A Whirlwind Time to Quiet Time

It's been a whirl-wind of activity around here for the last couple of weeks. My oldest son has his Fire Academy picnic and then last Saturday, he graduated from the Academy and became a full fledged fire fighter! Woo-Hoo!! Here's a picture of him in his gear at the picnic...

At the picnic, we got a tour of the facility where they train the recruits and then they did a drill for us to see. It was very impressive! We also got to meet his instructors and the firemen of the district. It was a fun afternoon and so amazing to see what these men go through to become fire fighters.

Here's a picture of my two sons at the picnic. First a silly one and then the more serious one. 

As a homeschool Mom, I can see how our choice to homeschool our children totally set a firm foundation for my children to grow on.Both of my sons have known that we would support them in their dreams and that they have the freedom to pursue those dreams. I also see how they are both so grounded in their faith that there is really no fear, in either of them, that they might somehow be less of a man if they decided to move on from a dream. They know their identity is in Christ and not in their earthly accomplishments. (Although, my fireman sons LOVES being a fireman and being part of that community!) We learned in our homeschooling in a way that was best for them and they have taken that learning into their college years and it has served them well. LOVE homeschooling!!

We also had the leadership picnic at our church to thank those of us who lead a Bible study or a small group. It was so nice and we really enjoyed our time there, too. Our church is very supportive of leadership and they know that it takes a lot of commitment and sacrifice on our part and our families part to do this. Plus, they also acknowledge that satan really attacks those families that do have leaders in them, and that's the truth! However, God is faithful and greater and He does prevail. 

The month of June only has one thing on the calendar (besides church, of course) and I'm so thankful! I'm really needing some "down time" as I'm exhausted and, not only that, I'm in horrible pain again. I went to my studio to paint and I don't know what I did, but I started having horrible pain and had to come back to the house. I slept in my recliner with the heating pad last night and plan on taking it easy and praying that this passes quickly. As I've said so many times before, pain is not for sissies! It takes every ounce of faith and strength I have to not allow it to define me or keep me from going forward! Thankfully, the one thing on my calendar is a back shot I had scheduled for next week. God's perfect timing - again! He is SO good!

God bless you - Julie

 

Update

I wanted to check in and let you all know that I am doing okay.  I have had my good days and my bad but am very thankful for the good.  I am still experiencing pain and am anxious for my back injection next week! 

I did go to my prayer meeting last week for the first time in over a year! It was so wonderful to be in prayer for our church with the precious ladies in our group.  It's a small group, but a powerful, prayer-filled, Scripture filled group.  Such a blessing to be able to go! My goal is to go to the ministries I'm involved in whenever I can this year.  I'm hoping that it's more often than not.

Did you watch the Broncos/Steelers game on Sunday?  It was a great game with an amazing end! It's so nice to have an athlete that our children can look up to.  Tim Tebow is such a wonderful man of God and I truly believe that his testimony is bringing so many to Jesus.  God bless him!

I've been working on my Bible study, reading the Word of God, writing and crocheting.  I haven't had a lot of energy the past week as I'm still battling a bladder infection (bleah) but it's been a great time of quiet reflection of quiet moments.

My boys went to visit a friend out of town over the weekend and our house was so quiet.  This Mama didn't like it too much.  lol  I'm so blessed to have my boys still living here at home and they add so much to our lives and I missed them.  They had a great time, though, and I'm so glad they were able to go and visit their friend and have a good time for a few days.  They will be having to hit the books in about a week and a half and getting away was a nice time for them just before school starts again. 

Speaking of school, my oldest son has been asked to be in the honors program at his college.  He will be traveling, be involved in community affairs and so forth.  What an honor for him and I'm very proud of him.  I don't doubt that my youngest will also be asked into this program as his grade point is also high.  They have to continue to keep the grade point up before they are asked into the program and as this was my youngest son's first full semester, it will probably be at least another semester before he's asked.  To me it just proves again that homeschooling really does work and is the best foundation for our children. 

God bless you - Julie

Some Fun & Favorite Things

I can just imagine how much fun my sons would have with this! There would be one water balloon launched after another!  Fun, fun, fun!!

