Bowmania

Proverbs 18:4

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

"The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;
the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook."

Proverbs 18:4

After 17 years they have arrived..

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:37:00 +0000

We have been observing the cicadas this week.

"Cicadas are also famous for their penchant for disappearing entirely for many years, only to reappear in force at a regular interval. There are some 3,000 cicada species, but only some share this behavior (the 17-year cicada is an example)"

We have the 17 year cicada here this year. They are out in full force. When you walk outside this is what you hear.

Some people may not like the sound, but I think their music is beautiful. Another one of God's amazing creations.

How about some fun facts about cicada's

~ they different calls to express alarm or attract mates

~ Some cicadas produce loud, noisy calls that can be heard up to 1 mile away.

~ There are some 3,000 cicada species

~ they famous for their penchant for disappearing entirely for many years, only to reappear in force at a regular interval.

~ cicada, meaning "tree cricket"

Do you have cicada's where you live?

a strong tower

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Fri, 18 May 2012 10:26:00 +0000

Love is a beautiful thing

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:18:00 +0000

A few weeks ago we traveled to NYC.
I plan on telling you all about our trip very soon.

While there we went to Central Park.
I ~~stalked~~ observed this couple.
The young man would row, row, row, and then he would lean in for a little kiss. Then again, row, row, row, kiss. They were in their own little world. No one else mattered. So sweet.

Love is a beautiful thing. Love is strong.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (emphasis mine) "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised."

Today I am linking up with my friend Brooke to share #OneBeautifulThing.

The places he will go

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:34:00 +0000

The day has come.
A day that has been long awaited.
We have worked and worked for this day to come.
Most days ended in tears because things didn't click.
We have tried many techniques.
Over and over those techniques didn't seem to work.
Consonants and vowels, together, making no sense.
Until this weekend.

HE IS READING!!!

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
- Dr. Seuss,

The last 2 weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Thu, 03 May 2012 14:09:00 +0000

Much has happened the past two weeks.

Last week DH went out of town for work. This is not a typical. Things were different. I said a prayer for those who have husbands who work our of town often. Grace be to you.

On Friday I went to a homeschooling/blogging conference. This was an amazing weekend. Full of encouragement, laughter, tears, and late night talks. I am still wrapping my head around everything that was said. I am working on posts about the conference.

Things were put on hold after the conference because we got sick.

I have one child that didn't get sick. The rest have had tissues with them at all times. We are still fighting this cold or what ever it is ( it's a nasty bug) , but each day we are getting better.

I have a 10 hour car ride ahead of us this weekend. To pass the time I plan on write about the conference. Of course we will be seeing a lot this weekend.

I am very excited, yet very nervous. I do not like traffic. We are going to NYC. Please pray for me. Pray that I will not be a ball of nerves. I want to enjoy myself this weekend.

Sorry for the lack of posting the past 2 weeks. I was talking to a friend and told her how behind I was and why I was behind. She reminded me that life happens. That is does.

Tips For the Reluctant Writer~

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:39:00 +0000

Do you have a child that does not like to write?

Kim from WriteShop has some tips for you.

Here are five tips to encourage reluctant writers:

1. Work together. It’s not enough to tell your kids to “write”; you must guide them through the steps so they know how. If you need help, look for writing programs that give this type of guidance.

2. Provide boundaries. Clear expectations and instructions tell a child just what he’s supposed to do. Asking him to “write about whatever you want” actually contributes to “blank page syndrome.” It’s sort of like throwing him into the middle of a vast ocean and telling him to swim for shore.

Build confidence by suggesting ideas to write about. Let kids write from observation or personal experience (often easier than making up stories). And encourage them to write about topics that tickle their fancy, such as horses or sports.

3. Limit composition length. For example, ask for one paragraph of five to seven sentences. You’ll contribute toward your reluctant writer’s confidence if she knows you’re not expecting her to write volumes.

