I can not believe it. This can't really be the day after Christmas. Where has the time gone. I sat there yesterday thinking are we really opening presents, it can't be. Last week we lost a lot of time because Kal our oldest daughter had surgery. We spent 4 days in the hospital. I wouldn't have traded that time for anything. As a mother when do you get one on one time with your children and also get to take care of them. She did great. It was quite and ordeal. She spent from 10:30 to 8:30 under anesthesia. It was a very difficult surgery but we think it is all taken care of. She has this odd thing called a branchial cleft cyst. It is a little complicated case because this time it was located by her facial nerve and it was inbedded in scar tissue. They said it was very complicated but they think they got it all. I hope so. She had this removed when she was 2 and that was a 6 hour surgery. I can only imagine what the next surgery would bring.
We had some wonderful experiences with this ordeal. Kal's roommate had the same name as her and they were Christians which was wonderful. We were both looking out for each other. The only regret I have is not getting their email to be able to find out if their daughter was okay.
I am glad the experience is over but at the same time I look back at it with fondness. We were able to be together and that was wonderful.
We had a great Christmas. Kal and Emma are still working through their toys. We are still trying to get things back to normal. I think I might be working on that for awhile. Well I need to spend time with my dear hubby.
God Bless
Friday, December 26, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Assignment #113 - Finger Lickin’ Good (KFC)
Assignment: Although I am not able to produce miracles, it sometimes feels like I need to when it comes to meal time. There are times when money is tight, groceries are few and I have to feed my family. During the holiday season, you might have so much going on that you need to make a meal quickly with as few ingredients as possible. This week post your favorite recipes that require six (6) ingredients or less. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Six ingredients or less makes this a challenge. I am thinking of some recipes that I consider my staples but I am also counting out the ingredients. I guess I like my spices.
This is an all time favorite. Quick and easy. I am sure most of you have a roast recipe this is what I do.
Chuck Roast
Beef Broth
Garlic Powder
Salt
Onion
Put roast in pan. Add garlic powder, salt, and onion. Add a can of beef broth. Cook until done usually 2 hours.
Paprika Chicken (ate this tonight)
Chicken, cut up
Paprika
garlic powder
salt
butter
Put chicken in dish. Sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Melt the butter. Brush the butter over the chicken. Bake chicken at 350 for about 1 hour. Brush the chicken with the butter about every 15 minutes.
These are my two standby recipes. If I don't know what to cook or with the roast need something I can throw together and then run into town these are the recipes I fall back on.
Enjoy,
Jenni
Six ingredients or less makes this a challenge. I am thinking of some recipes that I consider my staples but I am also counting out the ingredients. I guess I like my spices.
This is an all time favorite. Quick and easy. I am sure most of you have a roast recipe this is what I do.
Chuck Roast
Beef Broth
Garlic Powder
Salt
Onion
Put roast in pan. Add garlic powder, salt, and onion. Add a can of beef broth. Cook until done usually 2 hours.
Paprika Chicken (ate this tonight)
Chicken, cut up
Paprika
garlic powder
salt
butter
Put chicken in dish. Sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Melt the butter. Brush the butter over the chicken. Bake chicken at 350 for about 1 hour. Brush the chicken with the butter about every 15 minutes.
These are my two standby recipes. If I don't know what to cook or with the roast need something I can throw together and then run into town these are the recipes I fall back on.
Enjoy,
Jenni
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Assignment #110 - Computers Help People Help People (IBM)
Assignment:
Share some of your favorite homeschooling sites. The only “rule” for this assignment is that you have to list at least one “free” site. Many homeschooling families have made the choice to live on very little income to do what they believe is best for their children and I want everyone to be able to benefit from this assignment. If you have other sites that are “paid” sites, feel free to include these also as it might be something someone would really appreciate. If you feel led, share your curriculum choices with us. I always love to learn what is out there that I don’t already know about. Please make sure to include links to the sites you share.
This is an area that I love about homeschooling. The internet is a beautiful tool. You can find just about anything if you take the time to look. Usually I run out of time and can't look as often as I would like. I have a very long list of favorites. I can't wait to see what everyone else posts.
