For Just Such a Time as This

Dear Bug...

2014-07-22T16:02:00.002-04:00

Dear Bug,

Two days ago you turned 8. Yesterday you and your best friend treated me to a fashion show and concert complete with dimmed lights, music and shaking hips. You are growing up so fast, too fast. I look at you and you're no longer that teensy little girl that needs my help all the time. In fact, you rarely need my help for anything any more.

So, I want to tell you this: don't let the world change you. The creativity and imagination that God has given you is astounding. Sometimes I wish I could see what is going on inside your head. Keep experimenting. Keep playing. Keep cracking jokes and making people laugh. You told me recently that "being silly is [your] talent." And you are good at it. But your memory for all things animal is amazing as well. And so is your ability to create something beautiful from the simple things around you.

I cannot wait to see what God has planned for you. I know that right now your plan is to grow up, share an apartment with Rachel and have lots of pets. Oh, and let Rachel get a job while you stay home and take care of the pets. But, I'm thinking that God's got something a little bit bigger in mind for you, my love.

I am so grateful that God brought you into our lives. You teach me to relish each moment. To focus on the little things. To ignore the things that don't really matter. And to laugh. A lot.

I love you to Heaven and back a million times,

Mommy

Weekly wrap-up - the it's been awhile edition

2014-05-31T01:32:00.001-04:00

I feel like it's been quite some time since I've been on to do a wrap up. So I'll try to do an overview of the past few weeks in a quick 7 version:

1. The job

Chris' new job is going extremely well. He enjoys being back in his element, and it's amazing to me how quickly everything has come back to him. Not only that, but the fact that he's enjoying what he's doing makes him enjoy everything else so much more too. So he's not quite the same person at home that he's been for the past 5+ years either. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am that God has relieved some of the pressure that he's been under all this time and that we are getting that fun, silly Chris back again. The only negative is that while he's training, he's working a week shift so he's working 4 ten hour days, sort of. It really comes out to be more like 4 twelve hour days plus the 45 minute drive. So we don't see much of him Tuesday through Friday. But even on those days, things are so much better. God is good.

2. School

We've slowed to a crawl for the most part. The big kids are finishing up their math books. Bethany and Sarah have done their placement tests for next year, and I'm pleased to say that they've both caught up to where they should be! John hasn't done his placement test yet, but I'm pretty sure he's almost there. We're continuing to read together and we started a reading program to help with getting everybody up to grade level with reading.

3. Extra-curriculars

The girls finished up Girl Scouts with a lovely bridging and awards celebration hosted by our Juniors. We'll take a break from regular meetings over the summer. John participated in a weekend long leadership training for Boy Scouts that he really enjoyed. Soccer wrapped up with both girls receiving their awards. Bethany loves the sport and has really started to excel at it. This was Sarah's first time in several years. Bless her. Her coach recognized her for doing everything he asked her to do exactly as he asked her to do it. Because she did. Literally. If he said to guard that spot, she didn't move from that spot. :-) But they both had a lot of fun and got a lot of exercise and that's the whole point.

4. Field Trips

We had a year long membership to Discovery Place, the nearby science center. It expires this month and we've decided not to renew it, so we took one last trip up this week. To add to the fun, we were joined by another precious family. It was tons of fun for everyone and a great way to wrap up our school year.

5. Health

We've had a round of dentist appointments and allergist appointments. Poor John had to suffer through a skin test at the allergist. He said that the worst part of the whole thing, however, was the fact that someone wrote on him. The child is totally anti-body markings. It's quite humorous at times. We also got to have some cavities filled by our dentist (who reminded me that she was in high school when my oldest child was born! Thanks Dr. Elizabeth!). Thankfully, my headaches have remained under control, for the most part. I'm thinking that the last technique - trigger point injections - was the way to go. I go back again in a few weeks, assuming we've figured out what do about insurance until our new insurance kicks in.

6. Books

The kids and I continue to read through Narnia. We have only 2 chapters left in The Silver Chair. God is amazing. I have so loved reading through these books with the kids. In each one I can clearly hear God speaking to me. With this one it's been the importance of staying in God's word and hiding it in one's heart. And trusting in God even when we can't see Him or know what the outcome is going to be. At one point the characters even have to decide to do something rather scary simply because it's what they had been told to do. We've enjoyed giggling over the silly over the top gloominess of Puddleglum, "There's one good thing about being trapped down here. It'll save on funeral expenses." But when he gives it to the witch and stands up for Aslan and Narnia,

Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things – trees and grass and sun and moon and stars and Aslan himself. Suppose we have. Then all I can say is that, in that case, the made-up things seem a good deal more important than the real ones. Suppose this black pit of a kingdom of yours is the only world. Well, it strikes me as a pretty poor one. And that's a funny thing, when you come to think of it. We're just babies making up a game, if you're right. But four babies playing a game can make a playworld which licks your real world hollow. That's why I'm going to stand by the play-world. I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia.

Well, I just had to cheer! The kids laughed at me, but I think deep down they liked it too. And it gave us a good opportunity to discuss the fact that we'll encounter those people who think that what we believe is just fantasy. What do we do with that?

As for myself, I just finished I am Livia by Phyllis T. Smith. I highly recommend it. It's a fictional autobiography of Livia Druscilla, the woman that would become the wife of the man history remembers as Caesar Augustus, heir to Julius Caesar. It tells of his rise to power and her role in that rise from her perspective. I didn't know very much about the story so it was interesting to me to learn it from this perspective and then go back and relearn it from other historians.

7. Weather

Finally, the weather has jumped over spring pretty much right into summer. Our temperatures are already soaring into the 90*s. I'm not complaining, though, after the incredibly cold winter we had. What was crazy, was a random hail storm that battered us last week causing all sorts of damage and even uprooting trees in our neighborhood. Thankfully we only suffered some cosmetic damage to our house, but it's left us all a little jumpy every time the sky goes dark.

So, how's life in your neck of the woods?

Linking up at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers and Conversion Diary

Bringing things into focus

2014-05-18T00:52:00.000-04:00

It has been crazy busy in my world these last few weeks.

I had the blessing of attending a 3 day practicum for Classical Conversations as well as training for tutoring Essentials next year. Right now I'm extremely excited. Ask me again in a month or two and I may have a different answer. :-) Though it did remind me again how very much I love the other moms on our campus and how terrific our director is.

On top of that, we wrapped up our Girl Scout year with a fun bridging ceremony. And Awana and children's Praise club wrapped up.