4. Don’t be afraid to act as your child’s scribe. This takes the pressure off! She’s free to dream up and spout off all sorts of ideas without fear of having to write them down. As you brainstorm about these ideas together, make a list or mind map.

Once her ideas are on paper, she may be willing to draft on her own, confident that her thoughts won’t vanish. But if she’s feeling insecure, she may need your help to weed out some of the details and organize what’s left.

5. Make a photocopy before editing. Sensitive children can feel that their work has been violated when you make marks on their original paper.

HAPPY WRITING! :)

God is not being glorified~~

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:00:00 +0000

I have been busy!

Trying to organize things in my house.

We are working on EHAP!

I have not done a good job with training my children in this area.We do a poor job of picking up after ourselves. We leave things on the floor and on the table. Clean clothes end up in the dirty laundry because we fail to put them in drawers right away.

For me to organize takes work.
I have been convicted, not condemned, about the way I have been running the house.

God is not glorified through my clutter and my laziness.

I have a box that is for things that don't have a place. When it is full, I will send it with my hubby to be dropped off at Goodwill.
I have told the kids that toys and clothes have a place. That place is not the floor. If things continue to be left and not put away I will assume they do not have a place and will be put in the box. Once the things are in the box they stay in the box.
I know that this sounds harsh. It will be a learning thing for us all.
We have to be disciplined in what we do.
God has provide this beautiful home.
We need to take care of these gifts.

"She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the break of idleness." Proverbs 31:27

Top Ten Tuesday ~ for 2:1 conf~

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

10 DAYS! The countdown is on.

Let's sing this together~
   "Getting to know you, getting to know all about you!"
Today we are doing just that.

"10 Things #2to1Conf Attendees Should Know About Me"

10. I am a country bumpkin.
I am so glad not be driving to the conference. I drove to Baltimore for the Apologia Live retreat.           I think my steering wheel still has hand prints from that trip.

9. I am a homeschool mom ready for a break.
                I am looking forward to the time of fellowship with other homeschool moms. A time to take             a break and be refreshed.

8. I am short.
         Without heels, I am 5'1" tall, or short, how ever you want to look at it. :)

7. I am bringing the little man.
        Be prepared for many smiles.

6. I have 5 kids.
     I talk about them. A lot. By the end of the weekend you will know my kids well. :)

5. I have been homeschooling for 3 years.
          I have so much to learn.

4. I have not had sweets in 7 weeks!
        That is a plus for you. You can have my share of dessert!

3. I need white noise when I sleep.
        I will bring a small fan. I hope my roomies won't mind.

2. I am a homeschool mom who longs to be more organized.

1. I am looking forward to what God I going to do at the conference.

Let's get to know each other better.
Link up with you post.
I am looking forward to getting to know you better. More than that, I am looking forward to meeting you in just 10 days.

This post is also linked over at Many Little Blessings with her Top Ten Tuesday. There you will find many other top ten lists. Go ahead and add your link there as well then other people can get to know you better.
Thank you all for joining.

Ultimate Blog Party 2012 ~ Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:05:00 +0000

WELCOME!!!!!

I am Stephanie.

I am so excited that you stopped by and are partying with me.

Here in the world of Bowmania you never know what you will find.

A bit about myself.

~First, I am about to turn 30! Most people dread that number but I am super excited. My 20's were great and I can't wait to see what God has in store for my 30's.
~I have been married to my wonderful husband for 10 1/2 years.
~We have 5 children, ages, 9, 7, 5, 3, and 6 months.

~We have 2 little ones that we will meet in Glory.
~I homeschool! Crazy huh! :) I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love that I get to spend every day with my children. Even though there are challenging days, I would not give up this time.

~We are building our own house.
On Jan 11, 2011, we lost our house to a fire. The past year has been a challenge. There have been many ups and downs. Many tears. This has made us stronger. I stand in awe of what the Lord has done for us through this trial. I feel closer to Him than I have ever been. I give thanks to Him! To God be the Glory.

