I thought I would post a quick update on why I haven't posted in so long. You see, I'm trying to figure out exactly what I want my blog to represent. Do I want it to be about me, my family, homeschooling or all of the above? I just don't know. I read so many different blogs that say so many different things but the one thing they all have in common is that they fit the personality and style of the author. So, I've been trying to define my personality and style. As you can see, I'm not doing very well since this is my first post in 9 months!! I supposed I shouldn't give up my writing completely as I figure this out because I love to write. I'm just not sure what to write about anymore.
My other dilemma is trying to "spice up" my blog. I want to make it pretty and make it pop. I have no idea how to do that. Right now my page is exactly how it came, with a different background. I am technologically challenged when it comes to these kinds of things. I don't even know where to begin to make it different. Help!! Please??
I promise I won't be a stranger anymore, even if it is just to check in. :)
Friday, September 17, 2010
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Has it really been THAT LONG since my last post?
Just when I think I've got it under control - life happens. Between illness, activities and school time has certainly gotten away from me. My goal for 2010 - better time management and better organization. Actually, ANY kind of time management and ANY kind of organization would be an improvement over what I have now, which is none of either. :)
We are plugging and chugging away with school. Although it is not necessary, my plan was to be about halfway through the curriculum by Christmas. We are pretty much on target. It really doesn't matter, though, because I think we will be doing school in the summer. We are not bound by an August (September?) through May schedule. We don't have to take certain holidays. I just wanted to make sure we were staying on track and getting the actual curriculum work done while we explored other educational opportunities. This goal also helps me with that pesky organization problem I deal with daily.
Zachary and Ryan are learning about the states in the order that they became states in the U.S. Zachary already knows most of this so part of his lesson is to help Ryan learn. Both are having a great time with their State Sheets and Cards. They get to read, write, color and use a sticker...great fun!! They also color in the state on a photocopy of the map. Zachary has decided to number the states in the order they ratified the Constitution. He knows where each state is located on the map and has already had to correct me. "No, Mom," he said. " That is not Georgia." He was right...I was one state over to the right.
Both boys continually amaze me with what they remember about the lessons. I can see improvement each day, even just with little things such as handwriting or math skills. I love that they ask when we are going to "do school" on the days that I am running behind or moving more slowly because I don't feel well. Ryan has enjoyed learning about Creation and is ready to put more in his Bible Notebook. Zachary is ready to move on in math. I think he'd like to skip straight to geometry but I think we'll start with 4th grade math.
Along with school we have been busy with other activities. Zachary and Ryan are very busy in Cub Scouts. There are den meetings, activities and pack meetings. This past week they wrapped Christmas presents from the Angel Tree the Pack sponsored and went caroling at a local nursing home and retirement center. This Tuesday, 12/15, is the Pack Meeting where they will get their Pinewood Derby cars. They both love Scouts.
Zachary and Ryan are starting basketball, too. They will play with Upward Basketball through our church. Ryan's first practice was last Tuesday and he was so proud when he made his first "hoop." Zachary starts on Monday, 12/14. I am looking forward to seeing them play in their games this spring.
All three boys were involved with the Christmas program through church. Zachary was in the musical "The Mystery of the Manger: The Gospel Truth" while Ryan and Joshua sang with Patch the Pirate Club Kid's Choir. Zachary had a small speaking part and a solo part in one of the songs. The performance was Sunday, 12/13. They all did a wonderful job and I am so proud of them. They can't wait for their next opportunity to perform.
Joshua - I haven't said too much about him, have I? He is doing very well in school. His kindergarten is working on 1st Grade Saxon math. He is reading short books all by himself. Each week he gets a worksheet with sentences and a worksheet with words to read to me (or Daddy) and have signed each night that he has worked on the page. Usually he will read both sheets without mistakes the first day. WOW!! It seems that Joshua is picking up reading as easily as his brothers. I am certainly thankful for that. He is not old enough to be in Scouts (but he hangs out with his brothers during their activities as much as possible) or play basketball but we are going to let him play a soccer this spring. He is already looking forward to being on the field.
