PEN PALS

Letter writing has always been one of our favorite ways to practice things like spelling, grammar,

handwriting, etc...and pen pals have begun to add to all of that...friendship. What a gift!

 

 

The kids have friends who live across miles and they love keeping in touch with letters. The more and more we move away from workbooks for language arts, the more I realize how much there is to learn through things as enjoyable as having a pen pal...if we're eager to point it all out and capitalize on the opportunities. There's so much to learn by simply doing life. 

 

The kids always write their own letters first from fluid thought, but then afterward we sit down to discuss things like sentence structure, spelling words on side lists that are incorrect, and appropriateness of content. It's both fun and educational (just my kind of writing lesson), so our pen pal writing is here to stay, a multifaceted blessing to our home education.

 

"And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with
the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
2 Corinthians 3:3


INADEQUATE

I'm so inadequate. It seems when it comes to homeschooling most people feel inadequate, or at least we should.

It's good to know we're dependent upon the Lord for strength. Come to think of it, I'd say an awareness of

inadequacy is the number one reason I hear as to why people choose not to homeschool. I get it.

It tempts me to turn back, the thought of failing my children.

But how could I? How could He? God will never let us down.

Inadequate.

The greats of the Bible were inadequate time and time again. Ah, the paradox of God's best stories...Gideon, David, Moses, Sarai, Mary...the list goes on and on and none of them were extraordinary but rather simply ordinary...and willing.

God uses commonness to display how exceptional He is. He's excellent in that and we marvel.

Inadequate.

It's true. I'm undeniably incapable of producing any good. I accept this, might as well, anyway. But God, He is able.

His plans are wise and purposeful and He has chosen me to train up my children for His glory. HE chose ME.

He chose to work through me. And here I am, run-of-the-mill open hands...willing.

In my weakness He is strong. In my failures He is faithful. In my inadequacy He is quite capable and He will accomplish His will in all of our lives, one way or another. I'm defaulting to Him. Confession: That's the best that I can do and praise God He loves me anyway. He will not forsake my children even if, truth be told, I'm plain and simple inadequate.

"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise;

God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

God chose what is low and despised in the world,

even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,

so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

1 Corinthians 1:27-29

 (From the CD, The Story, this is Moses.)

"But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the

children of Israel out of Egypt?' [God] said, 'But I will be with you.'"

Exodus 3:11-12

READ ALOUD

It was so many years ago now, I can't remember when, but somewhere in history past I found
myself wishing that I read aloud chapter books with my kids. But...I didn't.

 

Rather than beating myself up about missing out on this captivating pastime,

I decided that everyone has to start somewhere...and so...I did.

 

One day turned into two. A week became a month. The months rolled into years and we never looked back.

We savored our time together with children draped on laps and stillness while I read. Inside, outside, morning, afternoon, nighttime, bedtime, the children would beg for one more imagination-filled chapter. And I loved it. We all loved it.

 

Then...after our adoption in 2012, read alouds came to a screeching halt (along with everything else, so it seemed).

We went through transition and trauma and adjustments (and everything else, so it seemed) until...little by little,

day by day, we began getting back on our feet again. Things slowly returned to normal(ish).

 

Recently, it's dawned on me that our beloved read aloud season might be re-added again from

the list of things that disappeared in transition mode. How could I have let this one go? But...I did.

 

Oh, where do we begin? It's been so long and the little ones won't sit still. And, it feels like I'm shooting myself in the foot. These, the thoughts that swirled through my head as I considered the seemingly daunting task (as I had long ago) of read aloud chapter books with my nest full of kids. Surely, it'd be easier to give up before failing. But...I wouldn't.

 

Rather than beating myself up about my hiatus, I decided last week that I'd have to start somewhere...again.

I'd need to remember how one day turned into two last time (just like anything new), how a week became a month,

then months rolled into years of mama/children blessed read aloud and we can do this again!

 

And so we did. We started. Week one under belt and I'm not giving up.

This crop of little people will sit still (or wiggle, whatever!). They will learn to savor, as the older ones had before them, the beauty of imagining words to life in their creative, inquisitive minds. They may squirm at first (or somersault) and I'm prepared for that. (Fruit of the Spirit training, here I come!) Expectations are low for starters. But, WOW does it feel good to have taken that first intimidating step toward memories in the making, years of children draped on laps and treasured nostalgia piling up, days gone by of dearest worthwhile investments...cherished read aloud.