Here at Bowmania , I write about this and that. From homeschooling, to building the house, to marriage, to raising kids and I will throw in some of photography. (my hobby)
I also write at the M.O.B.! This is a wonderful group of ladies.

I write about LIFE.

Stay connected.

I can't wait to get to know you!
Here is a start!

What is one thing that has changed your life?

Thank you for stopping by.

Boys and Horses

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:59:00 +0000

Let's hear it for the boys! Go over to the M.O.B society and check out more fun things other sons are doing.

His Mercy

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:24:00 +0000

Writeshop Interview (and a fun announcement)

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:38:00 +0000

I am super excited to be working with Writeshop. I have found that my son is just like me when it comes to writing. It's difficult for him to think out of the box Being more creative when writing. Not only is he learning, but I am as well!:) Below is an interview that I had with Kim from WriteShop. Be sure to keep reading, there is a fun announcement at the end! :)

1.      Kim, you homeschooled for 15 years. Can you share a little about your own homeschooling journey and family?

We began homeschooling in 1988 when our girls were entering 2nd and 5th grades. They were “traditional” learners in that they could work fairly independently, and most subjects—including reading and writing—came easily.

With our youngest, not so much. Ben struggled at every turn. He couldn’t sit still. Skills such as reading and writing developed at an excruciatingly slow rate. I was so grateful to be homeschooling him, as he would surely have fallen through the cracks in the public system.

As a family, we did lots of unit studies, which met the girls’ academic needs while providing plenty of kinesthetic and verbal outlets to meet Ben’s learning style. Over time, and with much prayer, patience, and trial and error, he blossomed!

To our surprise, Ben became strongly academic in later high school, and is actually now working on a Ph.D. in England, where he lives with his wife. Our daughters are stay-at-home wives and moms, and they’ve blessed us with seven grandchildren.

2.      On your website, I found the quote, "Teaching writing has never been easier." Why do you think parents find it so hard to teach writing?

Teaching writing can be downright painful. Many parents feel insecure and unequipped. Honestly, most of us would rather have a root canal! We know it’s important to teach our kids to write, but we’re too busy wallowing in our own inadequacies.

Sometime we dream about how nice it would be just to plunk a workbook down if front of our kids and watch clear, organized stories and essays spill from their pens. But the truth is that writing needs to be taught. Yes, a handful of us have children who will figure it out all on their own, but most need modeling, teaching, and feedback to in order to learn and improve as writers.

So what do you do if you’re that insecure parent? Find a curriculum that spells everything out—not just what to teach, but how. From brainstorming to final draft, you’ll benefit from a program that clearly defines your role in the writing process. Look for features such as schedules, lesson plans, step-by-step instructions, editing tips, and writing samples. Tools like these build “mom-fidence”!

3.      If a terribly frustrated parent is reading this interview right now, what is your first piece of advice?
Beyond your own self-doubt, you may be struggling to help your kids overcome issues like writer’s block, laziness, or perfectionism. Most students want to scribble out a paper and call it done. Then they want you to rave over it!
But should you give even the teeniest hint of a suggestion, they melt down and bitterly complain that you never like anything they write.
This causes tremendous frustration for you because you can’t seem to figure out how to make this whole writing thing work. Your kid is a mess, and you feel like a failure.
First, try isolating the source of your frustration. Does your child complain that he can’t think of what to write? Does he dawdle? Does he have learning challenges that require special attention? Is he unwilling to take correction or accept feedback?
And how about you? Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you trying to teach many children at different levels? Are you disorganized and flying by the seat of your pants? Are you unpredictable in your editing and grading?

Alone or in combination, these factors can contribute to incredible stress, irritation, and discouragement.

You can take small steps toward reducing the level of frustration in your home. For starters, keep writing assignments short and specific. Use brainstorming worksheets and graphic organizers to help your child think his ideas through before beginning to write. And break the assignment into bite-sized chunks, giving mini deadlines along the way. These ideas work wonders with all ages and types of learners.