Joshua will, more than likely, have to have tubes put in his ears again. He keeps telling me he can't hear. Ugh. Our current insurance plan has a high deductible and paying for appointments out of pocket can be difficult. I am thankful that we have insurance, though. I tried to make an appointment with an ENT last week but was not successful with that particular practice. They were not willing to work with us with what we would owe (payment plan) and would not allow me to make an appointment for this week after payday. We have had several medical bills in the past couple of months for Ryan's asthma and Zachary's fire ant allergy. Plus Christmas. So, I will call another ENT and make an appointment for after the first of the year when our insurance will be different. I plan to take him to the pediatrician to make sure there is no infection even though he says his ears do not hurt. With him you never know.
Well, I hope that has caught you up with the happenings of the Parrott family. We are knee-deep in preparations for Christmas. We are trying to teach our boys that it is not about the gifts, not about the tree, not about the food - it is about Jesus's birth so long ago. Thankfully, I am blessed with three beautiful boys who love Jesus and want to live for Him. It's pretty easy to center their hearts when the "greedies" hit.
"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3 (NIV)
We are plugging and chugging away with school. Although it is not necessary, my plan was to be about halfway through the curriculum by Christmas. We are pretty much on target. It really doesn't matter, though, because I think we will be doing school in the summer. We are not bound by an August (September?) through May schedule. We don't have to take certain holidays. I just wanted to make sure we were staying on track and getting the actual curriculum work done while we explored other educational opportunities. This goal also helps me with that pesky organization problem I deal with daily.
Zachary and Ryan are learning about the states in the order that they became states in the U.S. Zachary already knows most of this so part of his lesson is to help Ryan learn. Both are having a great time with their State Sheets and Cards. They get to read, write, color and use a sticker...great fun!! They also color in the state on a photocopy of the map. Zachary has decided to number the states in the order they ratified the Constitution. He knows where each state is located on the map and has already had to correct me. "No, Mom," he said. " That is not Georgia." He was right...I was one state over to the right.
Both boys continually amaze me with what they remember about the lessons. I can see improvement each day, even just with little things such as handwriting or math skills. I love that they ask when we are going to "do school" on the days that I am running behind or moving more slowly because I don't feel well. Ryan has enjoyed learning about Creation and is ready to put more in his Bible Notebook. Zachary is ready to move on in math. I think he'd like to skip straight to geometry but I think we'll start with 4th grade math.
Along with school we have been busy with other activities. Zachary and Ryan are very busy in Cub Scouts. There are den meetings, activities and pack meetings. This past week they wrapped Christmas presents from the Angel Tree the Pack sponsored and went caroling at a local nursing home and retirement center. This Tuesday, 12/15, is the Pack Meeting where they will get their Pinewood Derby cars. They both love Scouts.
Zachary and Ryan are starting basketball, too. They will play with Upward Basketball through our church. Ryan's first practice was last Tuesday and he was so proud when he made his first "hoop." Zachary starts on Monday, 12/14. I am looking forward to seeing them play in their games this spring.
All three boys were involved with the Christmas program through church. Zachary was in the musical "The Mystery of the Manger: The Gospel Truth" while Ryan and Joshua sang with Patch the Pirate Club Kid's Choir. Zachary had a small speaking part and a solo part in one of the songs. The performance was Sunday, 12/13. They all did a wonderful job and I am so proud of them. They can't wait for their next opportunity to perform.
Joshua - I haven't said too much about him, have I? He is doing very well in school. His kindergarten is working on 1st Grade Saxon math. He is reading short books all by himself. Each week he gets a worksheet with sentences and a worksheet with words to read to me (or Daddy) and have signed each night that he has worked on the page. Usually he will read both sheets without mistakes the first day. WOW!! It seems that Joshua is picking up reading as easily as his brothers. I am certainly thankful for that. He is not old enough to be in Scouts (but he hangs out with his brothers during their activities as much as possible) or play basketball but we are going to let him play a soccer this spring. He is already looking forward to being on the field.
Joshua will, more than likely, have to have tubes put in his ears again. He keeps telling me he can't hear. Ugh. Our current insurance plan has a high deductible and paying for appointments out of pocket can be difficult. I am thankful that we have insurance, though. I tried to make an appointment with an ENT last week but was not successful with that particular practice. They were not willing to work with us with what we would owe (payment plan) and would not allow me to make an appointment for this week after payday. We have had several medical bills in the past couple of months for Ryan's asthma and Zachary's fire ant allergy. Plus Christmas. So, I will call another ENT and make an appointment for after the first of the year when our insurance will be different. I plan to take him to the pediatrician to make sure there is no infection even though he says his ears do not hurt. With him you never know.