 

This would provide hours and hours of fun and imagination!  I could just see my sons getting together with friends to battle the dark enemies of Sauron from Lord of the Rings and using this as their "weapon" of choice. :)  They would set up their hay bales and pretend that they were the enemy.  They might even set up smaller targets on top of the hay bales, like pumpkins or even large rocks.  How much fun to perfect their accuracy!  

The greatest part is that TODAY ONLY this Three-Man Slingshot Water Balloon Launcher is only $9.90! This is a 45% savings over the regular price.  You can click on the picture and it will take you to the page where you can find out more about it.  

When I see things like this, I'm reminded of all the many fun times my sons had playing with their friends.  I'm also reminded of the great times we had when we teamed up with another homeschooling family to do our own little mini-co-op.  It was really a highlight of our homeschooling journey.  One of the things we used was this

We really enjoyed this and so did our children.  It was interesting and held our childrens attention.  It also was great because we were including 3 grade levels and it worked for all of them.  We also liked that they were wholesome and we didn't have to worry that there would be things that would be offensive to our children or us.  Again, you can click on the picture and it will take you to the page to learn more information.

Another thing my children and I loved to do was listen to radio shows.  This is one of our favorites because the story is so amazing and inspiring.  

We would sit in the living room in our favorite chairs or on the couch and listen.  We would sip hot chocolate or hot tea and snuggle under a blanket and listen to the beautiful story of a man who wouldn't give up when he was trying to right a wrong.  Such sweet memories!!

Homeschooling for us was such a wonderful thing.  I've said it so many times that it's the best and greatest thing I ever did and I'm so glad I was obedient to God's calling and did it.  It blessed our family beyond measure!

God bless you - Julie

Guest Book Update

My guestbook is now working on my website so I have posted the response to Rebecca there also. 

Here's a link to my webiste:  JULIE'S WEBSITE and just click on the guestbook button on the left side.

I would like to encourage you all to visit my website, especially if you are a homeschooler, as I have  alot of my articles I've written on there and other information.  I also would love for you to sign my guestbook.

God bless you ~ Julie

My Response to a Critic of Homeschooling

I received the following message on my website guest book.  I tried to leave a response to her in the guest book, however, it was evidently too long to record it.  I wanted to share her comment with you:

10-11-2010 Rebecca US I do not believe in homeschooling under ordinary circumstances. I have many, many reasons why I feel this why. One of the top ones is that there is no regulation in most states. There are no proctors coming out and giving standardized testing. So, there is no way to know if it is working or not for each individual child. Most people whom I know who home school do it for one reason only and it has nothing to do with education. That reason is control. They cannot fathom their children drawing an independent breath out of their sight. I have never understood why parents who home school are so darned defensive. They ask you what your views of the subject are. You politely and calmly answer their question. They then proceed to wig out. It's like they are always ready for a fight. I have to laugh about people who are always bragging about this person or that person who was home schooled and went to an ivy league college. Why? Is it so rare for a home schooled person to be accepted by a good college? If so, then that might be an argument against home schooling. But, I guess my main reason not to do it is this. If my child wanted to learn to a music instrument that I did not know how to play, I would not purchase the instrument and an instruction book and try to figure it out. I would send them to a professional instructor who taught that instrument. Most people feel the same way. Why, then, would I leave my child's academics to rank amateurs?  This is my response to Rebecca: This is in response to Rebecca's two guest book comments (which were the same).  Rebecca: First of all, I didn't ask your opinion about homeschooling, so I'm not sure why you felt the need to leave these two messages to me in my guest book.  However, I would like to address your comments about homeschooling. I did not keep my children home for control. In fact, I don't know any homeschool parent who kept or keeps their children home in order to control them.  Quite the contrary.  I was seeing that our school systems (my children were in public and charter schools) were not providing my children what they needed in order to be educated AND they certainly weren't offering them the extra classes like music, art, or other electives.  One of the main reasons I took my children out of the public school system is because they moved them to the next grade level and they couldn't even read!!  Personally, if this was how a "professional" was going to educate my child, I knew I could do a better job than that; and I did.  I was just like you when I started this whole homeschooling adventure.  I thought homeschoolers were weird, strange and controlling.  Of course, I was saying all these things out of ignorance because I never even looked into homeschooling until a state education OFFICIAL suggested it to me in response to my complaints about the charter school I put my children in after the public school fiasco.  The charter school was just as bad, but even worse in the long run because they have no one above them to monitor them when there are complaints.  I hit a brick wall when I called the state education system about this school.  They had no jurisdiction over any charter school.  Again I ask - is this the professional  system that you think is so wonderful?  My children (who are grown) are much more well-rounded, secure, mature, and moral than I ever was at their age and, yes, I was educated by the public school system.  Personally, I would have loved to have been homeschooled.  I would have been spared the teasing and bullying I endured EVERYDAY and I would have been able to pursue the artistic and musical endeavors that I was so suited to.  I think the reason you hear about homeschoolers who end up in Ivy League colleges so much, is that we are always having to justify our choice to people (like you) who question our choice and wonder if we are raising scared, uneducated, heathens.  Saying, "See, my child is normal AND educated", is just our way of showing "the world" that we CAN educate our children as well (and usually better) than the public schools.  Both of my children play musical instruments (taught by ME and other music teachers), attend church regularly, have friends, go to college, interact with the population at large, and they have good morals.  I question whether they would be doing so well if they hadn't been homeschooled.  I find it interesting that you left this comment without leaving your email address.  I guess you just wanted to have a one-sided dialogue about this issue.  I do hope you haven't felt that I've "wigged out" If I've sounded defensive, I am.  I defend my right to homeschool, to raise my children in a Christian home with Christian values, to love them enough to take the time to homeschool them and take them to all the classes, music lessons, sports events, and other interests that they pursued.  I homeschooled my children because I loved them and I wanted what was the absolute best.  Homeschooling was the very best thing I ever did for them or me.  I hope this answers your questions and accusations fully.  You're free to have your opinion, however, don't be surprised when homeschoolers "wig out" when you question their intelligence and motives. - Julie **+**+**+**+** Here is the link to my website:  Julie's Website You will see the button on the left side to go to the guest book and you can view the comments there.