In addition, choose writing materials that are flexible enough to use with several children at once. Have a plan: Know what you want to teach and when, and then schedule writing into your week. And use objective, lesson-specific editing and grading tools to help you evaluate your children’s writing fairly. Small successes will usher frustration right out the door, leaving encouragement and accomplishment in its wake.

3. How can a parent build confidence in her reluctant writer?

It’s a challenge to capture a fleeting thought and pin it to the paper. We think it sounds so easy to “just write what’s in your head,” but many children simply aren’t mature enough to put all the pieces together. It’s a big deal for a thought to form in your child’s mind and travel all the way down his arm to the pencil. By the time he starts wondering how to spell this or punctuate that, his wonderful idea has been reduced to three dull words—or worse, vanished completely.

We underestimate how much help children need with writing. Shouldn’t they be able to think of an idea on their own and then write about it?

In a perfect world, maybe.

But kids do have trouble coming up with topics. They forget what they want to say. Perfectionism can overwhelm them. Fear of making mistakes paralyzes them. Their hand hurts. That’s just the way it is.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WE ARE HAVING A PARTY AND YOU ARE INVITED! Join @WriteShop on Tues. April 17th at 9:00 pm EST for some prizes and fellowship! Follow the hashtag #WriteShopParty.

We're hosting a pre-party giveaway because WE LOVE YOU! You can win your choice of WriteShop Primary Level Writing Curriculum A, B, or C ( e-book version).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mandatory: click to enter

Other ways to enter:
- Leave a blog post comment: What are your concerns or challenges in teaching writing?
- Tweet about this giveaway
- Follow WriteShop on Twitter
- Go to WriteShop and subscribe to their newsletter
- Visit Wonderfully Chaotic to read Shay's interview with WriteShop owner, Kim Kautzer. If you could ask Kim a question, what would it be?
- Visit Spell Outloud and leave a comment answering the following question: "If you could get any WriteShop product, what would it be and why?".

Now for a party favor.

Need more writing ideas? Why not answer the question at the bottom of the picture? You can add more ideas by visiting the other coordinators.

Visit the other #WriteShopParty coordinators party posts:
www.wonderfullychaotic.com
www.spelloutloud.com

Menu Plan!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:32:00 +0000

A goal I have for the month of April is to make a menu.
I have tried doing this many times, each time getting overwhelmed.

Not this time!
I am not sure what happened but this time was easier.

Here is our menu for the week.

I got a little fancy and added the menu to a picture that I took this weekend.

I printed this and it is hanging on the refrigerator.
I am also working on adding recipes for you!

You can find more menus at orgjunkie.com.

My heart is full~ but why?

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:49:00 +0000

Friends, would you pray?

I haven't been online much this week. We kind of had an impromptu spring break. DH was home from work a few days working on the house. Everyone helped.

I feel the Lord is trying to tell me something. It's like I can hear his voice but I can't make out what He is saying. I feel a tugging in my heart.A heart that feels so full. An overwhelming feeling. (In a good way)

I am crying out to the Lord for direction.

Yet, I am trying to be still.
Trying to listen.
I want to know what He is saying.

Will you please pray for me and with me?

3 in 30 Goals for April

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:21:00 +0000

I am doing this!!!!! :)
Let's Rock and Roll!

My Goals for April!~~~

#1 ~ Get Organized!
             You may be thinking, "But you just moved into your house, it should be organized."
Yes it SHOULD be but it isn't! This is an area that I am trying and WILL grow. I will be posting my organizing things on my blog throughout the month!

#2 ~ Menu Planning!
          I know if I have a plan it will work. I have tried and tried to make a menu, only to end up overwhelmed. I will do this! Not just for me, but for the budget!

#3 ~ Exercise!
            I have been doing things to exercise here and there but nothing everyday. Unless you count running after the kids. I have been on a NO SWEETS diet for the past 5 weeks! I need to be working out everyday. 5 kids can do a number to your body! I want to get those numbers DOWN! :)

Wordless Wednesday~ MUD

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:49:00 +0000

"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful."