Oh, and two weeks ago, my husband started a new job that put him back into his chosen field after 5 1/2 years of waiting on the Lord. He loves it and I cannot tell you what a blessing it is to see him slide back into that role. The only downside is that he's working 12 hour days right now and the job is a 45 minute commute. So, we don't see a lot of him during the week.

With all of that I've been praying and struggling with the idea of what God is calling me to focus on. What is my area of ministry? Where should I be spending my time and what needs to go?

Initially, I thought that was just in regard to my hand's on ministry with church and scouts. But as I sat and listened to our speaker last week at practicum and training, and I found myself away from the computer and not missing it, I began to wonder. Perhaps my feeling that I "need" to stay on top of this blog is coming from me and not from the Lord. While I love this outlet for organizing my thoughts and sometimes sharing my opinions on things, I don't know that this is where I need to be focusing my time.

"They" say that to be a successful blogger, you should post a minimum of twice a week. I get that. But I'm not interested in posting just for the sake of posting. And I'm fairly sure that no one is terribly interested in reading another "today, we did math, reading, and history. The end." I don't have any strong desire to do reviews. They take up a lot of time and frankly, I VERY happy with what we're already doing. I'm glad to tell you all about that, though, if you're interested.

So, with that, I wanted to just be honest and say to anyone who may be reading this (if anyone is reading this) that while I will still probably be posting on Facebook and maybe Twitter fairly regularly, I don't see myself posting here as much. I may still post various thoughts on things as they come up, but more for me than for any other reason. If someone else gets something out of it, than praise God. I just don't think any more than that is the most efficient use of my time. The video below, which my kids made me for Mother's Day, shows me what I think God says I'm to be focusing on.

I have some pretty amazing kids.

Loving your kids well

2014-05-06T00:01:00.003-04:00

We were driving home from a Boy Scout camping trip this past weekend, our 12 year old chattering our ear off as expected.

Then

"Jeff* said that he thinks his dad hates him. He never talks to him. He said that his dad only drops him off places or takes him anywhere so that his mom won't yell at him."

and

"Bobby* doesn't get along with his mom at all either. She yells at him at the time. And she doesn't believe anything he says."

I assumed that they were just exaggerating, as kids will do, and suggested as much to my son.

"No, mom. Especially not with Jeff and his dad. In fact, Jeff plays assassin games all the time so that he can take his anger out on the game and not on his dad."

These are good boys. From, as far as I can tell, good homes. I would be devastated if any of my kids were having these types of conversations about me. Or felt that way about their dad and me.

And for my son, I think it made him sad to know that his friends had these types of relationships with their parents.

We aren't perfect parents. No one is. But here are some things that we try to do regularly to make sure that we keep that solid relationship with our kids:

~ Tell them we love them. A lot. All the time. Over and over. And then one more time. You cannot possibly tell your children you love them too much. Embarrass them in front of their friends by telling them you love them.

~ Touch them. I know that as my kids are getting older, they are less cuddly. But that doesn't mean that they don't need to be touched. Physical touch is powerful. A quick hug. A pat on the back. High five. Fist bump. Shoulder squeeze. Dads, rough house a little with your boys. Moms, rough house a little if you're brave enough. As long as they haven't expressed discomfort (ie. my son does not like to be kissed on the face anywhere, cheek included), then do it. Just because they no longer climb into your lap, doesn't mean they no longer want to be held in some way.

~ Show up for them. If something is important to them, it's important to us. We watch every soccer practice and game. We're there every time the children's choir performs at church. If my son has a role of any kind in a ceremony with scouts, we're there. It doesn't matter how small or insignificant it seems to us. If it matters to them, it matters to us. For example, our son is the Chaplain for his Boy Scout troop. Recently he led his first worship service after a camping trip. My husband had been on the trip, but had to leave early for work, so I came armed with the video camera to tape our son presenting the worship service he had worked so hard to prepare for. Would he have understood if I hadn't come? Sure. Did it mean something to him that I was there? Yeah, it meant a lot.

~ Listen to them. Even when they are talking about the most recent video game they want to buy and you find your eyeballs rolling up inside your head. Force yourself to listen to them. Ask questions. Be engaged. You don't have to know all the lingo. You don't even have to remember everything they said. They just want to know you were listening.

~ Be transparent. Be real. We are straight up honest with our kids. If they ask a question, they get the answer. We don't sugar coat. Our kids have watched us live out our faith right in front of them. They know that life is ugly. We've discussed finances and depression, death and drugs. We admit when we screw up. We've had to apologize to them and to each other in front of them. On the flip side of that, though, they "get" real. They know that we don't expect perfection. That when we are trying to help them learn how to control their anger or overcome their anxieties and we say that we understand, we really do understand. They know that they can believe us.

~ Ask their opinions. Don't always tell them what to do. Ask them their opinions. In our house we have negotiable things and non-negotiable things. They may not complain or argue about going to Tae Kwon Do, going to church, or doing school. How and when we do those things may be discussed. And they often are. And sometimes they raise very valid points and I find myself changing plans. That shows them that what they think matters. But that's not all I ask them about. I ask their opinions about each other. When I'm having an issue with a particular sibling or have a specific concern, I may ask for their insight. I'm often amazed at what perspectives they may have that differ from my own.

~ With that, give them a safe way to express their opinions to us. We don't always get along. Sometimes we get quite frustrated with one another, and we find it's best to walk away. But they always know that it's safe to come back and continue our conversation. We try to avoid yelling so they understand that yelling is rarely an effective form of communication. Our children are unique creations of God, and He has given them an imagination and an intelligence. As they get older, we are trying to remember that God has created this time for them to learn to hone their debating skills. And home is always a safe place to be yourself. Even when you don't see eye to eye with mom and dad.

~ And did I mention tell them you love them. A lot. And then tell them again. Just in case they forgot already.

What would you add to the list?

Linking up with Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers and Many Little Blessings
*Names have been changed

Last Chance!! Store closing! Ultimate Homemaking Bundle!

2014-04-27T12:44:00.001-04:00

Absolute Last Chance!!

Store Closing Forever!!

Don't you hate it when you see signs like that, and then two weeks later drive by the same store and it's still there? You know that they just jacked their prices up and slapped sales signs on everything to increase traffic. It's all a gimmick.

But let me assure you, The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle is not. But it is closing TOMORROW!

As my husband would attest (probably with a few mumbled choice words), I've been known to, on a whim, buy a book that looked helpful only to lay it down a few months later to collect dust. And take up space. And cause more clutter.

Here's the great thing about e-books. They don't cause any clutter. Or take up any space. Or collect any dust.