Well, I hope that has caught you up with the happenings of the Parrott family. We are knee-deep in preparations for Christmas. We are trying to teach our boys that it is not about the gifts, not about the tree, not about the food - it is about Jesus's birth so long ago. Thankfully, I am blessed with three beautiful boys who love Jesus and want to live for Him. It's pretty easy to center their hearts when the "greedies" hit.
"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3 (NIV)
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Fall Break
The Learners' School has been on Fall Break for the last week. It wasn't really a planned break but it happened. Last Thursday I was not feeling well, probably because of allergies. Friday, after what seemed like weeks and weeks of rain and gloom, I decided just to get out of the house. We didn't do much outside because it was wet but we had lunch out and did a little shopping. This past Monday I started out by wanting to get the house cleaned - too much rain and 3 boys makes for lots of clutter and mess - while the boys played outside. Well, my body had other plans for me and I spent most of the day in bed with cramps. Tuesday Ryan was sick and he went to the allergist. I felt sure that Wednesday would be the day to get going again - until I remembered the field trip with Joshua's school. I had signed up to be a parent volunteer. So, here we are on Thursday of this week - and I am achy again. I am hopeful it is just allergies.
Tomorrow - we are getting back to work!!
Again, I am thankful for the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling. We are not behind, even though we have missed a week of school. We live our life as a family in a way that learning is all around us, all the time. Books and music are important to us everyday, not just on school days, and that didn't stop this week. The boys were able to play outside and use their imaginations (both inside and out). We went to the Heard Museum in McKinney where they had an exhibit that talked about the make-up of the earth, which was the last science lesson we read. Learning did not stop.
That being said, I plan on catching up next week by doing two weeks in one, especially with the history and science. That way we are able to do the lessons referencing Christmas at the right time. I am thankful that the curriculum is easy to adjust. I am thankful for the curriculum, in general.
I think there is something to be said for "mental health" days, for adults and children. Everyone needs a time to rest and recharge. I believe my boys need time to be boys, too. They love to be outside and with the rain that has been practically impossible. Zachary is practicing for the Christmas musical at church and spent the better part of today singing the songs. Please don't get me wrong: Education (math, history, spelling, etc) is EXTREMELY important and we don't make light of it or take it for granted - the boys are learning what they need to learn on track with their peers (or somewhat ahead). I just think that the learning that happens on its own, without a book or lesson plans, is just as important. Letting the boys have time to explore is necessary for them...and for me. Letting the boys have time to play and be boys is important, too. (and it is also important for my sanity to have some time off)
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Tomorrow - we are getting back to work!!
Again, I am thankful for the freedom and flexibility of homeschooling. We are not behind, even though we have missed a week of school. We live our life as a family in a way that learning is all around us, all the time. Books and music are important to us everyday, not just on school days, and that didn't stop this week. The boys were able to play outside and use their imaginations (both inside and out). We went to the Heard Museum in McKinney where they had an exhibit that talked about the make-up of the earth, which was the last science lesson we read. Learning did not stop.
That being said, I plan on catching up next week by doing two weeks in one, especially with the history and science. That way we are able to do the lessons referencing Christmas at the right time. I am thankful that the curriculum is easy to adjust. I am thankful for the curriculum, in general.
I think there is something to be said for "mental health" days, for adults and children. Everyone needs a time to rest and recharge. I believe my boys need time to be boys, too. They love to be outside and with the rain that has been practically impossible. Zachary is practicing for the Christmas musical at church and spent the better part of today singing the songs. Please don't get me wrong: Education (math, history, spelling, etc) is EXTREMELY important and we don't make light of it or take it for granted - the boys are learning what they need to learn on track with their peers (or somewhat ahead). I just think that the learning that happens on its own, without a book or lesson plans, is just as important. Letting the boys have time to explore is necessary for them...and for me. Letting the boys have time to play and be boys is important, too. (and it is also important for my sanity to have some time off)
1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Fall and Festivals
Is it the end of October already?!? Wow!! Where has the time gone? Just yesterday it was May and we were making our move back to Texas. Now we are getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. One day I'll blink and Zachary will be leaving for college!!