Here is my list
www.thebestkidsbooksite.com This site has projects, coloring pages, and great book ideas
www.dltk-kids.com Lots of great stuff here
www.preschoollearners.com
www.lapbooklessons.com Very good resource for lapbooks
www.homeschoolshare.com Lots of info here
www.squiddo.com
www.ourlosbanos.com Really cool site with a free curriculum
www.annesschoolplace.com
www.firstschool.ws
www.letteroftheweek.com
Well this is some of my favorites. Hopefully someone will find this helpful. I can't wait to see everybody elses finds
Jenni
Share some of your favorite homeschooling sites. The only “rule” for this assignment is that you have to list at least one “free” site. Many homeschooling families have made the choice to live on very little income to do what they believe is best for their children and I want everyone to be able to benefit from this assignment. If you have other sites that are “paid” sites, feel free to include these also as it might be something someone would really appreciate. If you feel led, share your curriculum choices with us. I always love to learn what is out there that I don’t already know about. Please make sure to include links to the sites you share.
This is an area that I love about homeschooling. The internet is a beautiful tool. You can find just about anything if you take the time to look. Usually I run out of time and can't look as often as I would like. I have a very long list of favorites. I can't wait to see what everyone else posts.
Here is my list
www.thebestkidsbooksite.com This site has projects, coloring pages, and great book ideas
www.dltk-kids.com Lots of great stuff here
www.preschoollearners.com
www.lapbooklessons.com Very good resource for lapbooks
www.homeschoolshare.com Lots of info here
www.squiddo.com
www.ourlosbanos.com Really cool site with a free curriculum
www.annesschoolplace.com
www.firstschool.ws
www.letteroftheweek.com
Well this is some of my favorites. Hopefully someone will find this helpful. I can't wait to see everybody elses finds
Jenni
Friday, November 14, 2008
BFS Assignment #109 We Bring Good Things To Life (GE) *
My daugthers are the 2 blondes on the leftAssignment: Share a field trip/lifestyle learning experience where you really felt you were bringing good things to life for your children, where something came alive for them, or ignited a passion.
My oldest daughter we are still trying to figure out what her passion is. She has done everything. She has been in dance, not really into it but does like it. She is in horse, she likes it but I just don't see the passion there. Girl Scouts, loves it but I think it is more a social thing. But there is one thing that she does have a passion for and that is not littering. She will talk your ear off aobut how awful it is that people just throw things on the ground. How God created this earth and look at how people take care of it. So I guess if she was to have a passion it would be that. So far the littering thing has not worked out so well when it comes to our house she seems to think her room is a huge garbage disposal.
Our youngest daughter on the other hand has loved dance since she was very little. I think it helped that our oldest was in dance and I also was taking some classes. She was 2 years old and would put on tap shoes and would love to hear herself tap across the floor at the dance studio. She still talks about how she is going to be a ballerina. She is not taking ballet class she is going to be a BALLARINA. She practices around the house her turns. I try to show her stuff and she corrects me. It is a lot of fun.
I only pray the can turn there passions into something to glorify good. He has created us to do his good works so I pray they will take a passion they have for something and do it for his good works.
My verse this week is.
Ephesians 2:4-10
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Eph 2:4-10 (KJV)
My oldest daughter we are still trying to figure out what her passion is. She has done everything. She has been in dance, not really into it but does like it. She is in horse, she likes it but I just don't see the passion there. Girl Scouts, loves it but I think it is more a social thing. But there is one thing that she does have a passion for and that is not littering. She will talk your ear off aobut how awful it is that people just throw things on the ground. How God created this earth and look at how people take care of it. So I guess if she was to have a passion it would be that. So far the littering thing has not worked out so well when it comes to our house she seems to think her room is a huge garbage disposal.
Our youngest daughter on the other hand has loved dance since she was very little. I think it helped that our oldest was in dance and I also was taking some classes. She was 2 years old and would put on tap shoes and would love to hear herself tap across the floor at the dance studio. She still talks about how she is going to be a ballerina. She is not taking ballet class she is going to be a BALLARINA. She practices around the house her turns. I try to show her stuff and she corrects me. It is a lot of fun.
I only pray the can turn there passions into something to glorify good. He has created us to do his good works so I pray they will take a passion they have for something and do it for his good works.
My verse this week is.
Ephesians 2:4-10
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Eph 2:4-10 (KJV)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Did find some things that are a little wacky about us
This is what happens when you send your kids to take the laundry off of the line. They get a little creative. Her entire head is full of clothes pins.
Do you think this might be the new style this coming fall???
This day my oldest decided to see how many grapes she could shove into her mouth. Doesn't she look like a chipmunk or squirrel?
Here she is just being plan old goofy. How do you like the hair?
