Why Home School?

Let me start by saying, that even though my hubby and I decided that I would home school our children, it does not mean I believe that everyone else should do the same. Every family is different, and what works for some may not work for others. I'm just going to share a bit about our decision.

First of all. . .

We did not chose to home school just because I am qualified to teach (I have a degree in Elementary Education and was state certified to teach grades K5 - 6th).

We did not chose to home school just because it is less expensive (if they went to the local Christian school, it would be a bit over our budget - especially with four children).

We did not chose to home school just because it is more convenient (I can not imagine having to feed, dress, and pack up four children every morning just to drive two of them to school).

We did not chose to home school just because we do not want our children exposed to the wrong atmosphere (and yes, I do think that even a Christian school can have a "bad atmosphere").

We did not chose to home school just because our parents, pastor, and friends have done the same (though I'm fortunate to have quite a few local friends who home school as well).

We did chose to home school because we believe that's what the Lord wants for us. Does that sound too simple? Sometimes simple is best!

I will say, I loooooove teaching. You can give me ANY topic, and I will teach someone about it (as long as I understand the topic myself!). I have taught music, art, choir, tennis, soccer, college courses on teaching, and of course all the basics (reading, writing, and 'rithmetic). I love it all!

Now, that being said, it also is nice that I know exactly what my children are being taught and how.

Remember this: teachers are humans too. So if you think about how your own mood is affected by your children's behavior, multiply that by 10, 15, or 20 students in a classroom! Teacher's have bad days and can be grouchy too. I know, at home, I have the chance to tell my boys, "Sorry, I didn't mean to 'snap' at you. Mommy will try to be more patient." That chance does not always happen in a classroom.

Also, some well meaning people become teachers, but that doesn't mean they are good at teaching. I'm sure you can think of at least one teacher you had that either was "way above your head" or made you cry (I know I've had both). Even though I do not claim to be the best teacher, I think, by God's grace, they will learn what they need. God gave parents the job to educate their children, so I believe he allows even the worst "teachers" to be successful in teaching their own children.

Since this is our first year, maybe my "song" will change by next spring, but I'm hoping it doesn't. Teaching in a classroom was much, much easier than teaching my own children at home. I need to take care of a new baby (who nurses every 3 hrs.), keep up with housework, entertain a 3 yr old so he doesn't bother his brothers, and still remember to be a wife to my husband too. BUT, so far, it has been sooo rewarding to see my boys learn. Someday I will have a daughter in K5 while my "stair step" boys will be in grades 3, 4, & 5. How fun! I better start getting in shape now! :)

Saw it, pinned it, made it!

If you haven't heard of Pinterest, let me introduce you. . . http://pinterest.com

Pinterest is a site where you have virtual bulletin boards to "pin" items that interest you. I have bulletin boards for Recipes, Things I want to make, For the boys, etc.

The nice thing about Pinterest is that I have discovered that there is no need for me to "rack my brain" in order to think of creative projects. . . other people have done it for me! I can view everybody's "pins" and that gives me plenty of ideas. I can also search for specific things. . . like "chocolate cake" or "rainy day activities." It's wonderful!

So far, I have made red velvet cheesecake swirl brownies, homemade Butterfingers, and low fat chocolate chip cookies. . . all thanks to Pinterest!

I have found lots of activities for the boys. . .

Colored rice. They have been playing with this stuff for the last week and love it!

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Milk, food coloring, and a "magic" stick. Kyle had fun with this when he was stuck at home sick. Just put some dish soap on the end of a toothpick (or I used a chop stick) and it does "magic".

So, if your looking for some recipes, crafts, teaching aids, cleaning remedies, photo op ideas, funny quotes, or anything else. . . give Pinterest a try!

A Minute of Your Time?

OK, so I have a confession to make. I do NOT like talking on the phone. Let me make it clear, it is NOT that I dislike talking to the people on the other end of the line. I DO enjoy talking. I just have other issues.

First of all, if I'm talking on the phone, that means I am not doing something else. Now, I do multitask a bit, but I find it extremely hard to hold a touch screen phone to my ear with my shoulder. I have hung up on more than a few people - oops!

Secondly, I feel like I should give the person on the other end my full attention, and that is nearly impossible. After all, don't your children always need something when you're on the phone?!?

That all being said, I have now challenged myself to talk on the phone with an adult at least three times a week. Why? Because I believe it may just keep me sane!

Think of this. I have four children aged 5 and under. My husband leaves for work at 5:30 am (before I am awake) and he often is not home until almost 7 pm. Because he works two jobs, he often works 10 days in a row before having a day off. Soooooo, I really don't get to see an adult during the day.

This week I spoke with an adult every day. . .and it made such a difference! Not that I don't enjoy talking with my children. . .

Really, though, it is nice to have an adult conversation once in a while. So, if I give you a call, give me a minute of your time. It just may keep me from the "loony bin" - lol!

Easiest Cookies Eva (yes, "eva" is a word in New England) ;)

I tried these cookies last night and they lasted just a few hours. . .and the batch made 50 cookies!!! The recipe called for Spice cake mix, but all I had in the house was yellow mix. It turned out fine - I just added some cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice.

