Week 3: Pre-K & Preschool adventures

Yay! We made it, now off to week 3 we go. Who knew that teaching(and learning along the way) would be so much fun and humbling! I am just amazed at how much the kids are acquiescently learning and not to mention ME being their teacher.

I must confess, this Momma was terrified and didn't know what to expect. I read all the books, did all the training and received all the advice I could seek-out about homeschooling. To find that a week before I started, I began to listen to those thoughts...you know the ones that keep most Mamas from homeschooling the ones like: "I can't do this, they will never listen to me, or don't bother with it, just put them in school. Think of all the time you will have to yourself(to do what? facebook, Blog, sleep..etc)! After all, you are just a city girl this isn't the way we do things." I must admit I thought homeschooling was for weird people who liked Country music! ;) BUT, I didn't give in and I'm so thankful to God for being faithful towards me for my obedience.

I think my "aaahaaa" moment was when the boys came up to me after the second day and said "Mommy, I'm so excited that YOU are our teacher!" I think I just broke down and cried. It was as if they were rising me up and calling me blessed!(Proverbs 31:28)








They are learning so much and can remember EVERYTHING so easily(wish I could still do that...lol). Elijah has learned two new bible verses, days of God's creations, animals before & after "the fall", can count and recognize twice as many numbers, 6 letter sounds, read 3 words, know all the seasons and just LOVES learning about the United states of America. It is so funny even when we are not in school he is still asking what is the capital were grandma lives and so on... He has ALWAYS been obsessed with maps. I'm just so privileged to be able to cater to ALL his interests through out the years.

Now my little Xavier just LOVES math time especially when we use our cash drawer filled with money and coins(pretend so don't rob us...hehe). He can already distinguish the coins all by himself... Wow! Over all he is my little helper and loves to learn right along with Elijah.

Week 3 is on the move adventure week! We will be learning at the library and exploring different books on our topics. Also, we will venture to our neighborhood park to school and do our messy crafts(to our advantage no one is EVER there) and then play. I'm LOVING the thought that you can take learning with you anywhere, you just need a little creativity!

I am truly AMAZED at the comfort God has given me and the support from my AWESOME friends(homeschooling and not) and LOVING Hubby! Brian is SO supportive and has really encouraged me A LOT! I'm really grateful for MY man! :)

Wishing all homeschooling Mommies a wonderful week and get out and enjoy God's creations with those lesson plans!

Elijah just loves calling out Gods creation to this video!



My devotion this week: Deuteronomy 6:4-7

4 Hear, O Isreal: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, and with all your strength.

6 And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children,
and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
when you walk by the way, when you lie down,
and when you rise up.

8 Things from the Homeschooling Convention

Okay, so I went to this homeschooling convention last week and I think the name should "The parenting Convention" instead! Seriously, before you get married you are encouraged to go to pre-martial counseling and the same should be true when you have children....I think I am an okay parent as is but to have parenting 101, explained in such a loving practical way shines a light on all the gray areas and corrects not only my parenting but the heart behind it all!

So in no specific order here is a list of some things I learned at the convention. I am sure that I can not give justice to all the things I actually soaked in this weekend!

1. Everyone has distractions
Distractions is confusion, a mental intrusion, stress, anything that keeps you from your short term and long terms goals.

2. Children thrive on routine
Have organized thing for your toddlers to at home. Kids normally will last about 20minutes doing one thing

3. Extra activities = Extra problems
I love this one....When we as adults work, exercise or do to many things in a day, aren't we exhausted? How much more should our children(especially kindergarten - and under) need play time to them selves. We wonder why our kids are fussy, miserable and not content with anything....because of our over planning and need to be involved with everything everyday has trained them to be this way!

4.Cost
It cost about 600.00 yearly(less if used or re-used) to home school your child vs. 11,000 yearly from our taxes per child for government school(public schools)

5.Mommies needs a nap everyday
This one I loved as well! Especially, coming from a homeschooling Mom of 11 children. She said that each of her kids took naps daily it was nonnegotiable!! When they became teenagers they would spend this quite time to read as long as they don't disturb her. As Moms sometimes we feel guilty doing this but it is so needed to be the Wife and Mother your children will need you to be.