And while they are, as a general rule, less expensive than a hard copy of a book, they still cost something. I mean, the person who poured all their blood, sweat and tears into the book still deserves to get something out of it. So, my husband was quite pleased when I discovered the wonderful world of e-books and e-readers.

Which brings me back to The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle.

On average, I've found that most e-books are going to cost between $4-6, unless you get them for a really good sale. At which point the poor person who wrote it isn't making any money (which sucks because they are usually doing all the work for themselves, but I digress...)

So, when I purchased and downloaded my bundle, I kept track of the number of books that I immediately put aside to read. Blog at Home Mom, The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Daylight, Dear Wife...letters from a help meet, The Homemaker's Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule, Taming the Laundry Monster (OF COURSE!), and multiple printables.

Total estimated cost: $35

And that's just for the ones that I pulled off first glance!! Which in itself more than pays for the cost of the bundle.

I challenge you. Look at the list of books here and see if you can't come up with at least 5 books that spark your interest. Then consider the fact that there are 75 more there to choose from! And you don't have to keep them all. If you have a book that doesn't fit your season of life - for example pregnancy - you can send them to a friend. Just be sure to delete them from your own system.

So, what's keeping you here?? Go! Be free! You won't find a deal this good again until next year! But this is your last chance. So HURRY!!

This post does contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure page for more information.

So this happened this week

2014-04-26T03:58:00.004-04:00

This post contains affiliate links...

1

We spent the first few days of the week camping in a state park about 2 hours from home. The park was new to us, and it didn't make it in to our list of favorites, but it allowed us some time together enjoying God's creation, fishing (for the kids and dad) and canoeing. All in all it was a good way to spend the weekend. (Hubby may have a few different things to say - he spent most of the first day falling down or having something dropped on him)

2

The drive home was eventful though, when the RV started acting squirrelly. We assumed it was due to pulling our van, so we decided to drop the van, and I would drive it the rest of the way home. Not 20 minutes later, there was an enormous explosion, and the van bounced off the ground - or at least it felt that way. I had experienced my first blow-out. Fun times. So, I got to drive a van with a blown-out tire for 30 miles. Meanwhile, the RV continued to act weird, so the whole experiment was for naught.

3

Thankfully we made it home in time for me to enjoy a lovely, comfy, laid back supper with my CC director and my co-tutor at Panera Bread (yum!). I won't go into my love for CC again. You can read all about it here. But I will say that I am beyond blessed to be part of our amazing little community. God has truly brought each family into our group, and it shows. These ladies bless me beyond belief.

4

After that we were back to the grind. The kids were SUPER thrilled that we finished reading The Voyage of the Dawn Treader so that we could watch the movie. I told them before we started that we were going to keep track of any differences we found and afterwards we would make a list. About 20 minutes into the movie, the oldest paused it and said, "Mom, I think we should make a list of what's the same. It'll be a lot shorter." The general consensus was that we enjoyed it, but there were a lot of differences. If you haven't seen the movie and plan to, be forewarned that the writers take a lot of licenses while still staying true to the basics.

5

Since we finished Dawn Treader, we decided to back up in the series and read one we missed, The Horse and His Boy. This one isn't my favorite, but my son loves it and the girls are getting into it. I originally heard the book in an audio format though, so whenever I read it, I can hear the audio book reader's voice in my head. It's very strange.

6

For myself, I had another visit to the pain clinic, and we decided to try a different tactic. The doctor did these things called trigger point injections in which he injected pain med directly into the twisted up muscles on my neck. The hope is that it will make the muscles relax and loosen their grip on the nerves that go into my head giving me headaches. I gotta tell you. I have a really high pain tolerance. And those shots hurt. I praying that it was worth it.

7

Finally, and the biggest - so this really happened - of the week. My husband took a new job! This is huge for us. This is a job that is, hopefully, the result of 6 years of prayer. We are excited, and nervous, and still a bit wary. But mostly excited. His schedule will be a bit wacky - three 12 hour shifts worked on Saturday-Monday. Yet, since we homeschool, we can do weekend stuff as a family whenever we want. That said, it will be a new normal, and we hugely covet your prayers as we go into this transition period.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That about covers it. Don't forget that there are only a few days left to get in on the amazing deal of the Ultimate Homemakers Bundle. If you haven't heard about this amazing deal, check out my post about it here and then go buy it. The sale only lasts until the 28th.

So, what happened in your world this week??

Linking up with Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers, Homegrown Learners, and Conversion Diary.

PS - If you got, saw, read an early and accidental run of this post that included only two of my list and was full of grammar and spelling errors - please forgive me!! I must have clicked publish rather than save. Ugh, yet another so this just happened....

Gratefully under His grace,

Ultimate Homemaking Bundle - The Laundry Monster!!

2014-04-25T13:32:00.000-04:00

photo credit: GloriaGarcía via photopin cc

So, I glanced through the list of books in the Ultimate Homemaking bundle trying to decide where I'd start. Perhaps with homeschooling because I'm always looking to grow there. Or maybe spiritual life because that's where everyone should go first right?

Then I saw it. The title called to me almost audibly, Taming the Laundry Monster by Angi Schneider

Does she have a camera in my house, I wondered? How could she know??

Laundry has always been the bane of my homemaking existence. I've tried it all. I've tried having a set laundry day. I've tried doing laundry all week long. I'm responsible. They're responsible. We're all responsible. Regardless of what I do, I still end up with the same thing: a pile of clothes waiting to be washed laying on the kitchen floor in front of the washing machine, a somewhat folded and sorted pile of clothes on the couch waiting to be put away, and a pile of clothes wrinkling into nothingness in a basket waiting to be folded. I told my dad one time that I wished I lived back in the days that people sent their laundry out to be washed. But with my luck, I'd be the washer woman!

With that in mind, I am extremely excited to see what she has to say about taming my laundry monster. If it works, it'll be worth every penny. And the other 79 + items will just be bonus!

So, have you checked out this list yet? What looks good to you?

This blog contains affiliate links.

Ultimate homemaking bundle & a note from me :-)

2014-04-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

For those that know me in person, you know that the idea of being a me being a great "homemaker" is fairly laughable. That's one of the reasons why I was excited to come across this amazing resource. Not only did it encourage me that being a homemaker is more than keeping a clean home (thank you, Jesus!), but it's filled with tons of stuff to help me (and you) improve our homemaking. And I don't know about you, but I'm all for growth. If you're not learning, you're dying.
So, while I haven't had an opportunity yet to review these resources, I have had a chance to look over them and am excited at what all is offered. With that in mind, take a look and let me know which ones you're most excited to read. My goal, over the next few days, will be to share with you which ones I'm most excited to read and why. Maybe you'll get a glimpse of my dirty laundry, so to speak. 8-)

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Here's what you need to know about the sale:

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Remember, this bundle is available for 6 days only, from 8 a.m. (EST) on Wednesday, April 23 to 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Monday, April 28th.