This one is our jokester of the family. Can you tell she loves to make funny faces
I was feeling kind of awful about how much fun we have around here. I thought that we were pretty lame until I started to download some of my pictures so we could go on vacation this week and then I saw all of these funny snapshots. So I had to share. I don't feel as bad, my kids do look like they are having some fun.
Jenni
BFS #104 - Never Leave Home Without It!
Memory Verse: Matthew 28: 20 - Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen.
Assignment: In the memory verse Jesus tells us that He will never leave us, not even at the end of the world. He assures us in this verse that He will be with us and that means through everything we go through in life. I thought it would be interesting to write about the things we would never leave home without. For some it might be baby needs, others it might be a gym bag and bottle of water, and for some it might be your Bible and a notepad or small journal, maybe even your son or daughters favorite blankie! I’d like for you to write about something that you would never leave home without.
Let's see, what don't I leave home without. There are a few things. I do not leave home wihtout my purse. When I forget that it always seems like there was something very important in there. Like for instance that will be the time that my van is totally without gas. (This has happened to me.)
This object is in my purse but it is important. I go to the library I lot and if I don't have my library card they will not let me check out a book. Which they all know me by name and some of them even know where I live but if I forget my wallet which has my library card and my license in it they will not let me check out a book. So this is very important.
Other than that that is all I really try to make sure I have. Now my kids on the other hand they pretty much bring our entire house with them whenever we leave. I am always trying to stop them from bringing stuff with us. They like to be prepared when we are going somewhere. They will bring their dolls, dolls clothing, usually some type of bag that this stuff goes in. Once in a while my oldest brings a book to read. They will take all of this to run into town for 10 minutes. So it tends to be a problem.
When it travel with my dh he is a little more prepared than I am. He always makes sure we have drinks for our trip and some type of snack to eat. I try to do this but it is not something I always make sure I have with me.
Have a great week everyone and God Bless.
Jenni
Assignment: In the memory verse Jesus tells us that He will never leave us, not even at the end of the world. He assures us in this verse that He will be with us and that means through everything we go through in life. I thought it would be interesting to write about the things we would never leave home without. For some it might be baby needs, others it might be a gym bag and bottle of water, and for some it might be your Bible and a notepad or small journal, maybe even your son or daughters favorite blankie! I’d like for you to write about something that you would never leave home without.
Let's see, what don't I leave home without. There are a few things. I do not leave home wihtout my purse. When I forget that it always seems like there was something very important in there. Like for instance that will be the time that my van is totally without gas. (This has happened to me.)
This object is in my purse but it is important. I go to the library I lot and if I don't have my library card they will not let me check out a book. Which they all know me by name and some of them even know where I live but if I forget my wallet which has my library card and my license in it they will not let me check out a book. So this is very important.
Other than that that is all I really try to make sure I have. Now my kids on the other hand they pretty much bring our entire house with them whenever we leave. I am always trying to stop them from bringing stuff with us. They like to be prepared when we are going somewhere. They will bring their dolls, dolls clothing, usually some type of bag that this stuff goes in. Once in a while my oldest brings a book to read. They will take all of this to run into town for 10 minutes. So it tends to be a problem.
When it travel with my dh he is a little more prepared than I am. He always makes sure we have drinks for our trip and some type of snack to eat. I try to do this but it is not something I always make sure I have with me.
Have a great week everyone and God Bless.
Jenni
Thursday, October 2, 2008
BFS- KEEW YKCAW …oops..WACKY WEEK!
This is WACKY WEEK here at Blogger Friend School! Everything is wacky fun! This week YOU, the student, get to share something of your choice that is little “Wacky”!!!
Have you done something crazy in your homeschool? Do you fingerpaint with your toes? Do you let your children do your hair? Do you wear your pajamas during homeschool? Oh, the list is endless, but it’s up to you and how much fun you want to have.
To make it even “wackier” (not sure if it’s really a word, but hey, we don’t check spelling this week at BFS either!!!…..try and type some or all of your post sdrawkcab. (backwards!)
!keew gnixaler dna nuf a siht ekaM
(…and forwards…Make this a fun and relaxing week!)
At this moment I feel as if I am a failure as a mom. I have been racking my brain since Tuesday when I read the assignment for this week. This sounds so dumb, but I am a hunter and yesterday I was in my tree stand trying to think of something we do that is fun. Now this should come easy, but it hasn't for me. I can't think of anything. There are days that my daughter has done her schoolwork in her pajamas only due to the fact that I was to lazy to tell her to go and get dressed or got tired of asking. We do laugh but there isn't something specific that we do that is wacky. Somedays we do chase each other around the house and play monsters. AT one time we were playing hide and go seek at night, that was fun.