Fall is my most favorite time of year. I love the cool weather, the wonderful colors and the yummy smells. It is harder to enjoy fall in Texas - it doesn't get as cool and brown just isn't the same as yellow and read on the trees! I do my best. I like Saturday afternoon college football (lately I can watch all week in the evenings, too). I look forward to sweater weather and wearing sweat pants. I love fall.
One of the things that comes with fall is Halloween. What is a Christian to do with October 31? I grew up with a "Halloween" carnival at church, complete with a haunted house (haunted boiler room?) that had cold spaghetti and peeled grapes to touch. It was great. I never thought of it as evil or bad - just lots of fun. Things have changed since then. Now there are people who believe that the very day, October 31, is evil. "Satan's High Holy Day," I heard someone say. I've heard many people say that Halloween represents everything that God is against. I've heard people say that is the history behind Halloween. Maybe...
I won't get in to the history of the day here, but The History Channel has a great article on the Real history and beginnings of Halloween. Actually, the references to Satan have come about more recently, as people have perverted the day. I'm sure a person could find a website to support whatever they believe about Halloween. I respect that.
I have a BIG problem with people judging me and my Christianity (and my family) on what we do on October 31, or the days around 10/31. Our family does not "celebrate" Halloween like we would another holiday but we do participate in some of the activities. Our children wear costumes and get candy. We attend Fall Festivals/Trunk or Treats. We go to the pumpkin patch and we decorate pumpkins. We emphasize fun, family and friends.
Here is what we don't do: we don't play tricks on people, we don't worship satan, we don't talk about evil (or do any evil), we don't take part in any activity that would imply that evil is going on. What else don't we do: WE DON'T JUDGE OTHERS IF THEY CHOOSE NOT TO DO ANY OF THESE ACTIVITIES. I just wish we were extended the same courtesy.
My boys know right from wrong, good from evil. They know and love God and want to live for Jesus. In fact, each of them proudly proclaimed who they were upon entering the Fall Festival at church on 10/25 - "I am a (ninja, swamp monster, race car driver) who LOVES JESUS! They know.
On the school front: we made bread. It was bad. We'll have to try again. Oh, well.
Zachary has been very excited about history this week. We are learning about Benjamin Franklin. Yesterday before we made our own version of "Poor Richard's Almanac" Zachary ran upstairs and got a book he had about Benjamin Franklin. He read it out loud to me and Ryan. He was excited to get to share something he knew.
And finally - Ryan's Tiger Den in Pack 344 sold the most popcorn and won the pack pizza party.
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." (NIV)
Fall is my most favorite time of year. I love the cool weather, the wonderful colors and the yummy smells. It is harder to enjoy fall in Texas - it doesn't get as cool and brown just isn't the same as yellow and read on the trees! I do my best. I like Saturday afternoon college football (lately I can watch all week in the evenings, too). I look forward to sweater weather and wearing sweat pants. I love fall.
One of the things that comes with fall is Halloween. What is a Christian to do with October 31? I grew up with a "Halloween" carnival at church, complete with a haunted house (haunted boiler room?) that had cold spaghetti and peeled grapes to touch. It was great. I never thought of it as evil or bad - just lots of fun. Things have changed since then. Now there are people who believe that the very day, October 31, is evil. "Satan's High Holy Day," I heard someone say. I've heard many people say that Halloween represents everything that God is against. I've heard people say that is the history behind Halloween. Maybe...
I won't get in to the history of the day here, but The History Channel has a great article on the Real history and beginnings of Halloween. Actually, the references to Satan have come about more recently, as people have perverted the day. I'm sure a person could find a website to support whatever they believe about Halloween. I respect that.
I have a BIG problem with people judging me and my Christianity (and my family) on what we do on October 31, or the days around 10/31. Our family does not "celebrate" Halloween like we would another holiday but we do participate in some of the activities. Our children wear costumes and get candy. We attend Fall Festivals/Trunk or Treats. We go to the pumpkin patch and we decorate pumpkins. We emphasize fun, family and friends.
Here is what we don't do: we don't play tricks on people, we don't worship satan, we don't talk about evil (or do any evil), we don't take part in any activity that would imply that evil is going on. What else don't we do: WE DON'T JUDGE OTHERS IF THEY CHOOSE NOT TO DO ANY OF THESE ACTIVITIES. I just wish we were extended the same courtesy.
