THE LIVES WE ARE GIVEN

Little Girl and Her God

2012-01-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

The little girl.

She comes into the kitchen singing.

She hears Him.

That whisper, to worship Him.

She wants that song.

"MOM", "HOLY, HOLY"

With that anxious, persistent little voice, how can I say wait?

"ME LISTEN, PLEASE"

And then I hear...

"MOM, MOM"....."HOLY GOD". "PLEASE, ME LISTEN...IPAD, please"

And as she hums, and twirls to her Lord.
That same girl, sings in a quiet praise. "holy God...."
She knows the tune.
It's stuck to her little heart.
She knows what the response to that call is... she knows what to do.
In all the moments of hard thoughts of despair that I, We, just are not cutting it as givers of who He is. I'm struck with that quiet voice, where I know that she knows.

My Lord.

He reminds me in those moments of guilt with heart tugging. "She's an oak, no worries mother." "She's here, she knows my voice. Why do you think she doesn't? I've knit her, I KNOW HER. She is marked, She is set apart. I claim her for my own. Enjoy these moments mother. Soak in my presence with her. Respond to my call. The call to worship ME. I am your God."

Back to school (winter edition)

2012-01-03T20:30:00.000-08:00

It's been nice to stroll in and out of school time over the past couple months. Life is often like that though. Seasons change as does home schooling. Since the renovations started back in October, it's been a bit topsy turvy, well in my mind it has. We're nearing the end of it all soon, I hope.

Yesterday was our first day back after our little Christmas break. Our Monday piano lesson sort of influenced me into getting back to days of structure. We've needed it, or again, I have anyway.

Yesterday was also officially the start of our new term. A few things are changing in terms of curriculum, nothing drastic. Just adding in Life of Fred to Zazu's math. That will now be 3 math books I'm using for him. haha. Yikes, I know. But it's actually alright. I'm picking and choosing out of them. It's healthy, trust me. And because I also like to shop this time of year. We'll be getting a bunch of special new things in the mail in coming weeks. Fun things for school time which the younger ones should enjoy.

**** SOME OF THE BOOKS IN THE BOX *****

To kick off our day. We welcomed some new books into our home. Sort of like a back to school party of sorts. haha. Gosh, I don't know. Just trying to lighten things up a bit around here. Hopefully they enjoy them. Some of the fun math books in the box we've taken out of the library often, so I figured they could become a permanent addition to the bookshelf. Most of the books were really for Eagle to read, although the parcel soon to come in the mail will suit Zazu and Alba more.

Over the Christmas break I was busy printing and laminating some much needed new folder games for Zazu and Alba. Alba is so busy now and needs more big girl things to do throughout our daily learning time. I printed many folder games from file folder fun for the younger two kids, a Curious George tot book from one little, two little. Oddly, the Curious George tot book is for Alba. We recently took a dvd from the library and Alba quite enjoys the "monkey". We'll dip into those this week.

A friend of mine told me she was goal planning for the new year. She added "fun" to her list.
I hope FUN is a part of your back to school as well as ours.

Good night friend,
MO

Wait!

2012-01-01T21:14:00.000-08:00

My last post of 2011 was about handing your, or should I say my life over to Jesus. I have taken some time, well exactly two months of time to sit and wait upon the Lord. Taking a break from some of the regular things that take time from me; one being writing. Well that's not exactly accurate. I've been writing, but only the raw stuff that only a personal journal can handle. The broken sentences and disjointed thoughts of God's workings in my heart have all snowballed into a new thing. A new thing that He's doing in my heart and thankfully in my home as well. I hope these words that follow are directed by the one who saves, the one who loves, and the one who restores.

My last post was significant.
How did I know that that day was the beginning of something new, something great that only God can do. It was a call to hand myself over to Him, and it came in a song.

A simple song, and a not so simple reaction of the lyrics brought me to a place of reverence. Somehow I was able to smell a slight fragrance of healing to come that day. Soon after posting that video to this blog, I entered in. I completely entered into His presence and gave it over to Him.

I handed it over.

It soon happened, in a church worship service, during a song. I knelt down to the floor and gave myself, my marriage, my children TO HIM. There was no big feeling from the song that moved me or heated argument which brought me to that place. It was just a tiny feeling, a quiet urge to move which came from that one day with that one song; to speak a few words. Simple words combined with a true heart equaled a shift in this natural world. What a wonderful and freeing event it later came to be. It wasn't filled with tears or drama. It was just a simple act of obedience. That's all. I was obedient to God's call. I did it. I obeyed. I gave it to Him to work out.

We talk about Jesus paying for it all. It all. Well folks it's done. I mean my family is restored, it's healed. I believe that it is anyways. I believe that because in obeying His call I've entered into His Mercy and Grace. His LOVE.

Where am I going with this...?

You see, previous to this new understanding. I did wait. Like waiting with my butt stuck to a chair reading an empty magazine for the visit from the doctor or in this case, God to show up.
Two months ago I gave it to HIM. Since then, I've only had to WAIT ON HIM. Waiting, not like for that appointment. But Waiting.

Wait is a verb right? So to wait, one is actually doing something. hhmmm..

So here's a typical dictionary definition of the word wait.
The first part is - to remain stationary in readiness or expectation
The second - to attend as a servant
Third - to be ready and available

Interesting...

Now the Hebrew.

1) to wait, look for, hope, expect
    1a) waiting
    1b)  to wait or look eagerly for
         to lie in wait for
         to wait for, linger for
 2) to collect, bind together
    2a) to be collected

To collect and to bind together is interesting. What could that mean? Could it be that in waiting in the Lord you are actually in Him, bound in Him like the spirit is in me, in you when we are born again? Because to be in Him is to be living in the spirit, am I wrong?

So to trust in Him, to wait on Him is to really be living like Him. And when we do that aren't we acting, aren't we being a servant. Didn't Christ do the ultimate servant thing, which was die for us? Jesus said "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does." John 5:19. And in John 14:11 Jesus also said, "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the miracles themselves."