Disclosure: I have included affiliate links in this post. Read the fine print about this bundle and read the answers to frequently asked questions about the bundle.

Happy Easter

2014-04-20T01:06:00.001-04:00

Luke 24:1-8

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.

He is risen!! He is risen indeed!!

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.

1 Corinthians 15: 55-57

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

A quick wrap up

2014-04-18T14:47:00.001-04:00

We are, even now, headed out of town for a family camping trip. I am so looking forward to a special time with my precious family celebrating God's creation and His indescribable gift of salvation through the resurrection of Christ.

This has been a fun and busy week, though.

In CC we celebrated our last week with wacky dress and the official dropping of the eggs in the containers each student had made to protect it. Unfortunately, none of the eggs survived, but much fun was had by all!

The older two kids began their 5 week study of Mayan culture with Minecraft Homeschool. It was fun for me to watch them work together but separately. It was interesting to see how their different personalities came out in the process.

Finally, a small funny for you:

A snapshot of a page from Bethany's math book. I always tell her that she'd never be able to go the regular school because she draws pictures all over her book. Her 8's become snowmen. Lines are squiggles, etc. In this particular situation, however, she had embellished the animals with necessaries. If you look closely, you'll see the horse has a saddle and the sheep has a crown.

I knew before we even got to the problem that she would not like it, but I read it to her anyway. He head snapped up, her eyes wide and she whispered, "But mom, I can't draw a line through the animals! That's horrible! Can I just draw a line under then so you can see I know how to do it?"

Honestly, I'm not sure who thought that was a good idea in the first place. *eye roll*

Oh, one last giggle. A raccoon got into our back yard during the night and our dogs, doing their job, killed it. My girls came to me understandably upset. I thought it was because the dogs had killed the raccoon, so I explained, for not the first time, how if something gets into our yard, it's the dogs' job to protect it, blah blah blah. They stopped me and one said, "We know that. We just wish they could kill it in a more humane way. Like with a sword."

Dogs wielding swords chasing raccoons. That's the image I want to leave you with today.

You're welcome.

Our love for Classical Conversations

2014-04-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again when we homeschool families start questioning every curriculum choice we've ever made and looking at what everyone else is doing to see if perhaps they are doing something better.

At least, that was me. And every year I would come to this point, or earlier, and know that what we were doing was clearly not working for us. Or for me.

And it was in that spirit that this time 2 1/2 years ago I found myself sitting in an information meeting for parents about Classical Conversations. I had some basic understanding of classical education and believed in it. All I really knew about CC was that it involved a lot of memorization, there was a science experiment every week, and my friend Kristen loved it. But I was desperate, so I went to the meeting (and for an introvert like me to do that at that stage of my life was huge). To my horror, I was one of only two parents who came. Thankfully the other mom carried the conversation, but unfortunately I came away with a catalog, a feeling like I would never be as smart as their kids were, and only a slightly deeper understanding of the program.

Yet God, and my friend Kristen, persisted, so I decided at the very least that we would visit a class and I could get it out of my system. Then I'd be able to move on. I took my girls with me, of course, so I could get their perspective as well. Sarah went off with her potential age group, and Bethany and I went off with ours. And I sat there the whole time watching Bethany and thinking, "I know they hate this. This is awful. It's boring; it's horrible; this was a total waste of time. Ok God, this clearly wasn't the answer. Next..."

At the end of the morning, Bethany and I thanked the tutor, went to pick up Sarah, and as the three of us were walking into the parking lot, I said, "So, what did you think?" They both squealed, "I wish we could do this every week! That was so much fun!!" Talk about whiplash. I was completely stunned. Completely not what I was expecting. But totally what God had planned for our family.

Since then, we have come to love CC and completely embrace it. I often find myself thinking, "I wonder what would have been different if I had done this with John or if I had done this with Sarah earlier." But I know that one can never know what might have been, to roughly quote our family's favorite Narnian Lion. So I have to content myself with the fact that we are doing this now and just go forward.

So, why do I love Classical Conversations?

So far, we've only worked in the Foundations stage, which is the elementary stage. We move into the writing class next year, which I'm tutoring and I'm SOOOOOOO excited about (grammar nerd). But, based on our experience, here's a short list:

* Accountability - every week, someone will be know if my kids have done anything the week before. They may not be testing them on it or be expecting them to turn anything in, but I know in my heart that my girls' tutors will know if we went over our memory work and that helps to keep me on track.

* Science experiments ~ I am the worst at doing science. Other than visits to the children's science museum, I am a total fail at science.

* Fine arts focus ~ See above only replace children's science museum with children's theater.

* The timeline - I have enjoyed putting historical events in perspective based on when they occurred.

* Presentations - Supposedly public speaking is the second most frightening thing for most people. So I think it's a pretty effective way to prevent those fears from ever taking hold by making kids comfortable speaking in front of other people early on.

* And then there's all that memory work. What Andrew Kern of the Circe Institute calls "memorizing by heart." I'm looking forward to seeing how having those memory pegs in place helps as we move into the next stage of learning, the dialectic stage.

After 6 1/2 years of homeschooling, it is such a relief to have found that "thing" that fits our family. Of course, I'm still looking for the perfect fit for our oldest, but that's another story.

Linked up with List it Tuesday at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers and Many Little Blessings

Weekly wrap up - the boring edition

2014-04-11T20:32:00.000-04:00

~1~

I almost didn't write a wrap-up this week because it has been a mind numbingly average and normal week.

~2~

Monday we had a fabulous rainy day. It served nicely to lower our pollen count for a while and the girls enjoyed playing in it.

~3~

Tuesday was our next to last CC class. It's hard to believe that 24 (and more!) weeks have flown by so quickly. It's also hard to believe that these "poor, sweet" children have survived having me as their tutor all year. The fun part is that I'll have all of them next year when I'm their Essentials tutor! (insert evil laugh here!)

~4~

Both girls had soccer games at the same time on Tuesday night. Since hubby coaches the younger one, it made sense for me to watch the older play. However, I can't stand not seeing both games, so I eventually ended up finding a high spot on our soccer field where I could "mostly" see both games. I imagine I looked like an idiot standing in the middle of this empty field craning my neck back and forth and yelling at the air.

