangerous stuff. Not run-out-in-the-street-get-hit-by-a-car kind of dangerous, but we got our share of bumps and bruises through the years. And I remember that my parents were in their own world, chatting with relatives, and us kids...we weren't even there. We had the run of the place. I would go hours with out even seeing my parents.
and so the tradition lives on!
on Thanksgiving and get incredibly dirty so that they have to be declothed and scrubbed before dinner? And so they sit at dinner naked waiting for their clothes to be cleaned? Well it is in our family. For a long time my kids had been the only kids at these family celebrations. Only one of my cousins has children. And they are younger then mine...So this year was the first year they were all old enough to really play together and get in trouble together.The mistake was letting them go outside alone! You would think, as adults, we would know that. But as happens often, you get together with those you don't see often, and the conversations take off. You get involved and, well, I think we kind of forgot about the little ones. They were content, not bothering anyone, quiet...So no one worried. Then we found them crawling in the dirt through a tube and under a neighbor's fence!
It brings back such memories! My grandfather lived in a different house when I was a kid. His backyard went up a hill, so it had these tiered levels, used mostly as gardens. As children, my cousins and my brother and I used to run wild back there during holiday get togethers. We would play hide and seek, chase, freeze tag. All up and down therse leveled gardens, with big bushes, trees, brush, flowers rocks and wood. It was dirty, dangerous stuff. Not run-out-in-the-street-get-hit-by-a-car kind of dangerous, but we got our share of bumps and bruises through the years. And I remember that my parents were in their own world, chatting with relatives, and us kids...we weren't even there. We had the run of the place. I would go hours with out even seeing my parents.
and so the tradition lives on!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Are we learning?
Just Enough, and Nothing More has a great post on unschooling. I am going to try to be more like that :)
I ask myself that question all the time, and so does my husband. I think they learn plenty but with no visible results on paper to present to everyone to prove I am doing a good job. Is that what it comes down to? Do I want praise for doing a good job? I don't think so. And I don't want it to be about that. But maybe I want to show everyone.."hey I can do it, see."
But it's not about me, its about them. These kids who get so excited about Star Wars, Princesses, Big Bird, and life. I wish I had the kind of passion they have for certain things. I think I have to redirect their passion so it involves the math book or the dictation...but no, if left to follow what they love, they will learn.....guaranteed.
I ask myself that question all the time, and so does my husband. I think they learn plenty but with no visible results on paper to present to everyone to prove I am doing a good job. Is that what it comes down to? Do I want praise for doing a good job? I don't think so. And I don't want it to be about that. But maybe I want to show everyone.."hey I can do it, see."
But it's not about me, its about them. These kids who get so excited about Star Wars, Princesses, Big Bird, and life. I wish I had the kind of passion they have for certain things. I think I have to redirect their passion so it involves the math book or the dictation...but no, if left to follow what they love, they will learn.....guaranteed.
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