When I was looking for the Hebrew meaning of the word wait, I came upon an illustration of a cord. The three band cord which often symbolizes the trinity. So when we are born again, we are now joined or bound by that cord. Much like Jesus is bound by the Father, doing the will of the Father, that in also Jesus is in the Father.

Here is where I'm drawing from. Please feel free to read all three, because I feel each carry something a little different. And it's a wonderful thing to be able to study a piece of scripture from different versions.

Isaiah 40:31

King James Version

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

New Living Translation

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

New International Version

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

All the desperate selfish praying, hoping and wishing, all the crying and frustration; it's done. I've finally realized what He wants, what He can do through me. And here's the kicker, I don't have to do it.
He just does, because He loves.

Because when I live in Him, when I act like Him, when I serve like His son did; I am waiting on the Lord. Am I not?

He is my strength.
He is my refuge.
He is my hope.

Trust in Him.
Wait upon the Lord with me.

If you have trouble understanding or absorbing this truth into your heart, read aloud the following scripture verse and ask God's spirit to make sense of it and to use these words in your life. Because they are power. These words are power. If you believe that God made the earth, He did so with words. "And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light." So aren't these words just as significant to reveal Himself and transform you.

Isaiah 40:31 KJV
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Won't you wait?

Good night friend,
MO

Hand yourself over to Jesus

2011-10-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

This was for me this morning and frankly every morning.

Listen to the lyrics.

Hand it all over.

"Take my hand now... Lord I need to meet you."

It's that simple.

I don't have the answers but I know someone who does

and

"He's calling you... waiting to meet you".

Good Day Friend,

DIY Lunch bag

2011-09-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hey there!

Just wanted to show what I whipped up while the kitchen is under construction. From three old pair of pants I sewed up lunch bags for my three little people.

A Quick How-To

I just cut off a good bit of pants leg, enough to keep larger food items. Allowing my kids to reach down into the bag. Basically deeper than an ordinary brown paper bag.
Flipped it inside out and sewed it on the end where it cut, showing the nice hem of the pant leg already existing.

They are REALLY basic, nothing fancy, just a sack really. No velcro, no buttons, just a sack.

Eagle's bag is the dark jean material. I folded the corners in and sewed to create a flat bottom. I attempted to do the same with Zazu's (light jean), it didn't work so well. So the seam ripper came out and I left it as is. Alba's is (can you guess) the pink one. And yes, they were my pants. I went through a coloured pants phase when Zazu was a babe.

Finally, you may know that we home school, why would we need lunch bags?
We are using them while travelling this week and next. Airplane food is expensive and I really just want to have a bag for each child to dig into while on the road driving to different adventures. Honestly, I'm not a fan of items full of characters, like Disney and such. I may, while at Grandma's or when we return dig through my notions for a little something to decorate the plain looking lunch bags, but until then this is it and I like it fine.

It was a great creative outlet for me to sink my small amount of renovation stress into.

Good Day Friends,
Mo

Week 6 Wrap Up - In Ontario

2011-09-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

*This has been scheduled for today.

Right now we are probably at my sister-in-laws, enjoying my nieces, the apple trees, the smell of those blessed pigs, the goats across the road and maybe even crickets.

Our home is just the way we left it, really messy.

My friend tells me that before she goes on any trip, as her husband is loading up the luggage she's found scrubbing floors and cleaning that last bit before she leaves the house. I'm normally the same way, well maybe not the floor part. Both the hubs and I dislike mess when we get home from a trip.

BUT, not this time.

This time is not normal.

And that's OK!

As for school.

I've brought math games, art materials (hopefully Grandpa will join us), and the e-reader. That's it! I love it. Dropping our usual schedule of latin, writing, science, math, etc, to just enjoy what God has in store, just the five of us.

By this time next week, we'll be on our way home.

Hopefully the following week I'll put up tons of photos of our learning moments on our trip.

Hope you enjoyed your week and the week to come.

I probably am. Not quite sure yet, as I'm writing this before I even leave. haha

Bless You Friends!

Catch ya later,

This post was part of this weeks weekly wrap-up hosted by weirdunsocializedhomschoolers.com

Struggles

2011-09-21T02:59:00.000-07:00

The pressure I put on myself to perform at a certain level when in a matter of time I fall down like a crumpled and toppled over building to my knees and cry "WHY ME?", to God. I put stuff on my plate that doesn't need to be there in exchange for the things that should. What in this moment is of real importance, real significance? “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Does it matter that a folded pile of laundry has been on my couch for nearly 3 days... well maybe. Whens the last time I soaked up some divine words, living water from the Holy One? Too long, maybe?

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

Is this why I struggle?
Is this why I fail to do the basics?
I grumble.
Complain.
Pity me... She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Do I fail to recognize what the water really is?

Do I doubt it's power?

yes.

I think we do this daily. You must know as I do that we are human, fallen by sin and only by Christ we truly live. You must know?

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

Why do I struggle?

He knows ME, He knows me.
“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did."

Am I living in the Spirit of God?
Am I, not just once a day, but throughout the day setting me heart on Him, on things above me, this world I am in.
whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

AT HIS FEET.
She (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

Am I resting in Him, in His never ending unfailing love that consumes like a fire cleansing our very being?

Why try to jump higher than I'm meant to...
my God is peace, not PERFORMANCE.

Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

REST not anxiety

CHRIST

I can't do it on my own.

(NIV) JOHN 4 and LUKE 10

Sketch Tuesday ~ Made in USA

2011-09-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

Week of September 13 2011

This was our second time participating in Sketch Tuesday.

Even under renovations the boys found something that was made in the us in all the clutter.

Here it is:

"MADE IN USA"

Eagle (11)

Week 5 Wrap Up - A Wonderful Friday because of Renovations

2011-09-17T13:16:00.000-07:00

What a week.

My husband officially started his vacation, Wednesday. And so began renovations in the kitchen and living room on Wednesday also. Knowing this I had been busy getting things packed up for the days ahead. Monday and Tuesday were not days off of school, we pressed on despite the extra work that needed to be done. Wednesday and Thursday were filled with too much commotion to continue with our regular routine. The kids played outside for the majority of the day and much time was spent with Lego. By Thursday afternoon the kids were starting to get bored, ya know the look? I sure do.