My boys know right from wrong, good from evil. They know and love God and want to live for Jesus. In fact, each of them proudly proclaimed who they were upon entering the Fall Festival at church on 10/25 - "I am a (ninja, swamp monster, race car driver) who LOVES JESUS! They know.
On the school front: we made bread. It was bad. We'll have to try again. Oh, well.
Zachary has been very excited about history this week. We are learning about Benjamin Franklin. Yesterday before we made our own version of "Poor Richard's Almanac" Zachary ran upstairs and got a book he had about Benjamin Franklin. He read it out loud to me and Ryan. He was excited to get to share something he knew.
And finally - Ryan's Tiger Den in Pack 344 sold the most popcorn and won the pack pizza party.
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." (NIV)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I'm Not Sure I Signed Up for This!!!
We are well into our school year now - have I said that before?!? We are finishing up week 7 of our curriculum. I'm don't know about the boys but I am learning a WHOLE lot...mainly that I am probably not the best person to teach this curriculum. Why?! Because God did not gift me with the artsy-craftsy gene, the baking gene or the Susie Homemaker gene. Just today Ryan's Bible lesson required drawing a map of the various bodies of water in the Holy Land, so they are familiar when the Bible history teaching begins. Drawing a map - by hand - with a tiny picture as a guide. At least I will be able to tell where the bodies of water are in relation to one another but I am fairly certain they don't actually look like my map in real life!! Tomorrow we make "play dough" and Friday we are making bread. I am going to make the bread by hand and not in the bread machine. I'll let you know how it turns out.
One of the aspects I like most about the curriculum - the hands-on activities - is also the one that is giving me the most difficulty. I often wonder if they tried some of these things (paper wigwams come to mind) with 8 and 9 year old children before they are put into the lesson. I am not looking for perfection but I am wanting the directions to work. Some of the projects are not suited for people like me; you know, with no artistic ability whatsoever. Maybe they need a "dumbed down" version of the projects for people like me. I do the projects - to the best of my ability - and, honestly, Ryan's turn out better. Oh, well. At least I can say I am giving my children a well-rounded education.
Zachary is busily finishing up some math basics we skimmed over last year. He will complete the Fractions 1 book in the "Key To" series tomorrow, after having started it at the beginning of the month. I am thankful that he learns math quickly but that is also the reason we are going back to some of the "basics" like fractions, multiplication and division. I even re-taught addition and subtraction with multiple digits and "carrying" because he didn't quite grasp the concept. He is in such a hurry to move on that he doesn't pay much attention to the "easy" stuff that the "harder" stuff is built on. I am going to spend some time making sure his multiplication and division facts are solid before moving on to another curriculum...probably 4th grade.
Ryan is another story. He is so much like me. Math does not come easily to him. He is smart but math just gives him fits. He has been working on addition and subtraction facts since the beginning of the school year. He does well with the smaller numbers but the larger ones are a struggle to him. I chose a workbook for him for these first few weeks so I could get an idea of where he needed the work. Now I know. He finishes the workbook next week and I have decided the best course of action is to spend some time on fact families. Also, I will make sure he has access to a lot of manipulatives. He used Hershey's Kisses today and that helped with his work - and his work attitude. I will probably stick with what works. :)
I am fortunate that both boys are good readers and they both like to hear stories, too. I have started assigning silent reading to both, usually a few pages of one or two books. Zachary does better with his reading when he goes into the living room and reads out loud while Ryan can sit at the table and read silently. I am using the assigned history passages from Zachary's curriculum with both boys - these I read out loud to them. I do have to keep their hands occupied while I read, though. I will give them paper so they can draw or something to "fidget" with while I read. This week they have made paper clip snakes. It always amazes me that they can tell me the general idea of the story, if not specific details.
I am still very happy with My Father's World and what the boys are learning. While discussing math texts for Zachary today I told Chris that I would like to try "Teaching Textbooks." He asked if I meant just for math or for everything. I said, "Just for math! I love our MFW curriculum." I hope I feel the same way at the end of the year. I'm thinking I will. :)
RYAN AND THE GLIDER
Changing the subject, I have to brag on Ryan. Wednesday nights is when the church we attend, Arapaho Road Baptist, has Bible studies for adults and activities for children. Zachary attends the ARBC Production Company where he is learning about God while practicing for the Christmas program. Ryan and Joshua attend Patch the Pirate Club, where they do art projects, learn about the Bible and sing. Each night they have the opportunity to earn a "treasure" from the Treasure Chest. Tonight both Ryan and Joshua were able to choose a treat. Ryan chose a glider from the chest. Joshua LOVES airplanes but that was the last one in the chest. Ryan gave the glider to Joshua and chose another treasure for himself. What a sweet boy!! The story could end there and be great but it gets better. Tonight Ryan showed me his treasure and told me it was his "good luck charm" necklace. His treasure? A neon green plastic cross hanging from neon green string. The reason it is his "good luck charm?" "Because," he said, "Jesus died on the cross for my sins."