~5~

The kids and I had a little "come to Jesus" chat regarding household chores. I think they're all old enough that they could really take all the chores over, but I don't ask that of them. Lately, however, there's been some push back on the newer responsibilities that I have given them. It was a good conversation. Just pray with me that I'll stay consistent. I tend to start letting things slide because it's easier just to do it myself. And the little critters know that and take advantage of it. Your kids aren't like that, are they?

~6~

All three kids got their high red belts at Tae Kwon Do. This puts them only 2 steps away from their Black Belt. I just cannot wrap my head around that.

We love our Do Jang. The Grand Master and his family are Christians and in the nearly 4 years we've been with them, they've become quite special to us. We had to take a sabbatical this past summer. When we finally got back in October, it felt like we had come home. Sometimes I think they know my kids as well as I do. Especially the youngest.

~7~

This is a busy weekend. My guys are camping with scouts. John is leading the troop devotion as Chaplain and will be teaching knots to the younger scouts. My girls are at a birthday sleepover tonight. Saturday night we are supposed to join the guys at the campsite for a family supper. Then Sunday, the girls are participating in the worship service with the children's Praise Club. But, Glory Hallelujah, did you catch it?! Tonight, Friday night, I'll be the only one at home!!

So, how was your week??

Linking up with Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers, Homegrown Learners, and Conversion Diary

Wordless Wednesday ~ Rainy days come again

2014-04-09T06:30:00.000-04:00

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Can you hear them? They were singing,

"Let it rain! Let it rain! I can't stand the pollen anymore!

Let it rain, let it rain! My eyes and nose are sore!"

Mom, do you really need to take a picture?

Linking up at 5 Minutes for Mom - Ultimate Blog Party 2014

An open letter to mamas of littles

2014-04-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

Oh sweet mama of littles, I see you in the grocery store, at the soccer field, in church. You've disciplined your sweet one for what seems like the hundredth time today, and then look at me and apologize for however you think he may have disturbed me.

I must make sure you know something. Your precious one has not bothered me at all. If I'm looking, it's because I'm remembering being there. In your spot. Doing the same thing. It's a sweet memory, but one of a time I'm happy not to relive.

Yet with that in mind, may I lean into you for a moment? I know you only have a quick one. You are doing a good job. If you are loving your little one, disciplining him for misbehavior, kissing his face, and whispering "I love you" as much as you can, then you are doing well.

The hardest part --- the hardest part --- is to stay the course. To stick with it. To discipline and explain for the 15th time in 15 minutes why he may not behave that way.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. ~ Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

Can I tell you about a conversation in my house today? Please know that my family is far from perfect. Every person under this roof ---- ALL OF US ---- struggle with sin. But a conversation that happened today gave me a glimpse of what we had been reaping. The kids and I were talking about discipline and the importance of obeying the first time. I asked if they thought that was a Biblical idea or just adults being bossy.

Before I could pause, both the 12 year old and the 10 year started spouting out names of people from Scripture whom God had clearly told to obey the first time and who had felt the consequences of disobedience. The reason for our consistent expectation of them to obey had become to them without my even realizing it. And now disrespect and disobedience is something that we rarely have to deal with. (From the older two - the 7 year old is still working on it)

Why do I share this with you, sweet mama of littles? To give you hope. There is a future. And it will come before you know it. So hang in there. Keep the faith. Do not become weary, for you shall reap, if you faint not.

Meanwhile, I will trust that the same will hold true into the teen years! Yikes!

Spring has definitely spru... spru...sprun....ACHOOO!

2014-04-05T21:08:00.001-04:00

It is definitely spring here in beautiful South Carolina. You can tell because everything has a lovely green coat. The trees. The plants. The cars. The porch. You if you stay outside too long. It's a terrible contrast. The weather is finally warm enough to turn off the heat, but you can't open the windows because the pollen is so bad. Two of my children walk around this time of year looking like they've spent time in a boxing ring.

This week we celebrated PAJAMA DAY at CC. And this was truly cause for celebration because there is nothing better than wearing your comfy clothes when you have work to do. And since we homeschoolers are known for doing our school work in our pj's anyway....

This week the kids also did their presentations on the big stage using a microphone. We wanted to give them a chance to know what it feels like to be up there looking down, as well as speaking into the mike. I was really proud of each of them. My own kiddos did a great job. And my class was terrific as well. Now, how they would do in front of an unknown or bigger audience.... that's anyone's guess.

John, my oldest child, gave me some food for thought and a bit of conviction when he asked me if I had ever read the book of Revelations. When I responded that I had not ever read through the entire book on my own, he said, "Me either. That's why I was going to start last night, but I got too tired. So I decided to listen to it being read to me instead." Oh Lord, thank you for that dedication in my son, and give it to me as well!

On that same note, I've been feeling a real burden to be a pray warrior for those around me. Since I always say that I pray without ceasing because I feel like I'm always talking to God, this has felt a little strange. When I picture my friends that I consider "prayer warriors", I don't imagine my prayer life to look anything like theirs. (Always comparing, I know.) Anyway, I was truly blessed at church on Wednesday to see several people whom I had been praying for and get a chance to speak to each of them. It was a huge encouragement for me.

We kept our kids' bffs this weekend while their parents were off at the Teach Them Diligently conference. It's always fun to see them together. I took the girls to Discovery Place Science Center on Friday. The boys pretty much vegged the whole time. I believe fun was had by all.

Finally, spring soccer season has arrived! Yay! Time to spend all Saturday morning enjoying the beauty of God's creation while cheering on my two favorite soccer players and my favorite soccer coach! (Did I sound convincing?) Seriously, though, I do love soccer. And I do love watching my girls play. (And loved watching my boy play when he did.) I just don't love the 7:30 wake ups on Saturday morning. Sorry. But don't they look awesome!! Behold the mighty Pink Panther and Red Phoenix!

So, what's the news in your neck of the woods??

Linking up with Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers, Homegrown Learners, Conversion Diary

Ultimate Blog Party Post - Hello!!

2014-04-04T03:00:00.000-04:00

Hey!! Welcome to my little corner of cyber space. I'm Tina. I'm beyond excited that you are here!