Sunday Devotional

How often do you really stop - really stop - and consider God's wonders? If you're like me, you don't do it often enough. I know my first thought when I read this scripture is to think of nature. Truly, the beauty of nature is one of God's wonders. The beautiful sky - especially here in Arizona - the trees and my favorite, the birds. Not long ago,my oldest son rearranged my chair in the family room so I could look out the window and then my youngest son put up a bird feeder that feeds both small and large birds right outside our window. He then moved the large birdbath that was just out of site of the window, right smack in front of it! Wow! What a tremendous sight I see each day. Birds of every shape and size, coming to feed and drink. I have seen new species that I've been able to add to my bird book where I write down what birds I've seen. We actually have a woodpecker here now and that has been thrilling. Since I don't live where there are a lot of trees, I was shocked to see him, but I've made sure to buy him special treats so he will return.

When I really stop and consider God's wonders, I must focus on my children. What miracles they truly are! I look at my oldest son and see my Father's hands and feet. I see my Father's husky and manly build in my son, too. I see my mouth and nose. In my youngest son, I see my husband and my Father's and Grandmother's nose. Isn't this miraculous? God passes down these features to our children from their ancestors and we are able to see our parents and grandparents in them. My children have blessed my life more than you can imagine. They have given me an unconditional love and, more than that, they have given Jesus an unconditional love.

God's wonders do not stop at the fact that my children resemble my family physically. They have continued on a belief in the Lord, Jesus Christ, that my husband and I began when they were quite small. My husband's and my familys believe there is a God, but they don't believe IN God. They don't live their life for Him and nothing in their lives have changed. My children have chosen to follow God and their lives are so much richer and more fulfilling than ours ever were at their age. My heart swells at this.

I'm so thankful for homeschooling because it has allowed us to instill in our children the Word of God. They have been able to hide it in their heart (Psalms 119:11) and make it a part of their daily learning. They have heard the call of the Lord and answered Him. Is there anything more wonderous than the Lord calling us to be His own? Stop and look at your children. Stop and consider the wonders of the Lord and you will see SO much.

God bless you - Julie

Has it been 19 days?

I couldn't believe I hadn't posted since the 1st of September! I've been just too busy and don't seem to find the time to do any posting. I'll be glad to get into a better routine. *sigh* Someday . . . .