So, are you ready for this? All you need is a box of Spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin, and some chocolate chips. Yes, that is it! No eggs, no oil, no water!

Directions:

Mix together cake mix and can of pumpkin, then add in chocolate chips (I used half a bag).

Bake at 350 for 8-10 min.

Now, these cookies are very "cake-like" (can you imagine why), but I prefer that because it means less crumbs from my boys! I always bake cookies a little less than recommended, because they continue baking on the cookie sheet after removed from the oven, and I like moist cookies. Hope you enjoy!

A Large Family?!?!?

Our family went to have our portrait taken at Sears the other day. I couldn't resist the FREE collage print, so I had everyone coordinate and we headed out the door. For the past three years, we have had free portrait coupons from various vendors, but my favorite place (Picture People) closed, so we went to Sears this year. We had been to Sears once before, and the lady was efficient, friendly, and great with the boys. We loved the results. This year? Not so much.

The lady was a mother of three, yet she did not have a clue as to how to relate to our children. She did not ask them to say, "cheese" or count to three before taking their picture.It was extremely hot in the studio and the boys were trying to cooperate, but she was having a terrible time explaining to them how they should sit. She had tons of props and I assume she was trained, but she asked me, "How do you think we should do this?" Seriously?!?!? She was nice enough to tell me that our boys were the best behaved she had seen, but I really couldn't blame other children for not cooperating with her since she was not so good at giving direction. Anyway, I should not ramble about the poor lady's inability to be "comfortable" with children, my real reason for this entry is that she mentioned something about us having a large family, and I had some thoughts about that.

As you know, we have four children. This gives us a family of six. I do not consider that to be "large," but in today's society, I may be wrong. In public, it seems many people comment on us having three boys in a row, but in reality, it is not just odd to have them spaced closely as much as having three to begin with. Now that we have four, apparently, we have a "large" family. I'm thinking people must consider a family large when the children outnumber the parents ;)

Now, in our immediate circle of friends, most have three or four children, so we are not out of place. Personally, I think four children is "average." I don't think it is unreasonable or overwhelming to have a family of six. My husband is from a family of six children. Both my parents grew up in families with five children and both my in-laws had five children in each of their families. I think it is nice to have enough so that your children's children will have cousins, aunts, and uncles with which to grow up.

I love that we have four children (and especially happy about having a girl in the mix now!) They may outnumber us, but I don't consider them a "burden" or an "extra cost." So, for those of you who have four, five, six, or more. . .count your blessings! I know the Lord gives us children so that we may raise them for his glory, so I'm glad He saw fit to give us each of ours :)

And, for the record, the photo in this post is NOT from Sears - I took it myself, just so you could see our "large" family!

Who would have guessed?!?

Who would have guessed that a 3 year old could be so entertaining? I have three boys, yet only one is an honest-to-goodness comedian. My oldest is serious and responsible. He enjoys laughing, but not at himself. My middle son loves "goofing" around, but he tends to get in trouble for his silliness. My youngest son is just naturally "good natured". He laughs at himself and makes others laugh. Even his brothers say, "Evan, you are sooooo funny!"

Evan got himself breakfast : Cheez-its

(oh, and like the hat with the pj's?)

Today was a long day for me. My children have not napped for me for at least a week. Since I am nursing the baby, I get very tired and I miss my nap :( In order to have some "me" time today, I sat the boys down with a snack, and put some cartoons on the computer. I then went to take a shower in peace. I always shower in the boys bathroom because I like their shower head better and the master bath is in the back of the house, so if there was a true emergency, I may not find out until too late! After a few minutes in the shower, I heard the toilet seat go up. I asked, "Who's there?" "It's me, Mom," said my youngest. Then, in a very serious voice, he said, "There's a fish in the toilet." I said, "No there isn't, silly boy!" Again, very seriously, he says, "Yes, there is Mom!" We went back and forth, until I finally poked my head out of the shower curtain. He stood there, pointing at the toilet with a squinty-eyed smile on his face, and said, "SEE!!!" Of course, there was no fish, but he was quite happy that he made me look. :)

As a baby, Evan was very easy to distract. He would start crying and as soon as we'd divert his attention, he was fine. Even now, this tactic works for him. He just came to me and complained that his brother hurt him. I said, "Look, that's you on the computer!" He said, "I want to put that hat on now!" And he ran off without another word about his brother. It's nice having a child that can make you laugh, but I have found that it is difficult to stay upset when that child is just so stinkin' cute! ;)

Snips and snails and puppy dog tails. . .

Since I've been posting so many pictures on Facebook of our new baby girl, I thought it only fair to post some of my boys as well. These are just some photos of boys being. . .boys :)

Kyle trying on his Daddy's pants (my hubby is 6'5").

Kyle loving on baby Jessica (I think he'll really be connected to her).

Zack playing "Angry Birds" on my phone (I think he's an addict - lol!)

Two boys getting along (this doesn't happen all that often!)

Zack giving his brother's a "tow" (he figured this out all on his own)

Horseback riding with Daddy (oh, and a lollipop)

Evan watching his pet fish (I think they only lasted two weeks - lol!)