My hubs handed Eagle a pair of pliers and screwdriver and set him to work on pulling staples from the old underlay beneath the laminate flooring which was ripped out that morning.

When Friday hit, the kids and I required something back. Something structured, some type of school thing back. I decided on a whim to call and attempt to book a study/meeting room at our library. I was unsure about it. If the rooms were strictly for adults, being in the adult area of the library, meaning no kids allowed really. It was possible, and I was pleased. We had the room from 10:30 - 1:30. I brought some basics like math, along with play-doh and crafty stuff. I can't believe I brought white glue and play-doh to the library, but I did. It was great and there was no mess afterwards. The kids did stupendous. I gave them each a happy face stamp on the backside of their hand and told them individually that they did a great job at keeping their voices down and plugging away at what I had packed for school. I was also able to get some work done. I spent about ten minutes on my bible study (ya, it was that quiet), I totalled up my spending budget for school and spent some one-on-one time with Alba. I loved giving her high fives when she correctly matched her bug counter to the right coloured square. The large corner room had big windows all along the wall and we sat there in the quiet, while the rain plunked down on the metal roof. It was a lovely time. While listening to the rain and watching the little ones easily able to concentrate I daydreamed about having our own little space to focus and learn with each other. We didn't check off even half the usual amount on our work schedule and I'm totally content with it, because we were able to just be. Be... without the phone ringing, the timer on the oven buzzing, the laundry dancing, the toys whispering "play with me", the glance at the fridge for that unneeded snack. No interruptions. Now because of the kitchen renovation we were given the opportunity to school where we normally wouldn't and until today never had. I hope to school at the library again, soon. It was a great experience. When leaving I asked the librarian of that section if there were any complaints or if she thought we were too loud. She responded back that there wasn't a problem and considering there were three children, 11, 5, and 2; she was amazed at our conscientious little family. What a nice compliment.

Alba playing in the shed, where she shouldn't.

Alba playing in a cabinet.

My husband convinced me this week to use this vacation time not just on home renovations, but to also spend time in Ontario and Quebec visiting family. The original plan for months was to take his holidays now for renovating the kitchen and my plan was to high tail it out of here with the kids for a week long road trip visiting with friends and family, while the hubs worked on the house. Plans changed and we're heading East. Apple Butter Cheese Festival here we come! We booked the last of the flights today. Crazy! In a week, we've decided to take the trip, buy the plane tickets and then flying out. Who says families can't be spontanious? We sure are this week. We're still schooling, I'm packing for an almost 2 week trip, all in the middle of home renovations. That's enough to drive to drive me bonkers, you?
God is GREAT!

I'm calm about all most of this.
Normally, I'd be a mess.
He's all over this, God is.
Cause I'm not a mess.

This was from that ten minutes in the study room that brought a smile to my face and a glimmer of God to my heart.

Psalm 27:4 (NIV)

   One thing I ask from the LORD,
   this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
   all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
   and to seek him in his temple.

This post was part of this weeks weekly wrap-up hosted by weirdunsocializedhomschoolers.com

How's your fruit?

2011-09-14T04:07:00.000-07:00

Fresh picked strawberries my loving mother picked for my family.

This picture reveals the love and generosity of a mother.

It also speaks of God's ever abounding love.

Love for His people - a nation to save.

And not just to save who is lost but to give abundant life.

Q: Are you living a fruitful life?

What kind of fruit are you bearing?

Is it any of these?

love

joy

peace

patience

kindness

goodness

faithfulness

gentleness

self-control

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Our FIRST Sketch Tuesday ~ Something that Glows

2011-09-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

Week of September 6 2011

This is our first time participating in Sketch Tuesday and it won't be our last.

I unsure about my boys willingness. They proved me wrong. Eagle and Zazu did great.

They both chose their subject and got down to it. In no time at all they both ran to show me what they had drawn. I was very proud of their efforts.

Eagle (11) chose to draw his toy light saber.

Zazu (5) chose to draw an LED desk lamp.

He added the red, because he said he didn't have a silver in his assortment of coloured pencils.

GREAT JOB BOYS!

A little girl joined the fun, drawing with her own little notepad and crayons!

Tot School - Skim Week

2011-09-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

ALBA ~ 26 months

Tot School's been a little skim this week as well as last week. I've been so focused on the boys and organizing that Alba has been put on the 'little burner on the back on a low simmer'.

"Just hang on, Mommy will do something with you"

..."Yes, Miss just wait"

She waited... and waited.

Finally by Wednesday of this week I finally lived up to my promise.

In the middle of doing a puzzle (I left her for a moment to tend to lunch), she turned into a little performer.

We've been listening to a lot of Kickin' It Old School The hand weight became a microphone.

Alba really enjoyed this file folder game from homeschoolshare.

Participating in Sketch Tuesday with the boys.

Zazu was drawing a lamp so I gave her a little notepad to join in.

*Just a note about notepads

Both Zazu and Alba love drawing and writing in them; actually Eagle even still does. I usually pack a couple for a road trip and for church. They are small enough to fit inside a pencil case or a pouch of a backpack with a pencil.

I've noticed that the little ones often want to be a part of things. That's just as much important as spending one-on-one time with them.

Her little yellow school book came from that. It's just a half size ruled exercise notebook and this year I purchased her very own pencil case.

Alba loves toting around the two, like she too needs to get down to work with us. It's the cutest thing!

Amazon.com Widgets

Tot school is hosted by 1+1+1=1
Here's this week's link

Week 4 Wrap Up - Learning can be Messy

2011-09-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

Thursday I thought I'd walk around our kitchen/living room area and take a bunch of photos of our learning mess. I used to be embarrassed if someone were to walk in my house to see all this going on. It took a while, but I figured out that kids make messes and kids who home school should make more messes.

Here's a glimpse of our learning.

We have a 4 person table and a 5 person family, which is a tight fit. So the blocks and some books get moved onto the floor to give us more work space.

Books are ALWAYS on the couch, which frustrates me at the end of the school day/week.