I always tend to be goofy around other people but not my kids. Well I can see this is an area that God and I need to work on. Need not to be so serious and worried about everything that needs to be accomplished and spend some time just being wacky.
Jenni
Have you done something crazy in your homeschool? Do you fingerpaint with your toes? Do you let your children do your hair? Do you wear your pajamas during homeschool? Oh, the list is endless, but it’s up to you and how much fun you want to have.
To make it even “wackier” (not sure if it’s really a word, but hey, we don’t check spelling this week at BFS either!!!…..try and type some or all of your post sdrawkcab. (backwards!)
!keew gnixaler dna nuf a siht ekaM
(…and forwards…Make this a fun and relaxing week!)
At this moment I feel as if I am a failure as a mom. I have been racking my brain since Tuesday when I read the assignment for this week. This sounds so dumb, but I am a hunter and yesterday I was in my tree stand trying to think of something we do that is fun. Now this should come easy, but it hasn't for me. I can't think of anything. There are days that my daughter has done her schoolwork in her pajamas only due to the fact that I was to lazy to tell her to go and get dressed or got tired of asking. We do laugh but there isn't something specific that we do that is wacky. Somedays we do chase each other around the house and play monsters. AT one time we were playing hide and go seek at night, that was fun.
I always tend to be goofy around other people but not my kids. Well I can see this is an area that God and I need to work on. Need not to be so serious and worried about everything that needs to be accomplished and spend some time just being wacky.
Jenni
Friday, September 26, 2008
BFS Assignment #103 It keeps going, and going, and going…. (Energizer)
Assignment: How do you keep energized so you can get it all done? bouncy music? treat it like a workout? Do you use a schedule?, a housekeeping binder system? luck of the draw system?.. or is this an area where you need encouragement? Do you need God’s help to keep order and beauty in your dwelling place? Take this week to tell us how You diligently keep going with your housekeeping chores.
In this area I have probably tried everything. Every method seems to work for a while and then something happens that makes me get off track. I always have very good intentions. Currently I am using the when I have a free minute I get it done. I do use a "TO DO LIST", and that does seem to help. There is something satisfying about being able to cross something off of your list. I can be awful with this I will put things down like get up, brush teeth, etc on my list just to cross them off. HEHEHE.
Before summer started I was using a schedule and that was nice but I didn't like that my house was never clean all at the same time and my children seem to make continual messes. I know they still need training in this area and I haven't found the patience or the know how to deal with the messes. I know I love them to be creative but does it have to involve a mess.
The one thing I loved about the schedule is that I seemed to spend a little more time just playing with the kids since I had it scheduled into my day. Right now that doesn't seem to be happening.
Well I guess right now I am just going by the seat of my pants to get my housework done. My house isn't a disaster and we do have clean sheets more than once a year. So maybe I am achieving my goal of being a housewife. I do try to make my husbands work clothes and his dinner a priority. Also before he gets home about one hour before we do try to pick up the house so he walks into a better environment than at work.
I found this verse on a website and it really spoke to me:
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:2-4).
In this area I have probably tried everything. Every method seems to work for a while and then something happens that makes me get off track. I always have very good intentions. Currently I am using the when I have a free minute I get it done. I do use a "TO DO LIST", and that does seem to help. There is something satisfying about being able to cross something off of your list. I can be awful with this I will put things down like get up, brush teeth, etc on my list just to cross them off. HEHEHE.
Before summer started I was using a schedule and that was nice but I didn't like that my house was never clean all at the same time and my children seem to make continual messes. I know they still need training in this area and I haven't found the patience or the know how to deal with the messes. I know I love them to be creative but does it have to involve a mess.
The one thing I loved about the schedule is that I seemed to spend a little more time just playing with the kids since I had it scheduled into my day. Right now that doesn't seem to be happening.
Well I guess right now I am just going by the seat of my pants to get my housework done. My house isn't a disaster and we do have clean sheets more than once a year. So maybe I am achieving my goal of being a housewife. I do try to make my husbands work clothes and his dinner a priority. Also before he gets home about one hour before we do try to pick up the house so he walks into a better environment than at work.
I found this verse on a website and it really spoke to me:
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:2-4).
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
BFS Assignment #102 - Try it, You’ll Like It!