I Timothy 4:12 says "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (NIV)
One of the aspects I like most about the curriculum - the hands-on activities - is also the one that is giving me the most difficulty. I often wonder if they tried some of these things (paper wigwams come to mind) with 8 and 9 year old children before they are put into the lesson. I am not looking for perfection but I am wanting the directions to work. Some of the projects are not suited for people like me; you know, with no artistic ability whatsoever. Maybe they need a "dumbed down" version of the projects for people like me. I do the projects - to the best of my ability - and, honestly, Ryan's turn out better. Oh, well. At least I can say I am giving my children a well-rounded education.
Zachary is busily finishing up some math basics we skimmed over last year. He will complete the Fractions 1 book in the "Key To" series tomorrow, after having started it at the beginning of the month. I am thankful that he learns math quickly but that is also the reason we are going back to some of the "basics" like fractions, multiplication and division. I even re-taught addition and subtraction with multiple digits and "carrying" because he didn't quite grasp the concept. He is in such a hurry to move on that he doesn't pay much attention to the "easy" stuff that the "harder" stuff is built on. I am going to spend some time making sure his multiplication and division facts are solid before moving on to another curriculum...probably 4th grade.
Ryan is another story. He is so much like me. Math does not come easily to him. He is smart but math just gives him fits. He has been working on addition and subtraction facts since the beginning of the school year. He does well with the smaller numbers but the larger ones are a struggle to him. I chose a workbook for him for these first few weeks so I could get an idea of where he needed the work. Now I know. He finishes the workbook next week and I have decided the best course of action is to spend some time on fact families. Also, I will make sure he has access to a lot of manipulatives. He used Hershey's Kisses today and that helped with his work - and his work attitude. I will probably stick with what works. :)
I am fortunate that both boys are good readers and they both like to hear stories, too. I have started assigning silent reading to both, usually a few pages of one or two books. Zachary does better with his reading when he goes into the living room and reads out loud while Ryan can sit at the table and read silently. I am using the assigned history passages from Zachary's curriculum with both boys - these I read out loud to them. I do have to keep their hands occupied while I read, though. I will give them paper so they can draw or something to "fidget" with while I read. This week they have made paper clip snakes. It always amazes me that they can tell me the general idea of the story, if not specific details.
I am still very happy with My Father's World and what the boys are learning. While discussing math texts for Zachary today I told Chris that I would like to try "Teaching Textbooks." He asked if I meant just for math or for everything. I said, "Just for math! I love our MFW curriculum." I hope I feel the same way at the end of the year. I'm thinking I will. :)
RYAN AND THE GLIDER
Changing the subject, I have to brag on Ryan. Wednesday nights is when the church we attend, Arapaho Road Baptist, has Bible studies for adults and activities for children. Zachary attends the ARBC Production Company where he is learning about God while practicing for the Christmas program. Ryan and Joshua attend Patch the Pirate Club, where they do art projects, learn about the Bible and sing. Each night they have the opportunity to earn a "treasure" from the Treasure Chest. Tonight both Ryan and Joshua were able to choose a treat. Ryan chose a glider from the chest. Joshua LOVES airplanes but that was the last one in the chest. Ryan gave the glider to Joshua and chose another treasure for himself. What a sweet boy!! The story could end there and be great but it gets better. Tonight Ryan showed me his treasure and told me it was his "good luck charm" necklace. His treasure? A neon green plastic cross hanging from neon green string. The reason it is his "good luck charm?" "Because," he said, "Jesus died on the cross for my sins."
I Timothy 4:12 says "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." (NIV)
Friday, October 9, 2009
I'm Not Sure *That* Is From Hebrew!