Moms make messes too.

This happens to be my mess of scheduling books for reading and laminating.

I love laminating!

Ah yes, what a combo.

I'm not entirely sure but it looks like we might have been teaching the Cabbage Patch doll to read while playing the tambourine to Mozart.

What do you think?

GOALS for the Week

I had goals this week. Goals of making a Mommy binder. This is our forth year home educating, you think by now I'd be on the ball with this sort of thing. I'm not quite finished the Mommy Binder. I am certain it is a skill, one that I plan to conquer. Let's just say I'm discovering my administrative side, slowly.

Didn't quite make this goal. I took a picture of it though, ain't isn't it pretty?

I pulled out a file folder game for Alba this week. She's growing up so quickly. This is the first time she's been interested and able to do this type of activity. She thoroughly enjoyed it. Zazu continually wanted to play with it, asking "Can I help you?". Funny boy that Zazu.

ART

SKETCH TUESDAY

This week was our first time participating in Sketch Tuesday.

All three kids joined in. I unfortunately did not. I hope to join each week, but alas, duty calls sometimes and I will try next week. Last year we completed one drawing, that's besides the drawing class I taught for home schooler's last year.

You'd think with an artsy momma, they'd get more exposure to that art stuff?

This (Friday) afternoon was all about filling water balloons with the neighbourhood kids.

Mighty fine fall day if you ask me!

+33c

Thank you Lord for this weather, it is beautiful.

EAGLE'S WEEK

Eagle has done a superb job this week with school. He's been motivated and on task, trying to complete his school day by 2pm. He met quite a few frustrating moments of a brother not wanting to work as efficiently during our family time, I think he held his temper quite well.

Yesterday we hit the SPCA for the first time. He loved cuddling and playing with two kittens in particular.

Three chapters of his Life of Fred math were completed yesterday. His words were, "I had so much much trying to figure out the LCM, ya I think that's what it's called"

ZAZU'S WEEK

Every week I have lofty goals to read to him during school time. It's really not happening. Every so often while I do make time, but not nearly as much as once a week. He reads to me almost each school day. I'm now scheduling books to be read. Hopefully it will be more than good intentions. Follow through is my weakness. Other than my good intentions, math is a joy with him. He gets it. I am noticing that he is much like Eagle, in that he may not need all the practice that Math U See offers in their student books. In printing the alphabet, letter Q is where we are. Letter sheets Starfall is currently the printing practice of choice.

BOOKS OF THE WEEK

Amazon.com Widgets

This post was part of this weeks weekly wrap-up hosted by weirdunsocializedhomschoolers.com

New Author (to me)

2011-09-07T04:44:00.000-07:00

Have you walked through that same library isle say a dozen times or more and one day BAM!, a glorious find strikes your eye?

I am often amazed to find good books which were previously playing hide and seek with me.

My children seem to always gravitate to those and the dreaded readers. Don't get me wrong, readers are fine in their own right but real literature that you can sink your teeth into in picture book format is what I desire to expose my children to. Trying to veer away from the short, nonsense, thoughtless children's books; that seem to be everywhere.

I've unknowingly struck gold. Not only are the stories filled with richness and life but the illustrations, especially in a couple are just lovely.

Sarah Plain and Tall, ring a bell?

Well my bell tower rang loudly when it finally clicked into who this writer was. I honestly felt like such a twit not knowing that these books came from Patricia Maclachlan, a name I never previously recognized. I was never a reader growing up, at 33 I'm just now reading for leisure learning. I've been in the home schooling trenches only for three years and for I know all you vets, especially the homeschoolers of 10 years+, are thinking, "well ya!".

If there's any of you out there?

Anybody who isn't familiar with Patricia Maclachlan, please check out one of her books from your local library. If not now, remember her for later when your wee ones are a tad taller.

Have you heard of or read to your young ones any of these?

Amazon.com Widgets

Now, because of these finds, I'm filled with excitement to pick up the dear Sarah Plain and Tall for a read aloud. I too, am now one of those giddy mommies swooned by certain treasures which line book cases.

Good Day Friends, Mo

not a tot school post

2011-09-04T02:13:00.000-07:00

ALBA - 26 months

*smile*

*curl*

(from Daddy)

*wink*

oh, to have a little girl

Tot school is hosted by 1+1+1=1

Here's this week's link

Week 3 Wrap Up - More Science Fun and "Daisy" the Kitty

2011-09-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

I struggled this week.
I struggled with motivation and just being plain KIND to my family.
I battle Candida. My fun times last week visiting family also brought poor decisions on my behalf. I ate and drank things which triggered symptoms this week. Not happy! I've been short fused and low energy because of it. On Wednesday, I set lunch out on the table and sent myself directly to my room for a major time-out. I rested, prayed and read for nearly three hours. I think that may be my record. (haha) I felt refreshed, after unclogging the pipes of old sin and re-fueled of Christ's refreshing grace. I took time to pray for others who I don't normally pray for, family members and even blogging home school families which I've never met. The last two days have been better, although yesterday my husband had to scold me to get my eyes off myself. I'm getting back on track and things are looking up. God is good and I'm thankful for His ever abounding grace because I am blessed. Without HIM, how can I do this? This life, these children, this marriage. HOW?

So besides my meltdown on Wednesday, I think the week went better than I thought when I accessed the week, yesterday.

Here are a few moments from our week.

We visited our first corn maze!

This is the very first corn maze in our city. It felt so nice to experience this. It was actually one of the items on my TO DO LIST. You know that list? You all have one. Next on my list is a pumpkin patch.

I picked these beauties up at the Garden Centre where the corn maze was located.

My hand is there just to show the size of the veggies.

This picture is dedicated Mrs.Taffy, because I know how much she enjoys garden produce.

shhh, don't tell, but I have a tiny hidden desire to be a farmer's wife.

This shot includes honey also purchased.

The zucchini was mostly all shredded into 2 cup bags for the freezer and the rest eaten for dinner this evening. Eagle was very eager to work the food processor to shred the enormous beast of a zucchini. Good Home Ec. lesson!