Assignment: This week I want you to do something for someone else. Do you have a neighbor that needs you? Do you know an elderly person or single mom that could use you? What about the homeless? Pack even one single sack lunch and give it to someone in need. Do you know someone in blogland that is struggling right now and could use a note from you about how much you care? Pray about this. Let God put on your heart the perfect thing for you to do for another. Now, here is the kicker…I DO NOT want you to post about what you do. Whatever you choose to do is between you and God. Our rewards are in heaven, not here on earth, Mathew 6:1. I want you to post about how doing this “act” made you feel. Was stepping out of your comfort zone in this area as hard as you thought it might be? Could you see the gratefulness in their eyes? Hear it in their voice? Tell it from their typing? Do you think you might make doing things like this a more regular part of your time? If this is an area that you are already active in, tell us how you feel this has impacted your life.
Memory Verse: Psalms 26:2 NIV Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.
This is not an area of my life I have felt comfortable with. This summer we did a local mission project and that was awesome. It is amazing what you can accomplish with God and a group of like minded people. The person we helped was obviously very touched and she is now going to have a much warmer and safer home for a good Michigan winter.
I know this is different than what the assignment said but I have currently been trying to lay myself down for my husband. He is currently stuggling at work and having a rough time. So, I have been reading Created to be his Helpmeet and that has been a true blessing. I have been trying to think of things to do for him to make his life at home much more relaxing. Like I said this is not an area of my life that I have been very good at. I usually get dinner made and then do the dishes but then I am exhausted. So, lately I have been trying to also make time for his projects that he needs my help with. Yesterday I had a ton of things to get done but I tried to also accomplish some things I knew would bless my hubby. For example the lawn needed to be mowed and we also needed wood moved into the basement. I didn't get that done but I am going to try and get it done so then he can just come home and relax.
Maybe this is off topic but sometimes helping the man right in our lives is very important and I have lacked in this are so that is the area I am working at. I will think of a way I can help someone besides my immediate family. I am thinking I might try to help someone who doesn't even know me. So I need spend sometime in prayer about it
Favorite verse:
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25
Jenni
Memory Verse: Psalms 26:2 NIV Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.
This is not an area of my life I have felt comfortable with. This summer we did a local mission project and that was awesome. It is amazing what you can accomplish with God and a group of like minded people. The person we helped was obviously very touched and she is now going to have a much warmer and safer home for a good Michigan winter.
I know this is different than what the assignment said but I have currently been trying to lay myself down for my husband. He is currently stuggling at work and having a rough time. So, I have been reading Created to be his Helpmeet and that has been a true blessing. I have been trying to think of things to do for him to make his life at home much more relaxing. Like I said this is not an area of my life that I have been very good at. I usually get dinner made and then do the dishes but then I am exhausted. So, lately I have been trying to also make time for his projects that he needs my help with. Yesterday I had a ton of things to get done but I tried to also accomplish some things I knew would bless my hubby. For example the lawn needed to be mowed and we also needed wood moved into the basement. I didn't get that done but I am going to try and get it done so then he can just come home and relax.
Maybe this is off topic but sometimes helping the man right in our lives is very important and I have lacked in this are so that is the area I am working at. I will think of a way I can help someone besides my immediate family. I am thinking I might try to help someone who doesn't even know me. So I need spend sometime in prayer about it
Favorite verse:
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25
Jenni
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
BFS #101 - Plop, plop, Fizz, fizz; Oh, What a Relief It Is!
Assignment: This would be a good week to tell about your worst struggles with a lifestyle of homeschooling. Tell about something you’ve struggled with and how God’s mercies gave us the strength to get past it. Also, share any curriculum/homeschool methods that have been a relief to you, i.e., a particular Teacher’s Manual or Homeschooling method that’s been easier for your family. Talk about how you felt when the burden was lifted and Oh, What a Relief it is!
Where do I begin. You know I love homeschooling and every single time I think about just letting that bus stop I get a sinking feeling in my gut. So, I know that is not God's will for us. At the same time I still have a lot of struggles when it comes to homeschool. I have struggled with teaching my daughter to read. She is a math kid, it comes very easy to her. Reading on the other hand doesn't. I struggle with not comparing my children to other kids, whether they are in Public school or are homeschooled.