6. How early should you start training(discipline) your children?
From the moment of birth! Kerin stated as a homeschooling Mom of so many it is vital to have a routine. When a new child came home she trained them to nurse on a schedule and NEVER on demand! It took four weeks but it is doable!

7. How early can you potty train?
As early as 18 months. She suggested a book called how to potty train in a day...Kerin Morgan said if you follow it, it works! Funny how today we are used to having our kids just walk around with sippy cups in their hands...lol But, she suggested only giving them their cups when your ready to soon after have them sit on the potty.

8.kids are sinners
We are to view our kids as if we are trying to win their hearts to Christ not as though they already love Him! We should be looking for opportunities to share, correct and show love to them through, while teaching them the Gospel.

A Tribute to all Military Wives & Mothers

God bless all military men, wives and children! To all you women out there giving your men freely to protect the lives of others...I truly thank you and there will be a more biblical response during July 4th week on this topic! For now know that your unselfish labor of love for others does not go unnoticed! Love you all...

I found this and thought it was so fitting for the Military Wives and Momma's this Memorials day:

Other spouses get married and look forward
to building equity in a home and putting down family roots.
Military spouses get married
and know they'll live in base housing or rent,
and their roots must be short
so they can be transplanted frequently.

Other spouses decorate a home
with flair and personality that will last a lifetime.
Military spouses decorate a home with flare
tempered with the knowledge that no two base houses
have the same size windows or same size rooms.
Curtains have to be flexible and multiple sets are a plus.
Furniture must fit like puzzle pieces.

Other spouses have living rooms
that are immaculate and seldom used.
Military spouses have immaculate living room/dining room combos.
The coffee table gota scratch or two moving from Germany,
but it still looks pretty good.

Other spouses say good-bye to their spouse for a business trip
and know they won't see them for a week.
They are lonely, but can survive.
Military spouses say good-bye to their deploying spouse and
know they won't see them for months, or for a remote, a year.
They are lonely, but will survive.

Other spouses, when a washer hose blows off, call Maytag
and then write a check out for getting the hose reconnected.
Military spouses will cut the water off and fix it themselves.

Other spouses get used to saying "hello"
to friends they see all the time.
Military spouses get used to saying "good-bye"
to friends made the last two years.

Other spouses worry about whether their child
will be class president next year.
Military spouses worry about whether their child
will be accepted in yet another new school next year and
whether that school will be the worst in the city ... again.

Other spouses can count on spouse participation
in special events ... birthdays, anniversaries, concerts,
football games, graduation,
and even the birth of a child.
Military spouses only count on each other;
because they realize that
the Flag has to come first if freedom is to survive.
It has to be that way.

Other spouses put up yellow ribbons
when the troops are imperiled across the globe
and take them down when the troops come home.
Military spouses wear yellow ribbons around their hearts
and they never go away.

Other spouses worry about being late
for mom's Thanksgiving dinner.
Military spouses worry about getting back from Japan
in time for dad's funeral.

And other spouses are touched by the television program
showing an elderly lady putting a card down
in front of a long, black wall that has names on it.
The card simply says "Happy Birthday, Sweetheart.
You would have been sixty today."
A military spouse is the lady with the card.
And the wall is the Vietnam Memorial.

I would never say military spouses are better or worse
than other spouses are.
But I will say there is a difference.
And I will say that our country asks more of military spouses
than is asked of other spouses.
And I will say without hesitation,
that military spouses pay just as high a price for freedom
as do their active duty husbands or wives.
Perhaps the price they pay is even higher.
Dying in service to our country isn't nearly as hard
as loving someone who has died in service to our country
and having to live without them.

God bless our military spouses for All
they freely give!

Author Unknown

An unexcepted SuRpRiSe!!!!

This morning I found Xavier squatting to his usual "poop" stand....I ran and took his hand quickly to have him sit on the potty, before he started doing the deed in his diaper.

He was absolutely excited to be on the potty for the first time. He kept saying "Momma, Momma" as he seemed a little frightened. I knew he hadn't done anything so I had him wait and sit a little while longer to ensure at least he knew sitting on the potty is not a quick process sometimes. But, like any parent would do I sat near him and held his hand.