I spent quite a bit of time with Alba this week. Not on focused activities to say we accomplished this or learned that, but just enjoyed each other and PLAYED.

SCIENCE

Demonstrating with a sheet of paper towel how a non-vascular plant absorbs water.

Journaling our discovery from the moss in the yard. I failed to catch pictures of the boys intently studying the moss, the phone rang, I answered and the moment was gone. Oh well, next time.

And "Daisy"

Not ours btw, she's new to our little neighbourhood and seems to enjoy our place, a lot. Everyday this week she's been prancing over here for some attention from the kids.

Today was the first time Alba touched a cat, being "Daisy", on the tail, may I add. She was so excited to tell us all that she "pet... tail".

Books of the Week

This post was part of this weeks weekly wrap-up hosted by weirdunsocializedhomschoolers .com

Good Day Friend, Mo

2 weeks of Totschool with Alba - "HAPPY FACE, this one"

2011-08-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

ALBA

25 - 26 months

This girl of ours is crazy for Happy Faces. Whenever she's drawing in her little yellow school time book she continually asks for someone to draw her a happy face until the entire page is smothered with happiness. "Happy face, this one", means Alba wants you to make a happy face. Daddy can get right into it, drawing an elaborate little face. Me, I choose the more simplistic sort, ya know the kind with the 3 dots and a curve. I think she may enjoy Dad's drawings more. I'm totally fine with it.

week one in pictures

Something new Alba started drawing on Monday were flowers, purple ones. They really just look like circles at this point.

She's too much!

Do you notice the bike helmet is backwards?

Melissa & Doug Magnetic Number Maze

"did it"

She's getting to be a pro at lacing beads with pipe cleaners (chenille sticks).

I bent the bottom to prevent the beads from sliding off the bottom.

Funny how I never thought of that before. *ha*

First time using scissors folks.

Alba really enjoyed cutting the paper strips.

week two in pictures

at the Wild Berry Festival in my parents town

No event can start without a pancake breakfast and a big gulp of orange juice.

Lollipop for a cute little girl.

Only in a small town can children do crafts in a liquor store (ha ha), (If you live in my neck of the woods you get the funny) no seriously though, it was really kind of the main street business' to host activities for the kiddies at this event.

Alba coloured a wild strawberry.

Wagon ride with Grandma down Main Street.

"bye"

Alba's Tools

This was a Totschool post.

Join in on the fun

check out the fun others are having.

1+1+1=1 hosts Totschool

Toodle-Doo Friends, Mo

in mommies shoes

2011-08-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

Did you shuffle around wearing your mommy's shoes when you were young?

Did you dress up and twirl in the mirror wishing to grow up tomorrow?

Did you hold your baby dolls tight to your tummy and whisper to yourself,

"I'm going to be just like my mommy when I get big"?

Did you try on her make-up when she wasn't looking to emulate her beauty and maturity on your face?

Did you make mud pie's and pretend they were your mommy's fresh baked strawberry rhubarb pie?

Were you sitting close watching your mother glide nail polish on her nails and as it glistened in the light wishing yours looked so pretty, but instead dirt was wedged under yours from baking mud pies that afternoon?

Some of us women may spend a lifetime modelling ourselves after our mother's, to seek a lifetime of approval.

Some of us may wish upon a star or pray till there are not a single tear left, that our mother would be pleased by our performance.

"Look Mom, look at me, am I your favourite now?"

"Am I pretty now?"

Are we meant to fit our mother's shoes?

As a grown woman, even married and perhaps with our own children;

how do we look on the inside?

Are you a little girl still seeking to earn her mother's approval?

Is the name Jesus familiar to you?

If it is then let's take a stroll in His shoes for a while.

Put them on...

It may look like the ugly sister's big gnarly toes trying to gracefully slide her feet into that glass slipper, but keep going.

There, they fit! Surprisingly well, don't they.

Try walking around in them and tell me how they feel.

Do you notice that you are walking, not stumbling or sliding for fear you'll tumble.

Have you felt that little kick in your step yet?

Do you feel a graceful strength in each step you take, like these shoes were meant for you?

Now stop walking and take them off, put back on your mom's pretty sparkly shoes, you know, the ones that make you look like her, and try walking and tell my how they feel.

Be honest.

Are your toes squished, are blisters beginning to form on your heel?

Walking around in another set of shoes that clearly don't fit you are definitely difficult, yes?

Let me tell you something.

We should want to be like the father. To be holy and set apart, like Jesus. We should be eager to mirror his steps, his love, his grace. Not a human being, because that's really what our parents are, human.

He loves us and hey, His shoes fit, so why not put those puppies back on and give another stroll around. Feels good, doesn't it. I knew it would... I knew it would. Now start dancing into your freedom! Freedom in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
   because the LORD has anointed me
   to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
   to proclaim freedom for the captives
   and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
   and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
  and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
   instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
   instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
   instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   a planting of the LORD
   for the display of his splendor.

You are a display of his splendor

Let's walk in his shoes together together

A DAY IN OUR SHOES

2011-08-26T23:10:00.000-07:00

We are NOT early risers, although there have been days where I am up before the kids. I have night owl syndrome. (he he) As I get older I now realize, I function better behaving more like the typical type of bird (early to bed - early to rise = makes a happy mommy). Summer helps, with sun rises very early up here.

Our breakfast, chores and maybe some exercise worked in before we start any school activities. Our typical start time for school is 9-10 am. I sure wish it was earlier.

The Boys Chore & School Schedules (idea from Jolanthe).

This is a general outline of our week for Term One.

My little Miss Alba ready to start her morning, watching as I start my chores.

The children all eat before morning chores.

I need the kitchen clean before I eat my breakfast.

So while we all do our chores I also consume some of my breakfast.

First I drink 4 cups of filtered water mixed with 1tbsp of psyllium husk.

Water and fibre to start my day!

This is my real breakfast.

You may see on any given day in the blender, kale, lettuce or my favourite - chard, mixed with all these other goodies.

Me in my running gear. (ha ha) Not that attractive, I know.