One of my main struggles is maintaining a easy pace schedule. Who said being a stay at home mom would be boring, they are nuts. I have a tendency to get to busy and then my home and my poor husband get neglected so I have really worked at that. I listened to a lot of Cindy Rushton's stuff and that has really helped my to purge some of the stuff that does not need to happen. I can see that this year is going to be easier for us. I eliminated a lot in my schedule, although this particular week is pretty bad. I have had some good weeks so far and it has been wonderful. Side NOte: Last night at my daughters dance class there was a bunch of mom's talking about what their kids were doing this year. NOw remember this is a group of 4 and 5 year olds. They all had them in Soccer (twice a week), dance (once a week), looking into Tae Kwon Do, and still considering Gymnastics. When do those poor babies get to be kids. Sorry about the bunny trail. We have eliminated our kids to one outside activity other than church a week. We were one of those crazy people last year I can't do that again.
Now on the other hand I have struggled with trying not to focus too much on the house and the wife duties I have and not spending time with the kids. Now for this area I could really use some advice. I still don't know how to fit it all in.
The one curriculum that has been a total relief to us is Math-U-See. It makes my life so easy. I just pop in the DVD he teaches the lesson to her and then we go over it together. There is plenty of worksheets for each lesson, so if she needs to do all of them she can or she can just do what she needs to get the concept. Also he continues to review the stuff from the beginning of the year till the end of the year. This way she doesn't forget it.
We are using Queen homeschool this year and so far I like it but it almost seems too simple. We will see how it goes. The unit studies were a little too hard. We are in 3rd grade this year and they wanted her to write a report almost everyday and we were both getting bogged down with it. Other than that the copy work is awesome. They have beautful pictures to look at. I also am enjoying there language arts program.
My theme verse has been
Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Prov 15:18 (KJV)]
I need to live by this verse since many times during the day are training oppurtunities and I tend to lean toward the yelling side and I need to just discipline and not yell.
Where do I begin. You know I love homeschooling and every single time I think about just letting that bus stop I get a sinking feeling in my gut. So, I know that is not God's will for us. At the same time I still have a lot of struggles when it comes to homeschool. I have struggled with teaching my daughter to read. She is a math kid, it comes very easy to her. Reading on the other hand doesn't. I struggle with not comparing my children to other kids, whether they are in Public school or are homeschooled.
One of my main struggles is maintaining a easy pace schedule. Who said being a stay at home mom would be boring, they are nuts. I have a tendency to get to busy and then my home and my poor husband get neglected so I have really worked at that. I listened to a lot of Cindy Rushton's stuff and that has really helped my to purge some of the stuff that does not need to happen. I can see that this year is going to be easier for us. I eliminated a lot in my schedule, although this particular week is pretty bad. I have had some good weeks so far and it has been wonderful. Side NOte: Last night at my daughters dance class there was a bunch of mom's talking about what their kids were doing this year. NOw remember this is a group of 4 and 5 year olds. They all had them in Soccer (twice a week), dance (once a week), looking into Tae Kwon Do, and still considering Gymnastics. When do those poor babies get to be kids. Sorry about the bunny trail. We have eliminated our kids to one outside activity other than church a week. We were one of those crazy people last year I can't do that again.
Now on the other hand I have struggled with trying not to focus too much on the house and the wife duties I have and not spending time with the kids. Now for this area I could really use some advice. I still don't know how to fit it all in.
The one curriculum that has been a total relief to us is Math-U-See. It makes my life so easy. I just pop in the DVD he teaches the lesson to her and then we go over it together. There is plenty of worksheets for each lesson, so if she needs to do all of them she can or she can just do what she needs to get the concept. Also he continues to review the stuff from the beginning of the year till the end of the year. This way she doesn't forget it.
We are using Queen homeschool this year and so far I like it but it almost seems too simple. We will see how it goes. The unit studies were a little too hard. We are in 3rd grade this year and they wanted her to write a report almost everyday and we were both getting bogged down with it. Other than that the copy work is awesome. They have beautful pictures to look at. I also am enjoying there language arts program.
My theme verse has been
Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Prov 15:18 (KJV)]
I need to live by this verse since many times during the day are training oppurtunities and I tend to lean toward the yelling side and I need to just discipline and not yell.
After I have said all this I know that I would not trade one moment with my kids. Yes there are days when I would like to just go to the store by myself to get a break but all in all I enjoy my life my dh and God have given me. When would my kids get to spend the time together that they get now. When would I be able to say we struggled through reading but WE got it, not some teacher or tutor at the school. We are all truely blessed to be able to have this time and get to enjoy this journey with our little ones.
The picture I posted is very old. I need to update the pictures in my computer.