So, after sitting there for a good amount of time I proceeded to get him off and put back on his diaper....What an unexpected surprise he went POOP in the potty. YAY! I remember Elijah would do anything BUT that for forever and a day!!!! I am not to hopeful that he will keep this up BUT at least he has gotten exposed to it... I guess.

It's kinda gross but reminds me of our relationships sometimes with God! We proceed to start in our usual squat, fully aware that what we are about to do is a pattern that will lead to contamination of our souls! We see that we are in the same position that we usually are in (for Xavier it was squatting,) but for you it may be to go to the fridge after that fight and just eat. Or, maybe it's going to your "alone" place to cry or have a pity party, or becoming that busy body so that you don't have time to read your bible or pray. It is easier to just start in our familiar routines, or squatting stance, and then deal with the clean up later; when your in the mood to be "spiritual" again!


Isn't it our loving God who waits by us, holding our hands. We sometimes think that we must wait for God to grab us spiritually by the hearts when it is the opposite. He is always there it is our sinful nature that blinds us from His goodness. We must grab a hold of His heart that leads us to lay all our burdens and cares upon him! He is so patient with us, waiting beside us while we fight the process to get rid of all the waste in our minds and hearts!

2CORINTHIANS 12:9
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that l the power of Christ may rest upon me.

But just like Xavier learned today obeying his leadership over him resulted in him feeling better and ultimately pleasing his Mother. That gave him so much joy and relief! How much should we be seeking to please and bring glory to our Father in times of confusion, frustration and uncertainty? Walking this journey called life is a scary thought, but continue to call "Father, Father." What an unexpected surprise it is when a wife stops being resentful towards her role in the family. When a Mother can stop being unloving and when a friend can look past others faults!

PHILPIANS3:!3-14
13 one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14)

What unexpected surprise to not only feel JOY but be JOYFUL in spite of whatever is going on around you! God longs for that kind of peace for you today.... Seek Him and beg Him to restore you to the woman He wants you to be for His glory!

I encourage you today to stop following into those same patterns your use to. Let go of being in control and realize that God desires to make you a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17) that you couldn't even image you could be!

The sum of all our goods,
and our perfect good,
is God.
We must not fall short of this,
nor seek anything beyond it;
the first is dangerous,
the other impossible.
S T. AU G U S T I N E

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO YOU ALL!

Happy Mothers Day enjoy these videos!


Now you will laugh at this one!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO YOU!!!! ENJOY!

Happy Mothers Day enjoy these videos!


Now you will laugh at this one!

Did I really toss out my Insanity DVD's?

Did you hear? There is this new workout dvd called "Insanity" led by personal trainer Shaun T. If you or someone you know did P90X before, you know the amount of effort and energy that goes into that workout. Well, news flash Insanity is suppose to be harder, more powerful thus producing better results!

I would like to consider myself an athletic person.... Hey! Don't let this post baby fat fool ya. From Elementary through High School I always participated on some kind of sports team. I just LOVE being active & trying new workouts! In the past I've done taebo, The firm dvds, 30 day shred, turbo kick, cardio circuits, step, cycle & 5.2 mile jogs along with reading tons of books on exercise. Now one more is added to my list "Insanity"!


I must admit in the past I struggled with "post dvd syndrome". You know what I'm talking about after you have purchased something new! Trying to get motivated to actually do the workouts or not let the dvds just collect dust. Insanity has proven to be the total opposite! Granted I am only on my fourth day but by now I would have skipped a day here and there. Everyday I actually look forward to doing the workouts and my boys have truly been my motivational support! Elijah says: "Mommy you are not tired, don't stop" as they are doing it with me or sitting down laughing..HA!

Don't get me wrong it is NO cake walk by any means! During my first exercise which was only the fit test, I wanted to puke and I actually NEEDED a towel due to the amount of sweat I produced for once. Neither has NEVER happened to me before, in or out of the gym and I even had a personal trainer before!

I highly recommend Insanity! I love that the workouts are 30 minutes with the burn and results of a two hour workout. The high impact rotations are only a minute long. Which makes it easy to persevere through the pain instead of one secluded area being tortured for long periods of time. Did I mention no weights needed! I am only on my 4th day and I can see and feel a difference in my body. I must admit I have to DIG DEEP the entire time but it is a dvd, I press pause for a few seconds when needed and get my head back in the game! Honestly, I think the biggest perk of this dvd is that the people in the background are literally struggling just like you are! They even stop and fall on the ground during and after the workouts. So, that is very encouraging and motivation for me to push past them. So, if you haven't guessed it by now..YEP! The Insanity dvd's are here to stay with continual praise to God for the energy each day!