After morning chores and some exercise it's off to school.

Our Family Work is always done first, it actually begins with our chores and then on to devotionals, Bible, read-alouds, science.

Spelling Wisdom

Taking a break with Duplo blocks

Family Work is at the top

Under that is Alba.

Then Zazu

and lastly, Eagle.

The list of subjects in each box is in the general order also. Although I do allow Eagle to work on what he needs to at his own discretion. Zazu gets everything plunked into his workbox.

Apart from our scheduled curriculum, we always have hoards of library books on hand.

I strongly encourage reading in our home. By the early evening and it depends on the seasons, winter usually causes more reading to occur. There are certain times of the day where the kids just pick up a book and sit cozy while glancing at pictures, getting read to or reading on their own.

It's a typical day like most of yours I guess.

On top of our school studies it's sports and other activities.

We also have a Daddy that now comes home for lunch, so that's a cheer to start our afternoon. He also works shift, which is 7 days working and off for 7 days. Although he does work overtime or extra shifts on his days off. So, on Daddy's days off school is often put aside or done with a lighter schedule.

So maybe our day isn't so typical.

Who takes days off of scheduled school to hang with Daddy?

We also do school on Saturdays if need be, which isn't so typical either.

What's your day like?

This was part of "A Day in the Life" at heart of the matter.

Week 2 of Term One - wrap up

2011-08-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

It wasn't much of a school week.
Monday and Tuesday were days off because all three kids and I drove home Monday from my parents house and Tuesday I decided to call a babysitter and go golfing with my husband. The weekend was filled with lots of learning opportunities though, and time spent with loving grandparents.

We listened to this on our long drive to my parents.

Good times. "The Adventures of Isabelle" & "Joey" were a couple favourites.

at the Wild Berry Festival in my parents small town

Zazu is sitting on a carved wooden bear in the town quilt shop.

A lady dressed as a bird laid eggs and chicks for the kids.

It was hilarious!

Wednesday was difficult, seeing that we hadn't done any school since Thursday of last week, it was hard for Eagle to get going. After a discussion with Eagle, he was back on track yesterday (Thursday). It was great!

One of the (my) highlights of Thursday was learning about Vascular Plants.

Zazu's narration.

Eagle made this lovely replica of a cross worn by a monk.

He was quite proud of his handy work.

Eagle worked hard and tried to make up for the day before, being focused and easy to get along with. He wrote out his Editor in Chief exercise all in one sitting, which normally takes 2 school days to complete. He was determined to get it completed before Daddy came home for lunch, mission accomplished. Daddy gave his son a high-five to congratulate him on his efforts. At 5pm Eagle was still at the table determined to finish school and hadn't complained about not playing with the neighbourhood kids, ONCE.

AND today.

Nothing really got accomplished.
Totally fine by me, they earned it.
Friends we hadn't seen in a couple months came over for lunch.

We made:
Ogre Salad Sandwiches (egg salad)
Swamp Soup (ground moose & squash soup)
Villager Salad (mixed veggies & greens)
Frog legs and Frog eyes (cucumber slices & green beans)

It was a fun afternoon. My friend and I talked school while all the kids played outdoors in the beautiful August sunshine. She shared with me that spending time with another homeschool mom while discussing what works for them and what doesn't and so on, really encourages her. She likened it to a mini-homeschool conference, which really made sense to me. Every time I float around the web, poking my head into what's going on in other homeschools I get encouraged and challenged also. When my friend left, I was uplifted and rejuvenated.

What was your week like?

a headache?

a joy?

This post was part of this weeks weekly wrap-up hosted by weirdunsocializedhomschoolers.com

Books of the Week

Poetry Speaks to Children (Book & CD) (Read & Hear)

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Math-terpieces: The Art of Problem-Solving

Adding and Counting On (Basic Math)

More Saints: Lives and Illuminations

Good Day Friend, Mo

First "official" Week of School - wrap up

2011-08-19T03:55:00.000-07:00

Seeing how we now school year round, it's really hard for me to know when to start and stop a school year. Some of our curriculum has been used longer than a typical school year, for example Story of the World took us over 2 years to get through. Eagle also started Life of Fred in June, which for most was the end of their year. So as far as planning for the year goes, I've mentioned in a previous post, we just carry on with the next item on the list (the list in my brain and half written down somewhere - haha).

We took a full 3 week break at the end of July. Schooled 2-3 days the first week of August and last week my boys were in VBS. So I then planned for this week to be our official start date.

Our week.

Painting our paper mache globe.

Trying to classify shoes for Botany. We soon gave up, and now we're half into classifying LEGO instead, much more fun (and easier, BTW).

Very proud!

He loves, loves this geoboard.

We read CAPS FOR SALE and throughout the week did this hands on learning from Jolanthe.

TOTSCHOOL with Alba - 25 months

2011-08-15T12:49:00.000-07:00

ALBA - 25 MONTHS

This picture celebrates Alba's FIRST time having her face painted. She's a pink kitty.

I took the kids to INTERPLAY, our local street performance fair. There were many free things for the kids, the face painting not being one of them. I didn't mind paying for all three kids. I looked at it as a fun experience and great memory for all of us.

Alba was mesmerized by the children's performers, she did great the whole afternoon. The sun was shining making it a nice hot day for the event.

This is Eagle up on stage. Zazu also went up in the same act. It was awesome!

There was a craft tent hosted by our local non-profit family resource centre called The Hub.

Alba had such a great time painting.

Zazu also joined in.

This is not me holding Alba, it was a random volunteer that decided to help Alba go down. She was very nice, I appreciated be able to stay on the ground for a cute shot of her coming down.

The boys had VBS last week, so Alba and I had Mommy/Daughter time together, which was great. We met a friend for coffee one one morning and went shopping for groceries and odds and ends for school.

I posted something new in our little nook beside her Tot shelf. I bought a few clearance items from Staples some months back, this 0-30 frog card set being one of them. Alba was calling the frogs beetles for days, it was cute. I've added a small bin filled with a hand full of books. I'd love to put a small picture Ikea shelf or that rain gutter shelf up to display books but this will just do fine.