I started For Just Such a Time as This as a place to share about life as a broken, imperfect child of a perfect God. My current season of life is as a married, homeschooling mom who struggles with depression and anxiety. I believe that, like Esther, God has placed me in this time and place to fulfill a purpose and my goal is to fill it to the best of my ability with his help. I know that God will do His thing with or without my help, but how cool is it that He allows me to be a small part of His great work. (*Esther 4:13-14)

I also discovered some time ago that I process my thoughts best through writing, and my husband and some friends encouraged me to share my writing here. Maybe someone else could get something out of my random thoughts too. Who knows what amazing things God can do!

Our family consists of my long-suffering husband, Chris, John (12), Sarah (10) and Bethany (7).

I hope you take some time to peek around For Just Such a Time as This and be sure to let me know what you think.

While I've just recently switched over to this blog, I've moved most of my favorite posts. To get started, check out:
The Labels We Give Ourselves to learn more about our homeschool style,
That 3rd Kid'll Break You is one of my favorites writings,
Lessons from the Minivan for a nice giggle,
About Me to learn more about who I am and
About our family to learn more about who we are.

Thanks again for stopping by! I can't wait to get to know you!

That 3rd kid will break you

2014-04-04T02:59:00.002-04:00

I think that children in general are given to us by God to keep us on our toes. They reflect back to us what they see and hear us do and say. Sometimes that's a good thing. Sometimes, not so much. With our older children, we convince ourselves that it's just because we're still learning to be good parents. Or it was just a bad day, and it's not typical.

But those 3rd or 4th kids...

This face is my conscience. She's also the joy and crazy and imagination and silly in our family. But to me, personally, she is the mirror that reflects back to me all those things that I probably don't want to see about myself.

Granted, sometimes she shows me the good stuff. When she gives me a million kisses at bedtime. And when she tackles me and tells me she loves me when I'm not looking. Or when she whispers, "You're mine," in my ear during a quiet moment of cuddling.

But all too often, it's through her I see the other stuff. When she insists that I put my phone or laptop away to give her 100% attention, and I realize that I've been spending too much time with my nose in my gadgets. When she sasses her siblings or digs in her heels and refuses to do something, and I see my own stubbornness. Tonight it was when she playfully told me that I couldn't go by without using the password. I was supposed to guess the password, and it was a word that I use "a lot." It turned out that the word was one that I would have fussed at my children for using. (Not a cuss word, mind you, but a not nice word just the same). Later when I asked my older daughter if I really did use that word a lot, she nodded shyly. Ugh! I felt about the size of a flea. I apologized to everyone and quickly prayed for God's help to bind my tongue from that.

Yet as embarrassing and frustrating as it can be, I really am so grateful that God would bless me in this way. I never have to worry about becoming too prideful. There will always be someone around to keep me humble.

That being said, if you know her and she tells you some story about me. Rest assured that it may well be true. Just don't tell me about it. I don't need the reminder.

Casting Stones

2014-04-04T02:57:00.002-04:00

Judging. We all do it. Don't we? Or maybe it's just me...

But I'm not as obvious about it. I don't go around pointing out people's flaws. For me it's more of a, "God, why is that person seeming to thrive when they act like such and such when we struggle so and we've done nothing wrong?"

Or, "Have you seen how their kids act, Lord? I may be a slob, but at least my children know how to behave in public."

And since I'm not as obvious about it, it's not as bad . . . right . . .

That was basically the conversation I was having with God today, mostly focused on topic number one when I heard Him say, "Are you casting your stones, Tina?"

I rolled my eyes at God

(I promise; I think we have the relationship of Him the ever patient, long-suffering father and me the obnoxious, smart-aleck teenager. I'm just trusting that since He created me and He knows my inner most being that He also has a sense of humor about these things. But I digress)

Heavy sigh, I get it. No one is righteous, no not one. (Romans 3:10), All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

Let he who is WITHOUT SIN, CAST THE FIRST STONE. (John 8:7 - rough translation)

I mentally put down my stone. I'm not better. My sins are just different. My life and my calling and my path are just different. What gives me the right to question any of it?

Then tonight at the drive-thru on the way home from Awana, there was clearly something weird going on between the clerk and the car in front of us. And the transaction was taking FOREVER! (or at least 5 minutes) And my 10 year old daughter started in with, "What is her problem? Can't she just get out of her car and go inside already? Doesn't she know that there are people behind her that are hungry? She obviously doesn't care. And those clerks, they ought to at least tell her to move. Good grief!"

I smiled up at God, closed my eyes, leaned back and said, "Sarah, are you casting stones?"

And God, as He so often does, took the stones out of my hands and placed them on the ground to continue the work of building His foundation in my children. I am merely a go-between.

The labels we give ourselves

2014-04-03T14:27:00.000-04:00

Image courtesy of Clare Bloomfield / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I've been thinking lately about what type of homeschool family we are. What philosophy we mostly follow. Because it does matter, you know. Apparently you must choose a philosophy and stay there forever and ever and never lean or sway.

At least, that's the feeling I've been getting off of some folks lately. And I know that people really just want you to validate their own decisions. They just want you to tell them that what they are doing is right. But what you are doing may not be right for me.

I had written before about who we are. So I think I have finally figured out what we are.

We are a classical, Charlotte Mason, unschooling family.

How do you like that? I'm pretty sure I managed to swing from both ends of the pendulum with that one. But I decided that I have to stop beating myself up for not neatly fitting into some preset mold that just doesn't work for us. There are three very different children in my house. We started out with a classical model with my oldest (though we didn't know that's what it was at the time), and he really struggled with it. In the past two years, we've participated in a Classical Conversations community, and my middle daughter is thriving. The youngest goes through the motions, but enjoys the fine arts parts the best.

I was berating myself the other day about not being stricter with my oldest, not forcing a more classical model on him, when he walked into my room and announced, "Mom, I have a complaint about one of the CC history sentences." He went on to tell me that he thought it was not sufficient for the battle of Midway to get a mere mention in a sentence because it played such an important role in the success of the US during World War II. And he continued by giving me all the specifics I didn't want to know. :-) Hmmm, crazy thing but he's learning on his own because he's following up on his own interests. A little unschooling if you please.

Then there's the youngest who is still struggling to learn to read on her own, but has an phenomenal comprehension and vocabulary because she loves nothing more than to sit and be read to. It doesn't matter what the book is. Charlotte Mason, anyone?

Isn't it a wonderful thing, though, that we don't have to fit into one mold. I mean, sure it would be much easier if you could cookie cutter everything and make everything fit everyone, but I am so glad that my children are all so different. Because it's their differences that make them who they are. J with his wisdom and knowledge of self, S with her mercy and grace, B with her joy and flexibility. They each play such an important role in our family and in my life.