[Not an atypical scene above to my chagrin...but we're working it out with the little people. (Yes, India is pulling off her Band-Aid.) I remember it working well before to have our toddlers sit on their special blankies with a toy for daytime reading...maybe I'll try that too. And oy, I'll accept the patience that God's grooming in me all the while. I'm committed. :)]

 

 

[Here we go, starting back at the beginning, round two of our favorite read aloud series. It's been many years since we last read through Little House and we're eager to start again. We love this special read aloud edition of Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder because it's an extra large hard cover copy. I highly recommend for Little House fans!]

&



[The Story For Kids - We've never read through this one before, but we're giving it a try as well. So far it seems to be a concise rendition of God's whole story with questions at the end of each chapter...perfect for nighttime devotions.]

 

"Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,

where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God."

Psalm 84:3

CATCH OF THE DAY - BUTTERFLIES

 

Just because it's summer, that doesn't mean school is out for us.

 

{Life is Learning + Learning is Life = Homeschool}

 

One of our favorite ways to explore the world of science is by making discoveries in nature.

 

This week we found caterpillars,

 

 

(These particular ones were very spiky!)

 

 

chrysalises,

 

 

and BUTTERFLIES!

 

 

We've seen them here before...a butterfly habitat of sorts we frequent.
It's great hands on exploration to see the caterpillars crawling around on the ground and up walls,

forming chrysalises,

and even new butterflies ready to spread their wings for the 1st time...

 

 

...and soar!

 

 

We found them on the grass and (sadly) a few were lifeless which allowed the children opportunity to really touch and feel the butterflies. No textbook needed for this lesson plan, just curiosity at it's best and good old fashioned outdoor fun.

 

 

 

With a library of butterfly life cycle books at home and the beautiful analogy of new life in Christ as we marvel at His metaphorical creation, we're sure to learn even more this week as we follow up on our recent discovery,

our newest catch of the day...BUTTERFLIES!

 

 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
2 Corinthians 5:17

NEXT YEAR...THIS YEAR

Every school year I seem to do the same. I prep for next year...this year.

 

(I know I'm odd.)

 

 

When everyone else is burnt-out-done, I find myself energized about what's to come. As we sift through our remnants from the year, organize into storage binders that which somewhat quantifies how we've spent our time (I'm not totally buying this, btw), and consider all we've accomplished, I'm way ahead of myself and thinking about what all I'd hope to accomplish next!

 

What might a new year bring???

 

 

The thing is, I've always been the type to function best with inspiration. It's the artist in me, I suppose. The reality for me is that if there's a bee in my bonnet, it WILL get done and that's how I tend to feel at the end of the year. Bee in bonnet, wrapping up what's behind...it seems to fuel reflections on what we'd like to do differently next year, what we'd like to do the same. And so, it makes intuitive sense to go with it and gear up for next year...this year. 

 

That's where I've been this past month...reflection mode...homeschool on front burners.

 

 

This is where the "school" stuff goes in our home. We use boxes to store our concrete paper-pencil work and then file it all into an end of the year binder for each school-aged child as a memoir to be saved. The truth of the matter is, however, that most of what we deem education isn't in that binder. Most of the learning that took place can't fit into that box. Most of what we've gained has eternal implications and cannot be assessed by things like tests and grades and reports and such.

Hence, our annual reevaluation process is heightened and underway. Where is the Lord leading? How is He prompting?
And, most importantly, what is the best way that we can aim to glorify Him through educating our children at home?

 

We're pondering these questions with intuition on high alert lately. Holy Spirit, be our Guide!

 

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4
 

Psalm 37:4 is our theme verse for the coming year as we continue to delight ourselves in the Lord, trusting that He will lead the desires of our hearts into alignment with His. As we seek to lead our children the best we can into relationship with their heavenly Father while setting them up for the unique missions He has chosen for each of them individually,
we are sensitive to the voice of the Lord. We only want to be in His will.

 

And so, as we reevaluate and pray, we're sensing some changes on the horizon, praise the Lord!
We love to see how God grows us and transforms us over time as we surrender to His molding process.
It can be uncomfortable (change), but when God confirms His will there is peace amidst the discomfort,
the kind of peace that transcends our understanding when we know the changes are of Him.

 

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

It's been a thoughtful day today, and all week really, as we've buttoned up loose ends, considered and reconsidered our educational goals for our family and how we'll set out to achieve them. Contemplating what's been done and what's to come, 2014-2015 books ordered and on the way, I'm getting more and more excited and expectant already for next year...this year.
 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7

DO TO OTHERS

(my homeschooling encouragement for today)

 

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them."