My Favourite ALBA photo from our Picture Day

Ever thought about joining up with TOTSCHOOL?

Go see Carisa's little place on the web, where every Sunday she posts new photos along with activities with her Ladybug. She's currently diving into more of a Montessori style approach and it's intriguing. Check it out, along with tons of other Mommies with their cuties.

Lots of ideas to include in your day with your little ones.

Here's the link for this weeks fun.

Picture Day 2011/2012

2011-08-14T22:02:00.000-07:00

We went to the nearby school for a photo shoot.

The biggest and nicest trees in the neighbourhood happen to be there.

I tried taking a group shot and all I got was silliness.

And a cute little girl who couldn't get enough of the camera.

Fish Lips!

more Fish Lips

I had them make fishy lips to help them smile when it was time.

It worked well and it was really cute to take photos of fishy lips.

I thought I'd get into the shoot too.

Teacher and Students.

They each took their turn taking pictures of each other with Mommy.

Our Homeschool Class of 2011/12

EAGLE

Grade 6

His favourite subject is Math (Life of Fred) & History (Story of the World)

His favourite books are Adventure Books (T. A. Barron, Anthony Horowitz, Left Behind: The Kids)

ZAZU

Grade 1

His favourite subject is Science (Exploring Creation with Botany)

His favourite books are Animal Books (specifically Lions)

ALBA

Totschool

Her favourites are colouring/drawing (drawing circles), Dot Painting and the playground (the swing and slide).

Her favourite books are Olivia, Harry the Dirty Dog, A Hat for Ivan and any lift the flap book around.

Now that you've taken a moment to glance at these photos.

Why don't you take another moment and pray for all homeschooling families, for God to continue to do mighty things in their lives through Him and for HIS Glory. Thanks for praying!

This post was part of

Check out the

“Not” Back to School Blog Hop: Student Photo Week

for snazzy photos of other homeschooler's around the web.

Good Day Friend, MO

Thrift Store Treasures

2011-08-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

I confess. I'm not a Garage Saler. I really go just on a whim usually. When I feel up to going out Saturday morning. The thrift store is the place I enjoy more than garage sales. I can usually count on Scholastic book club books or Homeschooler's to drop off donations there, which makes my day. I don't stop there every week, lately it's been 2 weeks to a month. I always hit the book shelf first upon entry. I can always find a few gems there.

I've been tossing around in my mind to find a decent fairy tale book with old sweet illustrations, found it.

I've been also thinking about purchasing a new non-cartoon style (you know the kind) small childrens story bible. This one fits most of the requirements so I grabbed it. I wanted a more readable fuller text instead of just 30 words on a page with huge illustrations. This works for read alouds with Zazu while we transition to a regular Bible like Eagles.

Soft covers like picture books are usually .50 and larger hardcovers tend to be $1. Books are not ticketed. It kind of depends on the clerk. Sometimes I checkout with about a dozen books along with other items and they might look at the stack and give me a ball park price for all of them. Some clerks take time to look and count at each book. It all depends. I don't mind either way. I'm still getting a sweet deal.

I can't remember exactly, but it was under $5. I know I was able to dig in my change to pay for it. Just to let you know, we have loonies ($1) and toonies ($2) here as coins, for the non-Canadian's reading this.

Check out Mrs. Taffy's weekly link up.

2011/2012 Homeschool Curriculum

2011-08-12T23:46:00.000-07:00

...with a Charlotte Mason Flavour!

It's Curriculum Week at Heart of the Matter

I'm a little late on this but I'm participating.

WHERE do I begin?

well... I started splitting our year into 3 terms last fall and also tried year round schooling, the spring also brought consistent Family Work time. Sticking to terms, well... it fell through. Year round, WORKED! (lowered my stress significantly) Family Work, it's working well.

These three decisions majorly influenced our curriculum.

Just click and you'll see what I've planned to use, so far.
We've already been using half of these resources for some time now. Some others are either quite new to us and there are a few new and yet to be used. And well music study for example, I just linked a bunch of selections through Amazon.

I just want to add that I'm not posting everything we use, just the main things. we have many devotional type books, but that info is for another post.

Our Family Work will consist of:

Eagle (gr. 6)

Bible Study Term 1/2 & Term 2/3
Copywork
Handwriting
Latin
Writing Term 1/2 & Term 2/3 & This
History
Math Term 1/2 & Term 2/3
Home Business/Economics Term 1/2 & Term 2/3
Typing
Book Study Term 1/2
Personal Development/Character Term 1
Grammar Term 1 Term 2/3
Spelling

Zazu (gr.1)

Copywork/Handwriting Term 1/2 & Term 2/3
Reading
Math
Read Alouds: My Fathers Dragon, Beatrix Potter, James Herriot, The World of Pooh, Little House in the Big Woods, Magic Tree House
Book Study/Lapbook

In the past when my educational facilitator comes to visit in fall, I've felt like I have too much going on. But I need to remember and so I'm letting you know also, that we touch on these things once a day or once a month. Our schedule is full but not heavy. I've weighed things out and I feel that I'm on the right track, in terms of where God is directing our studies.

And about planning our year...

I'm not concerned about week to week. When we finish one thing we just move on to the next. We've come to a point now where planning is more progressive. I've sought God for more flow in our days, and it's happening slowly. If we need to tweak, we tweak. If it only was that easy some days. He's always GOOD though!

He's always good.

Good Day Friend,

Our Learning Environment

2011-08-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

I'm working on transitioning our home from a secular homeschool to a GODLY homeschool. It's taking TIME! I'm learning with God's abundant grace and love that it's the atmosphere I create that generates a positive learning environment. I say secular because, when we started HSing 3 years ago, I prayed for stuff like, should we or shouldn't we homeschool, what to buy, that kind of stuff. I've been missing the other 90%. I included God in the planning. BUT... big BUT. I've been missing out on what God has for us for the everyday. But this post is about the stuff I guess, so here it is. Just to mention (in case anyone cares) behind the stuff, the SCHOOL ROOM stuff are hours of consideration, prayer and a willing heart to push against the old thought pattern and walk in His direction.