God Bless
Saturday, September 6, 2008
What a Saturday
Today was a very productive day. First I got woke up by my dh. He had a problem with our poor kitty. I guess the cat caught him off guard and bit him. Then he reacted and the cat went flying. AFter that the cat didn't act quite right. I felt bad for both of them. Hubby cried cause he felt so bad and the kitty just laid around.
After he started acting normal the hard work began. Although while kitty was under the weather we sat and talked, it was really nice to have some quiet time to talk while the kids were in bed.
Got breakfast made and then talked to my dear friend who lives in South Carolina now. While I was on the phone did some house work, finished dishes from breakfast, then headed to the big pile of clean clothes that needed folding.
Then we headed over to the same friends house here in Michigan. The are renting the place. We went there to pick apples. Now I have a job to get done. Applesauce here we come.
Then we power washed the deck, playhouse, and chicken coop. Then sealed it with water sealant. After that we worked on closing the pool. That went well.
While I cooked dinner dh planted some raspberry bushes we got. After all of this I am exhausted but feel good about what we got done. It is nice to have a productive day with my family.
Jenni
After he started acting normal the hard work began. Although while kitty was under the weather we sat and talked, it was really nice to have some quiet time to talk while the kids were in bed.
Got breakfast made and then talked to my dear friend who lives in South Carolina now. While I was on the phone did some house work, finished dishes from breakfast, then headed to the big pile of clean clothes that needed folding.
Then we headed over to the same friends house here in Michigan. The are renting the place. We went there to pick apples. Now I have a job to get done. Applesauce here we come.
Then we power washed the deck, playhouse, and chicken coop. Then sealed it with water sealant. After that we worked on closing the pool. That went well.
While I cooked dinner dh planted some raspberry bushes we got. After all of this I am exhausted but feel good about what we got done. It is nice to have a productive day with my family.
Jenni
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
BFS Assignment #100 - Oh What a Feeling
Assignment: Take time this week to write about YOU and your feelings of trials and triumphs with homeschooling. Touch on when you first heard about the concept of home schooling and whether you tip-toed into the idea or just jumped in and never looked back. Share your schooling as a child and how you compare it to what your goals are for your children.
This one I have to think about. I thought about homeschooling when I was working and my oldest daughter was only 9 months old. There was this lady that would come in to the bank that I worked and she talked to me about homeschooling her daughter. I loved the idea of my child being able to pursue her own interests. She had a daughter that loved horses so part of her studies was on horses. From the point on I researches, and researched, and researched homeschooling. I knew as soon as I could quit working that I was going to homeschool. I have looked back a few times but then my heart and stomach sink and I know that this is where God wants us to be right now.
My schooling as a child was probably typical of most public schooled kids. Nothing to much to tell. Although I can tell you that I am learning more now with my children than when I was in school. It is like they get to learn a subject more in depth. We were pushed through things. My child, if she ever finds an interest in a certain subject, could spend weeks on it. I am allowed to change the schedule but in public schools they can't do that so you just get to dab in subjects.
My goals for my children are to have a love of learning, although this can be a challenge. There are days where you feel like you are losing your mind since they aren't getting something. I need to relax more so they will have this love of learning. When I was in school you just did things to get them done not because you wanted to find out more. I hope they can have this curiosity about a subject and want to find out more.
This was fun
Jenni
Friday, August 29, 2008
Canning
Yesterday I spent most of my morning canning. I did 3 pints of peach jam and 22 pints of whole tomatoes. That is an awesome feeling. Isn't it funny what a row of jars can do for your mood. It is a ton of work but they look so pretty and you feel a little more secure that your family is going to make it through the winter a little better with your efforts. I also think it is amazing that everything in those jars my hands have touched.
I also got to visit with a friend yesterday. My motto lately has been "My plans are My plans, the interruptions are His plans" So I had a few interruptions yesterday but I truely enjoyed them. The only thing I didn't like is that while my friend was here visiting I let the girls put in a movie and then it was really hard to get back on track for school. Oh well learned my lesson.
Today we are headed to an Amish quilt auction. There is also a really large flea market there. We should have fun. I am going with a good friend, my mom, and an older couple that our kids call grandma and grandpa. We are going to have a picnic and hopefully just enjoy ourselves.
Have a wonderful day
Jenni
I also got to visit with a friend yesterday. My motto lately has been "My plans are My plans, the interruptions are His plans" So I had a few interruptions yesterday but I truely enjoyed them. The only thing I didn't like is that while my friend was here visiting I let the girls put in a movie and then it was really hard to get back on track for school. Oh well learned my lesson.