The Learners' School has been in session for a few weeks now. It is going fairly well. Ryan is liking all of the science lessons and Zachary is going to be ready for advanced math before I know it!!! The curriculum is good - the boys are really learning a LOT! I'm learning a lot!! It is fun to see their faces when they learn something new.
Well, today *I* learned something new. I'm pretty sure the wording is not the correct translation from Hebrew. Zachary's Bible lessons this week have been centered on John 8:12 and how Jesus is the Light of the World. His science lessons have been on space - gravity, constellations, light years. Today we read from the book of Job (one of my favorites). We read from the Bible that came with Zachary's curriculum - the NIrV. In this version, Job 38:32 says that God commands the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper (very paraphrased from me). I found this odd. This evening Chris and I did some reading from other verions of the Bible (NLT, NIV, KJV) and found that each of those translations mentioned specifici constellations. I am not doubting the Bible or God. This is just something I have never noticed before.
Yesterday I met with a good friend who is now translating the Bible. He shared with me a book on Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Son of Solomon. He translated these scriptures from the Latin Old Testament. He gave me the book because I am struggling with life and my faith right now. The book of Job is a hard read but a good (and necessary) one. How wonderful it was to realize - just a few minutes ago - that I could read in this book Job 38:32 and find the translation from the Latin OT. It really helped to bring some clarity.
I am anxious to see what next week brings in our curriculum. I *know* what we will be studying but what will the boys be learning? It is always amazing what they learn - and sometimes it has absolutely nothing to do with what is written in the book we are reading or the paper we are doing. For those moments, I am truly - TRULY - thankful I have chosen to homeschool.
Well, today *I* learned something new. I'm pretty sure the wording is not the correct translation from Hebrew. Zachary's Bible lessons this week have been centered on John 8:12 and how Jesus is the Light of the World. His science lessons have been on space - gravity, constellations, light years. Today we read from the book of Job (one of my favorites). We read from the Bible that came with Zachary's curriculum - the NIrV. In this version, Job 38:32 says that God commands the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper (very paraphrased from me). I found this odd. This evening Chris and I did some reading from other verions of the Bible (NLT, NIV, KJV) and found that each of those translations mentioned specifici constellations. I am not doubting the Bible or God. This is just something I have never noticed before.
Yesterday I met with a good friend who is now translating the Bible. He shared with me a book on Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Son of Solomon. He translated these scriptures from the Latin Old Testament. He gave me the book because I am struggling with life and my faith right now. The book of Job is a hard read but a good (and necessary) one. How wonderful it was to realize - just a few minutes ago - that I could read in this book Job 38:32 and find the translation from the Latin OT. It really helped to bring some clarity.
I am anxious to see what next week brings in our curriculum. I *know* what we will be studying but what will the boys be learning? It is always amazing what they learn - and sometimes it has absolutely nothing to do with what is written in the book we are reading or the paper we are doing. For those moments, I am truly - TRULY - thankful I have chosen to homeschool.
Monday, October 5, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!!
Ryan turned 7 on September 24. I can't believe it!!! It seems like just yesterday he came into the world, 3 weeks early but still plump. Ryan had the chubbiest baby cheeks and sweetest expressions. He always did things on his own time, in his own way. 7 years later not much has changed. While he isn't plump any more (in fact, he is a thin little thing), he still has the sweetest expressions. He still does things on his own time and in his own way.
Ryan is a sweet boy. He is loving and caring. He has a tender heart. He loves Jesus. Don't get me wrong - he still has his moments. He has a temper. He will fight with his brothers. He will be disobedient. I think *most* boys have those moments. They don't happen very often with Ryan.
Ryan wants to be a paleontologist when he grows up. He loves dinosaurs; he has for a long time. He loves all nature and all animals. He really wants a snake for a pet. He is curious about the human body and will give first aid to anyone in need. He went to his frist Tiger Cub Scout meeting yesterday. He sure is growing up fast.
We celebrated Ryan's birthday twice - a small family celebration and a trip to Sea World in San Antonio. Ryan hasn't had a birthday party since 1997 because we have moved the past two years the summer before. It is hard to make friends in the summer. Anyway, we opened presents at the house - Ryan got a Leapster2, a game, some books and some clothes. We let him choose where to eat (Cracker Barrel) and we had a chocolate frosted brownie for dessert. He had a fun day. The wish he made while blowing out his birhtday candle broke my heart..." I wish I had some friends."