Toward the atmosphere of God's grace and not the stuff.

Homeschooling, it's been a life changing road, I tell ya. more about that another time

This is what my kids are usually seen doing.

Morning, afternoon and evening.

Books, books, books, books, books.

I added our couch as the first thing in our "schoolroom", because most of our studies happen here.
My oldest retains so much from reading books. I take out 20-30 from the library every month. Our impromptu narration "MOM, did you know!", is done here, or in the kitchen or in the van while running errands.
The bulk of conversations and prayer are here as well, and in the kitchen or in the van while running errands.

I love books. Sometimes too much. My dream home would consist of the normal stuff, nothing fancy really, not a mansion by any means. But this, this is my dream... a library. You know the kind, with the ladder. Oh ya.

moving on...

This shelf holds the majority of our "important" books, which are shelved by subject and the very bottom are the fun ones like Robert Munch, Dr. Seuss, etc. On the very top hosts a small but very bright LED desk lamp to shine down on the floor in between the two shelves for reading. Like a little reading nook of sorts I guess. The kids seem to gravitate to it.

Here's our new addition.

The much needed 3-footer, which houses reference type stuff, bibles, classics and living books and in the middle is the TOT shelf, for Alba. I usually rotate three bins for school time.

The wicker basket holds items for Alba which she can't get on her own (on purpose). Things like, links and smaller shaped learning toys including the Counting Cookies, which ALL play hide and seek with me under the furniture. The wicker basket only comes out when I'm there. I just don't like things lost or not in their homes, call me anal I guess.

You may have noticed that the two shelves are turned into each other and are not placed back against the wall like normal book shelves. Ya, that's a new thing. I actually switched out living room around (with Eagle's help) last month. It's working great. My husband gets tired of seeing school items all over the house. He has a point but there isn't much we can do about that. Creativity and a willingness to change helps a ton.

The Little Tikes table/chairs is used very often. I keep it in the middle of the living room for the younger two children to paint, glue, play-dough (messy stuff). The tall Ikea cabinet holds all the TV/Media stuff and all our school cd-roms, cd's, etc.

The clear bin with the paper mache balloon is our Family Work Bin (new this year). The 5 drawer cart is Zazu's Workbox. On the wall above that is our rough schedule for TERM ONE (with double sided Scotch tape - works great). Reading lamp. And what you can't see very well is the homemade rolling shelf for audio books, all of Eagle and Zazu's school books, the massive printer, paper and odds & ends.

The rest of ALL our STUFF is in our laundry room (hidden, just how the hubs likes it) in wonderful Ikea cabinets which my loving husband installed last year.

I should really post about that, soon I think.

It's a great solution to our huge space problem.

I thought I'd throw in the freezer. It currently sits partially in our living room. We are putting in a new kitchen next month, so this will have it's proper home soon. It's a great surface for art and other projects at the moment.

AND finally, the kitchen chair. I think the kitchen table is a multi-purpose item especially in homeschools. Don't you think? I don't allow any writing to be done on the floor or at the couch. I require it to be done at a proper surface to reinforce posture. I'm all for the floor for crafting and what not but this one, well, I don't budge much.

And that about covers it. It's changed quite a bit in our short 3 year run. From starting out in my son's bedroom to now. I think I re-arrange every 6 months. I hope it stays this way for a bit longer this time, maybe till next summer...

what a dream.

Check out the NOT Back-to-School Blog Hop at Heart of the Matter. Catch some good ideas from others, it may help you out in the School Room department of your HSing.

From My Journal, Aug 1 2011

2011-08-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

I had so much planned for today, THIS WEEK. We school year round and the last 2-3 weeks we've had a break. Today (Monday) was supposed to be the day to get back into our regular studies, with VBS scheduled for next week. With that said, I've unfortunately been laying in bed for the morning, from nausea and feelings of light-faint throughout my body. Mint tea was brought to me by my eldest son. I'm laying here listening to the sounds of play outside my bedroom widow and reflecting on the morning.

"Train up a child in the way he should go"

The oldest son, Eagle, was the one who brought the tea to his mother. He also did what he could with his brother in their studies without my guidence, while Alba shared a short rest with me and also watched a brief movie to pass time.
Lunch was prepared, ALba got dressed (finaly) all by the hands of my caring, sevant-hearted son. Before his exit out the door with his siblings, he made sure the dishes were cleared from the table and came to ask, "Do you need anything before we go out?" That question triggered theses thoughts. That question brought thankfullness to my heart, for my son's servanthood. Also for a God that creates in all of us, special traits that if properly nurtured bears much fruit.

"train up a child"

God had formed Eagle in my womb. He created him to be a certain man, a man built for his time. I wonder often, am I molding my children the way God intends? That's slighty false wording.

With my nurturing am I allowing God to work and therefore my children grow to be "on the way they should go". The way they were formed in my womb. I'm thankful for such a gracious God. Through this mild set back to our scheduled day, my Father has taught me something. Through this, I've been shown again what kind of man Eagle will be, because in his actions today - he has bared wonderful fruit. It's these moments that we see God's character revealed. His hand reaching into the everyday. We need to drop our agenda sometimes, focus intently on that moment and grab hold to God. I'm writing this moment down, because I tend to put my eyes on the thing, be thankful, but not much heart change goes on, because I forget. Same with scripture or whatever God's trying to get through to me, if I write it out it just sticks better.

What am I going to take away from this? I now understand what God means in the verse "Train up a child in the way he should go". My husband and I are to fall under Christ to raise our children to be who God the maker of all things formed in my womb to be.

I tend to be my worst enemy. Too hard on myself in terms of parenting. I believe now that we are not getting in the way of that, not entirely. Yes we fail, but God is not affected in the least by out mortalness. His grace is enough.

So, I encourage you to soak that moment up, be ever thankful that the God of heaven and earth love's you and your family deeply and He doesn't stand idle while watching your family fall apart. I call you to let God be God.

"be still and know that He is God"

He is who he says he is.

Hear God's prompting and obey, in all things.

Good Day Friends,