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything" 1 Corinthians 6:12

Food for thought this week:
"If we diet only to improve our appearance or reach a personal goal, we are no more pleasing God than if we indulged our every desire for food. Not eating for vanity’s sake is as sinful as gluttony for appetite’s sake. We can’t conquer one sin with another. We can’t fight selfishness with selfishness.
Christ claims all—including our eating habits. But first, He gave all; He gave His life for us on the cross. If we repent from our vanity and our gluttony and look to our Savior, there, and only there, we will find the power and help to please God."~Carolyn Mahaney

Redeeming time with your kids: Are you smarter than a preschooler?

Do you really know you are smarter than your preschooler? I mean, come on, he/she still pees their paints, is scared of the dark and can't count past your age for crying out loud! The answer should obviously be, YES! DUH!!!

Has your child ever asked you a question that you did not know the answer to? Not just how to say it, but you seriously didn't know the answer to? The questions like: "Mommy why is the sky blue?" "Who made God?" "Where do we come from?" Why did our goldfish have to die?" Lastly, "why did Jesus have to die?"

Things that makes you go hmmmm.... For many of you, you may not know the answers to these questions. For others you may know how to give an answer to satisfy a "preschoolers" mind. Wait, what answer will you give when your preschooler becomes an overly question-oriented person? You know, when your preschooler becomes a 5th, 6th, 7th grader! Come on, we have all seen the show. We know everyone is never smarter then a 5th grader! Right?

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Read the bible together(part 2 see previous blog for more info.)

You might get away with that answer now but how will you give your child scriptural advice about: the opposite sex, molestation(God forbid), sex, stealing, lying, anger, a good work ethic and the infamous why do we go to church? It is vital to seek the Lord! How can you train and teach your child if you don't know it yourself?

He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. Proverbs 13:24

Disciple through discipline

The term "discipline" comes from the Latin word "disciplinare," which means "to teach." Okay, so we now know that discipline has the intent to teach or disciple behind it. Biblical Discipline glorifies God. How do you discipline in away that glorifies God? Discipline should always be thoughtful, calm , loving & consisted. Your preschooler should know the rule prior to spankings and you should look to teach them through their disobedience. Here is the analogy to say to them: God punishes sin. When someone breaks Gods rules someone has to pay. The only way God can be happy with us is through Jesus dying on the cross. After they understand the broken rule and ask forgiveness, give them a real tangible way to show that you love them, by hugging them! My memories of spankings entail my parents saying "I'm doing this because I love you" but there was no physical example of reconciliation and love that I could see at that time. So, always hug them! Lastly, love keeps no record of wrongs. So, once your child has asked to be forgiven and disciplined for the offense, forgive them and keep no record of wrong. Enjoy them and love them as if nothing ever happened!

and He took the seven loaves and fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. Matthew 15:36

Praying

Encourage and allow your child to pray for their food before they eat it. If this is a new concept for your child you may want to start praying for a while and have them repeat after you. Once they are comfortable you can then repeat after them. Trust me they will be so EXCITED when it is time to pray. They crave the attention and praise from you! Remember they should associate saying grace anytime they eat not just dinner time, meals at home or Holidays only.



Craft

Doing a special craft as reinforcement is always a GREAT idea! Here is one we did:


Here is what you will need. Crayons, Scissors to cut with(good for working on fine motor skills), red felt or construction paper, stapler, glue or tape and a print out of a man shape.




As your child colors their person, explain to them that God created them in His image! Elijah wanted a gingerman shape, so we called them an Elijahman and Xavierman! Some added fun: we sang to the tune all around the mulberry bush...."We are coloring the Elijahman, the Elijahman, Elijahman..We are coloring the Elijahman. How will God change him today?"(Keeps them anticipating what's to come next in the story) Then repeat for other children or until the coloring is completed!