We went to Sea World Sept. 26-28. We stayed at the Alamo KOA in San Antonio. My parents met us there with their RV. We stayed in a Kamping Kabin. The boys loved it. They had fun playing on the playground (until Zachary got a foot full of fire ants), swimming in the pool, chasing the ducks and sleeping on bunk beds. Sea World was a big hit. Ryan and Joshua fed dolphins with their daddy. We saw sharks, jelly fish, penguins and rays. We saw a cute pirate movie with 4D effects, the Cannery Row show and, of course, Shamu. They boys and their dad rode Shamu Express and Journey to Atlantis...well, Ryan didn't ride the last ride but he did get to mee the Spurs Coyote while waiting with me. All of us rode Rio Loco and got totally soaked - even my parents. We had a wonderful day.
Before we left San Antonio on Sunday we made a trip to the Alamo and the Riverwalk. Too bad the boys were still tired from Sea World and it was HOT. It was a short visit downtown. We took a quick tour of the Alamo and walked to the Rivercenter mall on the Riverwalk. We had lunch and decided to call it a day.
Ryan got his first "real" Bible for his birthday from my parents. He *loves* it. It is a Bible for boys. It has devotionals, life applications and little bits of "Grossology," which gives information about some of the less talked about aspects of certain Bible stories. It has his name on it - he could not get over that. He has been reading it in his bed every night and took it to church this past Sunday. I am so thankful he loves that Bible.
Ryan is such a joy. I am so blessed and honored to be able to call him "son." He is loving and caring. He loves the Lord. He wants to live each day to the fullest. He puts a smile on my face each day - in one way or another.
*I am blessed by all of my boys*
Ryan is a sweet boy. He is loving and caring. He has a tender heart. He loves Jesus. Don't get me wrong - he still has his moments. He has a temper. He will fight with his brothers. He will be disobedient. I think *most* boys have those moments. They don't happen very often with Ryan.
Ryan wants to be a paleontologist when he grows up. He loves dinosaurs; he has for a long time. He loves all nature and all animals. He really wants a snake for a pet. He is curious about the human body and will give first aid to anyone in need. He went to his frist Tiger Cub Scout meeting yesterday. He sure is growing up fast.
We celebrated Ryan's birthday twice - a small family celebration and a trip to Sea World in San Antonio. Ryan hasn't had a birthday party since 1997 because we have moved the past two years the summer before. It is hard to make friends in the summer. Anyway, we opened presents at the house - Ryan got a Leapster2, a game, some books and some clothes. We let him choose where to eat (Cracker Barrel) and we had a chocolate frosted brownie for dessert. He had a fun day. The wish he made while blowing out his birhtday candle broke my heart..." I wish I had some friends."
We went to Sea World Sept. 26-28. We stayed at the Alamo KOA in San Antonio. My parents met us there with their RV. We stayed in a Kamping Kabin. The boys loved it. They had fun playing on the playground (until Zachary got a foot full of fire ants), swimming in the pool, chasing the ducks and sleeping on bunk beds. Sea World was a big hit. Ryan and Joshua fed dolphins with their daddy. We saw sharks, jelly fish, penguins and rays. We saw a cute pirate movie with 4D effects, the Cannery Row show and, of course, Shamu. They boys and their dad rode Shamu Express and Journey to Atlantis...well, Ryan didn't ride the last ride but he did get to mee the Spurs Coyote while waiting with me. All of us rode Rio Loco and got totally soaked - even my parents. We had a wonderful day.
Before we left San Antonio on Sunday we made a trip to the Alamo and the Riverwalk. Too bad the boys were still tired from Sea World and it was HOT. It was a short visit downtown. We took a quick tour of the Alamo and walked to the Rivercenter mall on the Riverwalk. We had lunch and decided to call it a day.
Ryan got his first "real" Bible for his birthday from my parents. He *loves* it. It is a Bible for boys. It has devotionals, life applications and little bits of "Grossology," which gives information about some of the less talked about aspects of certain Bible stories. It has his name on it - he could not get over that. He has been reading it in his bed every night and took it to church this past Sunday. I am so thankful he loves that Bible.
Ryan is such a joy. I am so blessed and honored to be able to call him "son." He is loving and caring. He loves the Lord. He wants to live each day to the fullest. He puts a smile on my face each day - in one way or another.
*I am blessed by all of my boys*
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