My hubby didn't have to have his surgery that was scheduled for yesterday. Late last Friday, my hubby noticed that things were working better. They continued to improve over the weekend and so Monday morning we called his doctor to see what he thought. He agreed that we should not do the surgery and as he said, my hubby could always do it if he needs to down the road. This was a total blessing and we really feel that the Lord chose to heal my hubby. We are very thankful and totally praising Him!

It has finally cooled down here and there's a nip of Autumn in the air. I'm just loving this weather. It refreshes me and I come alive with the cooler air.

I had to order more school books today. I thought I had everything I needed, but alas, I didn't. It was a very expensive ordeal, but now I have the rest of our books for this year and next year, too. I was so glad the salesman came back to town again as I won't have to pay for the shipping since I ordered them directly from him. Usually, they only come into town in Spring and early Summer, so this was a nice surprise and such a blessing to save on the shipping.

Speaking of our homeschooling, it's going really well. My son is keeping up on his studies every day and I've been keeping up with the grading. I love when things run smoothly like this and I'm organized. My son is a creature of habit and loves the structure of knowing what to do and then he just does it. He gets up early in the morning (not too early, though!) and goes to his lesson planner I have written up for him and just follows through with everything each day. He's really easy to work with and also fun to work with. He enjoys learning and we have a lot of fun with our learning.

I'm watching a Western with my hubby, so guess I better sign off. God bless.

If it's not one thing, it's something else

Remember Rosanne Rosannadanna from Saturday Night Live? Well, she was absolutely right - if it's not one thing, it's something else. Everytime I think I fixed one problem with my body, something new needs to be dealt with. I've been having back problems for over 10 years. It's finally gotten to a point where I can't take it any longer. I have pain down my legs, in my hips and my right leg is numb from the hip to the knee. I've really had enough. It's affecting my quality of life and I'm so tired of it. I have decided that I need to have the surgery to fix this. I have fought this for years because my sister had the surgery about 20 years ago and it was a big deal. Today I found out from one of my friends that she had it and it's done a lot differently! It sounds like something I can handle and if it will relieve my pain and let me live normally again, I'm all for it. Pray for me, will you, regarding this? I know it's such a delicate area of the body.

On a better note, I did go to my first Ladies Bible study today. We actually just talked and got to know one another today. It was wonderful. It's a great mix of ladies and we all got along so great. There was 6 of us and that's such a nice number. We are doing the bible study by Beth Moore on Daniel. I can't wait to get started on it! I would love to go to the WOW convention that is coming to our state because Beth will be there, but I don't think my back could handle it, unless I get something done by then and am able to go. I'm going to really be praying about all this!

I'm still putting together my son's lesson plans. It was totally worth it to put off school for one week so I could be totally organized. I'm feeling so much more relaxed about everything and I know it's because I'm getting everything so put together. I'm really going to enjoy my last two years of homeschooling!! I've always enjoyed it, but now I'm savoring it.

I'll be posting pictures of my things I'm making, soon. If I can just feel better, I'll be able to do even more. *sigh* Like I said, it's always something!!

Getting ready for school

I have been going through all our curriculum and have our new year of homeschooling all planned out. My son is in 11th grade, so it's quite a load, but he will be able to handle it fine. In fact, he seems excited to be getting started. He's doing Bible Study, Algebra, US History, American Literature, Chemistry, Geography, Spelling & Vocabulary, and Writing. This will be the first year I'm only schooling one child as my oldest is now in college. I'm going to enjoy and savor these two remaining years I have with my last child, believe me!!

I've been inspired by Barb to start my Christmas projects. She is doing some wonderful counted cross stitch projects that I would dearly love to do, but I have no idea what the pattern is. If anyone knows, would you please let me know? Check out her blog where you'll see a picture of the ornaments she's working on. I'm working on counted cross stitch projects as well as my crocheting. I found a marvelous book at a thrift shop that had the most adorable baby booties in them that I will just have to make. I also went to WalMart and found the cutest fabric panels. One is of the nativity and one is of a snowman. They are going to be so easy to do, but will be darling when finished!!

For dinner tonight, I'm making baked pork chops (they are an inch thick!), baked potatoes and broccoli. For desert, I made luscious, individual zucchini cakes with orange frosting drizzled on top. Yummy!! My family is gonna love it!!