Allow your child/children to cut the person out with child safe scissors. Tell them that God desires to remove all the bad things away, like our disobedience towards Him and others He has placed over us! Of course we sang again: "We are cutting around the Xavierman, the Xavierman, the Xavierman..We are cutting around the Xavierman. How will God change him today?"












Now it's time to get that red felt or construction paper. Have your little tot staple, glue or tape it to cover the body. Explain to them that because we are born with sin that makes us do things like lying, not sharing and not obeying. Someone had to pay for our sins and His name is Jesus. So, Jesus died to cover all of your disobedience to God. If you believe that, then you should show it by obeying, loving others and reading the Bible! At this point Elijah said: "Mommy I do love God and the Bible" We finished off with singing: "God covers the Elijahman, the Elijahman, the Elijahman..God covers the Elijahman. GOD'S BLOOD COVERS HIM TODAY! YAY!"





Two happy little men!


Put them on your fridge as a reminder to you to refer to this analogy often to teach your child through consist Godly discipline..


My prayer:
Dear Lord,

I thank you for sending your son to die on the cross. I thank you for the little blessings(children) you have given to me and the viewers of this blog (currently or in the future). Lord, if there are parents who desire to model you in their home regularly comfort them through this process of change. Do not let them be content where they are currently at spiritually. For, it is never to late no matter the age of the child or the type of parent they have become. Allow them to grow and glorify You through this journey called life together. Equip the parents to become more knowledgeable in you so that the ultimate goal of raising God fearing girls, boys, teenagers and Adults can be fulfilled and passed on! John 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth, Your word is truth!
Amen!

Redeem the Time

As the days fly by, your days turns into hours, then your living minute by minute. You are trying to conserve energy from your one cup of Java you got a chance to fit in.... Before you know it, you are just seconds away from rushing to complete a task you set out to do earlier that day, that week, if you complete it at all!



“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” Ephesians 5:5-16

Have we really become a one moment away generation... One moment away from a mental, physical and spiritual breakdown. What consumes your thoughts? What are the important things in life?

"a few years ago, the Southern Baptist Convention’s LeaderCare program reported that it received about 1,400 calls each year from pastors needing counseling regarding their ministries. Sadly, according to various reports, many pastors call it quits each month because of burnout or exhaustion or a sense of failure."

We understand the need for "maintenance" in regards to our precious homes, appliances, computers, iPods, makeup, haircare, kids appts, restocking the fridge and so on....Can we say the same to be true in our marriages, relationships,discipleship, disciplining of our children, but possibly the most forgotten our time with God?

We give of ourselves to everything not edifying to the Holy Spirit. Being "established" is the goal filled with selfish desires. Hoping to be a person known for something when God longs for us to know Him intimately but we give Him nothing.

Challenge yourself to a specific time to pray and read EVERYDAY. Let us no longer continue to go through life with normal daily routines, not anticipating God to remove selfishness, idolatry, lusts, anxieties and discontentment within our hearts!



We must examine our lives. As Mommy's we sometimes feel that we don't have time to read or pray...We feel that the kids need our undivided attention throughout the day. We say to ourselves " I'm not a good Mother if I don't have an overly planned day for them." Not so! Ask yourself this: "Is having an overwhelmed fruitless Mommy better then having a Mommy who is JOYFUL and PEACEFUL throughout the day filled with contentment?" Refueling our bodies through God's word and prayer is more as important as our daily food intake!

Food for thought this week: Read the bible aloud with your kids every morning. They may not understand everything right now but you can explain it to them through child appropriate analogies. They will value that time with you and remember it as part of their childhood. Even better a new family tradition!!!

Consider this:
“Suppose you read slowly like I do--maybe about the same speed that you speak--200 words a minute. If you read fifteen minutes a day for one year (say just before supper, or just before bed), you will read 5,475 minutes in the year. Multiply that by 200 words a minute, and you get 1,095,000 words that you would read in a year. Now an average serious book might have about 360 words per page. So you would have read 3,041 pages in one year. That’s ten very substantial books. All in fifteen minutes a day.”(When I Don't Desire God, p. 129)


I don't know about you but everything else can just WAIT! What will you choose to do today the clock won't wait it's ticking....tick...tock...tick...tock..

My Prayer:

John 17:17
Sanctify them by your truth your word is truth!

Amen