~E.E. Cummings

ADVICE PLEASE!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:03:00 +0000

This is my son's math page.
The "doodles" came before the answers.
I looked at the page and told him there was no way he was going to be able to answer the problems.

I saw chaos.
He assured me he would answer them, and that he did.

He is a very active little boy.

His mind is going 100 mph all of the time.

How do I handle this when it comes to his work?
Did/do you have a child that is like this?

ANY ADVICE IS WELCOME!

Imagination

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:17:00 +0000

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
Albert Einstein

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:20:00 +0000

"The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 19:1

Our Curriculum ~

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:36:00 +0000

What curriculum do you use?

I use Christian Light Publications for:

Math

Language Arts

Spelling

For Science I use Apologia

This year we are studying Astronomy!

History we use the Bible and Mystery of History.

5 min Friday ~ Brave

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:18:00 +0000

Brave~

Having your almost 4 year old tell you that there is a fire in the bathroom.

Watching 4 little ones watch as smoke rolled from the eaves of the house.

Walking in to their room, untouched by flame but touched by heavy smoke.

Watching as their toys were tossed into the dumpster, never to be played with again.

Helping take the house down nail by nail, board by board.

Hammer in hand, eager to start building the new house.

Brave.

"If Momma's not happy.....

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:47:00 +0000

If Momma's not happy, nobody is happy!"

How often do we hear this phrase? A phrase that is said many times, usually followed by a laugh.
Yet, how true it is!

We, as moms,set the tone of our home!

When I get angry, it is because of my selfishness. I am not getting what I want, when I want it to happen.
I am so focused on ME and MY wants! ME! ME! ME!

Where is God?
Our focus needs to be on Him!
What do the children see when they see mommy?
Computer?
Phone?
TV?

"As a mom we have the opportunity to set the tone of worship in our home". ~ Rachael Carman , Apologia Live

Do they see us worshiping? Do they see us in the Word?

What is the first thing they see us do in the morning, opening the computer or opening the Bible?
Do they see us turning on the TV to see what happened the night before or turning on the worship music, praising Him for what He has done for us?

Where is our focus?

The world or the WORD?

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
(Matthew 6:33 ESV)" Emphasis mine.

Let's go back...

If Mama's not happy, then mama needs to see where her focus lays!

Veggie Tales ~ Robin Good and His Not So Merry Men (GIVEAWAY)

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:46:00 +0000

The story of Robin Hood has been told many times, many different ways.

Veggie Tales has taken this story and has retold it in a way that children and adults will enjoy.

The Story~
There’s no hurt too big for God! Robin Good has a mission - fundraising from the rich and giving to the poor! But when a greedy Prince starts stealing the townspeople’s hams, donations are down and Robin’s band of friends desert him to give robbing a try. Can Robin overcome his hurt, show his friends what’s right and restore the townspeople’s hope?

Of course we can't forget Silly Songs with Larry!

BUBBLE RAP has been a hit in our house!

Bonus Features~

"Fun" Raising with Larry

"Things will get Better" Singalong Song

Robin Good's Guide to Handling Hurt-Discussion Guide

And MORE!

Here is the good news, one of you can win this DVD!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5am

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:09:00 +0000

(photo by bowmania)

Happy Friday to everyone.

Today I am heading to Baltimore for the Apologia Live Retreat.
Added bonus~ I get to meet Aurie!

Having things I needed to do before I go, I stayed up after C713 (DH) went to work.

5am is early.

Even though I love my sleep, I found that this time is perfect.

The house is still.

I have time with the Lord uninterrupted.

I can hear the singing of the birds as first light of the day peeks over the mountains.

Things are calm! I can get used to calm.

Yes, this 5am thing needs to happen.

When is the best time for you to have alone time?
What do you do when you have your time?