Matthew 7:12

THE GIFT OF PONDERING

Nowhere to go. Nowhere to be. We take the time to ponder.

God speaks in the pondering.

 

By 7:52am so much has happened already...and the day has just begun.

How many hearts have been steered? How many fires put out?

 

This is why we homeschool.

 

I take advantage and redirect, remind myself and her about Mary.

 

"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart."

Luke 2:19

 

We discuss the privilege of time. I encourage her to think. I prompt her to steal away, get alone with Jesus.

And what if we were scurrying into the car right now? What if my agenda trumped God's??

 

How can we ponder quiet when we're on the go? How can we be reflective in the bustle?

How can we store up God's Word in heart and cultivate permeation if we don't stop to listen? Be...still.

 

And Mary did, (Jesus' mother), a woman worth considering.

 

"And [Jesus'] mother treasured up all these things in her heart."

Luke 2:51

 

Mary, she did that, the other Mary too.

 

"Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.' But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'”

Luke 10:38-42

 

So, we stop and we breath in the Breath of Life, drink the Living Water. We quiet ourselves and retreat with the Lord.

We intentionally instigate the pondering. We think in bed, pray in the new day, grateful we're not in a hurry.

We nestle in nooks and work hard to not overwork, still productive all the while...preparing for what a day holds.

 

Lord, help us to be a Mary.

 

It's funny how it all works out when we prioritize Him first, default mode: Christ.

When we value what He values and invest in hearts like Him. It's a marvel to see what He can do.

 

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Matthew 6:33

 

We stand in circle and give thanks for our morning meal. I loved how she sang and danced with the toddlers while she made it. :) I love that we take our time. I love that we eat it together. I've loved it ALLready today and I ponder...

 

How I treasure these days in my heart! How I soak them in. They're beautiful. Messy. Beautiful!

 

And this we store up in our hearts, the gift of homeschool, the time it allows. I don't want it to slip through our fingers when days can be like sieves for souls. I pray like our lives depend on it (and they do) that we'll receive the offering
and make the most of our time while it's here, listen to the whispers, employ the gift of pondering.

 

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time."
Ephesians 5:15-16

OC ZOO

On day 3 of our stay-cation last week, we headed out to the OC Zoo in Irvine Regional Park.

 

 

We had such an excellent day and learned a LOT too!
We had no idea about this little zoo just around the corner.

And, admission was only $2!

 

Aida worked intently on her scavenger hunt...such a neat educational idea to engage the older kids!

 

 

 

The petting zoo was a highlight for sure!

 

 

India insisted on kissing (and wrangling) all of the goats.

 

 

Boden liked brushing the biggest goat best (with his blue brush of course).

 

 

(Brodie's favorite)

 

Of course now we've been talked into chickens and goats (and ponies?!) of our own...

just need that property we've been waiting on...

 

Elka, our bird lover, was especially excited about the parrot who repeated everything she said!

 

 "Hello, Elka!"

 

My personal favorite wasn't even an animal, but the beautiful covered wagon we passed on the way out.

 

 

I think I would have liked the prairie....

 

After the zoo, we had planned to go to the pony rides in particular for Olia who has always dreamed of riding a real pony...BUT...poor girl! She was too tall for the only size they had to ride that day! What are the odds?! Noble, Nova, and Boden had the time of their lives, though, and Olia was beyond understanding about the whole thing!

 

(Surprise! Mom and Dad have to...I mean get to...walk the ponies around the loop!)

 

 

...and...

 

SURPRISE!!!

 

 

On our way home from our Lake Arrowhead trip at the end of our week (which happened to be the weekend...the only time her size pony was available), we stopped off spontaneously to let Olia ride a pony after all...her brother too...

 

 

...and Olia's pony riding dream finally came true!!

 

After our pony rides and the zoo, we had a picnic in the park and made flower crowns like the ones I used to make on the field in elementary school...talk about memories rushing back when I saw those little flowers I hadn't seen since then.

30 years may have gone by, but I still remembered as if it were yesterday how to make them. Time flies...

 

 

All in all, it was a wonderful day of educational fun at the OC Zoo learning about God's creatures.

I'm sure we'll go back again next school year and perhaps we'll even have some new pets of our own by then.

 

Time will tell...

 

"So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm,
according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good."

Genesis 1:21