For what it's worth

2014-03-31T14:50:00.000-04:00

I've often heard the advice that you should sandwich every criticism between two praises. I always assumed that it was to make the criticism easier to swallow. But there is so much more than that.

One of the lessons my children and I have been talking about a lot lately has been treating everyone we come in contact with as Jesus would. Being the hands and feet of Jesus.

The thing is, when we are hit in the face with a criticism, it affects our every being. It has the potential to affect the way we think and act for the rest of the day. If affects the way we treat other people. And ultimately, it affects our ability to be the hands and feet of Jesus like we're called to be.

I dealt with just recently. I was hit with a hurtful criticism from a family member, and I'm embarrassed to admit that it stopped me in my tracks. I allowed it to negatively affect my attitude for the remainder of the day. I found myself even having to apologize to my kids for losing my temper with them, something that rarely happens anymore.

Why do I share all this with you? Because I want you to learn from my mistake. By the end of the day I realized something. While the world, and often the people in it, will constantly hit us with criticism and hurt, we do not have to allow it to define us.

God loves us so much that He wants to wrap us in His love and grace and mercy. And that is what we need to fall back on, to run home to whenever we're faced with criticisms and hurt. My mistake was that I waited too long to turn to the one that I know loves me unconditionally. Had I gone to Him first, I could have likely saved myself the ugly and grumpy and negative that I stewed in all day. Instead I could have taken that criticism for what it was, one negative wrapped in the many positives I know and moved on.

Check out this verse that was in my email inbox that morning:

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. ~ Hebrews 4:16

God was giving me a positive before the criticism and I didn't even recognize it. I didn't even see it until later in the day. I guess He was offering it as a positive before and after the criticism.

7 quick takes - the late version

2014-03-30T21:33:00.001-04:00

1. Daddy became the favorite person in the house this week. We realized that electronics were taking over the kids' lives. Or at least their faces. So we adjusted the electronics rule from no electronics until after school to no electronics (TV, video games, computer, Kindle Fire, etc.) until after Daddy gets home from work. It has really worked beautifully. I think the kids have even enjoyed reconnecting with each other, and with themselves, in a real life way. But it is funny to see them watching out the window for Daddy's car to come down the road.

2. We ended up with a Spring Breakish type of cleaning week mostly because I had several appointments and meetings this week and we were off from CC. And the house is trashed.

3. More rain equaled another canceled soccer practice and canceled camping this weekend and even canceled first soccer games. I fear that this is going to be a rough soccer season.

4. All three kids had another belt testing at Tae Kwon Do. They tested for their first high red belt. There are three high reds, I believe, before they test for black. I cannot believe that we have been involved with TKD for this long. It's a pretty awesome thing to watch them do their forms and spar. I'm super proud of them.

5. The girls were gone this weekend for a birthday party sleepover, and since the Boy Scout camp out was canceled because of the weather (in their defense, they were predicting extremely high winds and a lot lightning) we ended up with an only child experience with our oldest. So, I got to go out to supper with the two most handsome guys in the country.

6. As I said, we ended up with a spring break of sorts after all, despite the fact that I had told the kids we weren't going to have one. Oh well. It only puts us a week behind...

7. John wrapped up his Viking Minecraft class this week. His final assignment was to create a game within the game. So he designed a scavenger hunt within a military camp. I was impressed. Truthfully, we have both really enjoyed this whole endeavor. Not only has he enjoyed the creative process, but we've both learned a lot about Viking history. We're considering another course. And his sister wants to participate as well. Desperately if the email below is any indication:

Seriously, if you have a kid who's into Minecraft, I cannot say enough about Minecraft Homeschool. We've loved it. (And no, I'm not an affiliate, we paid for it just like everyone else. We just really liked it.)

So there's a weekly wrap-up, just as the new week starts. And this one is going to be a doozy! How's life in your neck of the woods??

Linking up at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers, Homegrown Learners, Conversion Diary, and Holy Splendor

Lessons from the minivan

2014-03-26T23:06:00.001-04:00

The most interesting conversations happen in my van on the way to Tae Kwon Do. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the fact that they're gearing up to beat on people. I dunno.

And it's not that long of a drive! Maybe 10 minutes. But it's amazing what they can pack into 10 minutes.

Today was no different.

The conversation started when I mentioned that I had learned about animal martial arts while at my conference during a session on how to include martial arts in your homeschool. We talked about how we could incorporate learning Korean or diagramming their forms.

Then I pointed out that we could learn about anatomy and the different ways that you could hurt someone and the best ways to hit.

Sarah asked, "What if I got grabbed by a really big guy?"

I said, "All people have the same vulnerabilities. What would they be?"

She and John started rattling off, "nose, eyes, knee caps", then Sarah said "groin."

Bethany asked, "What's the groin?"

From the second the word "groin" was said, John started laughing. He knew what was coming.

I explained to Bethany, "The groin on a boy is his penis. If you were to kick him there it would really hurt and you could run away."

She covered her ears and started singing, "I don't need to hear this!"

Meanwhile, the other two are laughing so hard their faces are turning red.

Ah, anatomy and vocabulary lessons in the van. Never a dull moment.

Convention "aha"

2014-03-25T09:59:00.001-04:00

I imagine that there were thousands of people at the Great Homeschool Convention this past weekend. And if you asked each of them what they learned from the conference, every answer would be different. Even for the ones sitting in the same sessions, listening to the same speakers.

This was my third convention, and I was less prepared and organized than I have ever been. I had no real game plan other than:
1. Drive to convention hall without getting lost
2. Check in

Don't misunderstand. There were a few speakers and things I wanted to "hit."

* Adam Andrews from Center for Lit because he's "my people". :-)
* Any of the Classical gurus like Andrew Kern or Christopher Perrin because listening to them makes me feel like I've climbed the mountaintop and asked the wise man the meaning of life. I only understand half of what they say, but I feel smarter just for being there.
* Heidi St. John, the "Busy Mom" because she's famous on Facebook and all
* Something to help me get Bethany reading.

That was it. 4 sessions from 3 full days of options...

I had at least glanced at the schedule, so when I arrive I decided to sit in on a session about making your kids into "world changers'. I figured it was as good a place as any.

But starting with that little talk by Steven Lambert (a precious gentleman, by the way), God began clearly speaking to my heart.

First, I have to back up. For the past 7 months, I've been supposed to be really "hitting the books" with my kids to make up for the time I was working and not able to give them 100%. Helping them get "up to par", whatever that means. But it just hasn't happened. In some cases, it's been because of unforseen health issues. But in others, it was simply because I didn't know how. All the methods and books and "push them harder" people suggested just seemed wrong for us.