Today we are headed to an Amish quilt auction. There is also a really large flea market there. We should have fun. I am going with a good friend, my mom, and an older couple that our kids call grandma and grandpa. We are going to have a picnic and hopefully just enjoy ourselves.
Have a wonderful day
Jenni
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Reading a good book
Lately I have been reading a good book "Created to be his Helpmeet" by Debi Pearl. I am really learning a lot from it. So far I am to chapter 8 and really feel like this book is vital to help my marriage. My marriage isn't really struggling but this has really opened my eyes to see what I need to do different. If your marriage is at all seeming down in the dumps you might want to check out this book. So far I learned that I need to look at my attitude. That Joy is almost infectious. I have noticed that if I just greet my dh with a smile and geniunely care about him and his day, it makes a big difference. Also I have tried to really let him know how much we appreciate him. I can already tell this is giong to be a soul searching and soul changing book.
I will try to continue to post on the book
Jenni
I will try to continue to post on the book
Jenni
Monday, August 25, 2008
Blogger Friend school
I have signd up for Blogger Friend school. I tried to do this last year and didn't do very well. It was fun when I was able to participate. I can't wait to see what the assignments are for this year.
Jenni
Jenni
Typical day on the homestead
Well lately my days have included putting up lots of food for the winter. I keep telling everyone I am preparing for the worst winter ever. My freezers are getting to the point of busting at the seams, but I still keep finding room. Today I was blessed from a dear friend with over 10 pounds more of blueberries. I also picked up another 1/2 bushel of peaches to can. That will be tomorrows project. Tomorrow I also have to pick all the tomatoes. I am hoping that I won't have to can these until Thursday.
Today we got school done. So far so good. This year is going well we are in our 3rd week of school and so far things are going well. Still haven't been able to get my youngest dd who is 4 to really sit down and do anything but I am not pushing it. She loves to do projects, but learn her ABC's that is another story.
Well tomorrow is another day, can't wait to see what the good Lord has in store.
Jenni
Today we got school done. So far so good. This year is going well we are in our 3rd week of school and so far things are going well. Still haven't been able to get my youngest dd who is 4 to really sit down and do anything but I am not pushing it. She loves to do projects, but learn her ABC's that is another story.
Well tomorrow is another day, can't wait to see what the good Lord has in store.
Jenni
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Our Sunday
Today was a great day. Started off doing our normal chores. Had a lazy morning at home until it was time to go to church. Church service was really good. Once we got home we had to get the house ready before we had our night service at our house. There was about 10 people and we had a really good time around the campfire praising God and learning about him. All in all a very good day.
Tomorrow I will try to get up pictures of the fort my dh mad for the girls.
Jenni
Tomorrow I will try to get up pictures of the fort my dh mad for the girls.
Jenni
Friday, August 22, 2008
The beginning
Here is the start of my new blog. Hopefully this will be fun and a great experience.
I am going to introduce myself. I am a 30 something mother of 2. I am a SAHM. I homeschool both of my children. They are 8 and 4. My oldest daughter is starting 3rd grade this year. My youngest daughter is learning her alphabet (when she wants to). Still working on getting her used to doing school.
We live on a small farm. (Well I consider it a farm since we have a lot of animals. We have a lot of animals according to my hubby but I consider it just the right amount. WE have 2 goats, that we milk. We have 12 chickens, 2 rabbits, 1 dog, and a cat.
My goals are to try to be a godly mother to my children. Work on my patience. Also to try to battle the rising cost of groceries. I also try to cook only whole foods, so that makes it even more of a challenge.
I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning from all of you.
I am going to introduce myself. I am a 30 something mother of 2. I am a SAHM. I homeschool both of my children. They are 8 and 4. My oldest daughter is starting 3rd grade this year. My youngest daughter is learning her alphabet (when she wants to). Still working on getting her used to doing school.
We live on a small farm. (Well I consider it a farm since we have a lot of animals. We have a lot of animals according to my hubby but I consider it just the right amount. WE have 2 goats, that we milk. We have 12 chickens, 2 rabbits, 1 dog, and a cat.
My goals are to try to be a godly mother to my children. Work on my patience. Also to try to battle the rising cost of groceries. I also try to cook only whole foods, so that makes it even more of a challenge.
I look forward to getting to know everyone and learning from all of you.
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