Then about a month ago, I noticed something. Without any pushing or prodding by me, improvement had been happening. But not just in academics. Even more importantly, in my opinion, all my kids had grown and matured beyond my wildest expectations in their relationships with each other and with God.

Yet even with the knowledge that God had used my being home more to help grow the "who" of my kids, I still felt like I wasn't measuring up somehow. And it was with that mindset that I walked into the convention and sat down in Steven Lambert's session on creating world changers.

Honestly, I'm not sure what I expected. But it wasn't what I heard. Not exactly, anyway. What I heard was an affirmation of what I had been feeling along with an explanation of why it was important. Mr. Lambert pointed out that we have been born on a spiritual battlefield and that the enemy wants our kids. It doesn't matter how smart or how strong or how fast they are if we are not teaching them what it means to know and love and live in communion with God and to know, love and live in communion with people. The curriculum we use, the schools that we go to don't matter if we lose that battle.

WOW! So not what I was expecting, but yet exactly what I need to hear from God. From that point on, before I decided on any session, I asked God for direction. That He would put me where He wanted me to be and that I would hear what He wanted me to hear. And I did.

It seemed that the theme of the soul of the child over everything else permeated the entire conference for me. From sessions on assessment to genius, it was repeated over and over again..

Do I think that God wants me to go off the reservation and just talk philosophy with my kids? No. I do think, though, that He want me to be more intentional in my efforts to reach the hearts of my children. I need to continue to push through in math and science, but not because we are behind or we need to get to a certain place. Instead it is because God uses everything, all of creation, to reveal Himself to us. And when I don't make sure my kids are exposed to that, I'm keeping them from exploring a facet of God's glory.

But here's more great hope! There's no one perfect way to do it. It looks different in every family and for every child probably. But, to roughly quote Steven Lambert again, the key is consistency. He said teaching our children is "simply a walk of faith which is summed up best by Eugene Patterson as a long obedience in the same direction."

I came home from this year's conference with a few new practical things to do and try for this and that. But more than anything, I came back comforted in the knowledge that even at my worst, I am exactly where God has placed me and am doing exactly what he has called me to do.

But I still hope that one day I'll go to the Classical forum and understand more than 30% of what they're saying!

Linking up up WalkingRedeemed.org

Cookies and conferences and rain, oh my!

2014-03-22T00:44:00.001-04:00

Because I'm tired and it's late and I really should be going to bed and I'm feeling a bit loopy, I figure I'd better make this quick. :-)

So here are 7 quick takes from this week:

1. Girl scout cookie sales wrapped up, we had our last booth sale and our troop sold out of all of our cookies! I think a fairy must have gotten her wings or something because of that! We were so excited about selling our last three boxes of cookies that I took a picture of our "favorite" customer!

2. It rained . . . a lot. . . the beginning of this week. So much so that the girls' second soccer practice had to be cancel due to soggy fields. I tried to be disappointed, but in an already busy week, who doesn't appreciate an extra night at home?

3. In CC, the kids worked on problem solving by creating bridges using straws, play-dough and rubber bands. It was a fun diversion for the norm.

4. Our church held its annual Missions Conference this week. The theme this year was "One" and we were blessed with some amazing teaching by Dr. George Murray, the Chancellor for CIU (Columbia International University in Columbia, SC). He was powerful. It also always gives us an opportunity to get to know and love on some of the missionaries that our church supports out in the field. This was the first time in many years that I have not been committed to serving with the children during some or all of the conference and I have to admit that I was really blessed by the teaching and fellowship I experienced.

5. John, the 12 year old, has been participating in Minecraft Homeschool. If you have a kid who loves the game Minecraft, you should look into this. Seriously. Go to www.minecrafthomeschool.com. He and a friend are working through the Viking class right now, and he and I are both learning a lot about the Vikings. There's always a video or reading followed by a quiz. And he is building some super cool stuff! This week he had to build a replica of Erik the Red's ship.

Pretty impressive, I think. (For the record, I paid for this course and get no compensation or whatever for my comments. I've just been really impressed.)

6. Right now I am blogging from the Great Homeschool Conference in Greenville, SC. If you aren't here and can make it to the one in Cincinnati, OH, I highly recommend it. This is my 3rd year and every year God meets me where I am and gives me what I need to better at whatever He's calling me to be.

7. Which leads me to my final thought. God has really been working in my heart on what exactly my role is supposed to be as a mom, as a homeschool parent, as a blogger. And being here at this conference and attending our Mission Conference at home really helped to solidify some of those thoughts for me. Look for another post soon about the "One" thing I feel God is calling me to. :-)

How was your week?

Linking up with:

Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers

Homegrown Learners

Conversion Diary

Holy Splendor

It's a new day!

2014-03-20T23:13:00.000-04:00

I realize that rebranding is never easy. Why start something over when you've got a good thing going, so to speak?

I've been blessed recently by seeing more traffic come across my blog, Just Another Day in the Life, and I am so grateful. But it also made me realize that it seemed confusing to tell people the name of my blog but to send them somewhere else. I wanted the name of the blog to match up with the address.

I also realize that if my blog is going to gain more notice, it's better to make these changes earlier rather than later. So, with that in mind, welcome to

The name of the blog came from a discussion I was having with my children in the car one day. My oldest mentioned that they had been discussing the story of Esther in youth group. I told the kids how much I loved that story and how often I found myself reflecting on the words that Mordecai spoke to Esther when he asked her to speak to King Xerxes about the new law to kill all the Jews. He said to her (and I paraphrase), "Don't think that you're too special for this law to affect you. One way or another, the Jews will be saved from this horrible thing. But, do you not think that perhaps you have been put here for just such a time as this?" (Esther 4:13-14). I told my kids that it reminds me that God has a purpose and a plan for everything in my life. And His purpose and plan will happen with or without my help. But how much more awesome is it to think that He has allowed me to play just a small role in His plan? And that He has placed me directly in the situation I'm in, the family I'm in, the church, the community, the day to day living that I'm in "for just such a time as this." Who am I to turn down that chance? Why would I want to? If God thinks it's right??

So that's what this blog is about. The life that comes about "for just such a time" as this. I hope and pray that you'll continue to follow me on our journey. If you are already a follower on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook, than nothing has changed. If you were following by RSS feed or email, you will need to update your information.

And thank you for your love and for taking the time to read my ramblings. I know your time is precious. And because of that, you are precious to me.

PS: In case you ever wonder, I LOVE comments. It's like getting Christmas presents!