More or Less

Funny isn't it, how in the span of a few moments you can be made to feel as if your life just isn't "up to par" with the expectations of the world! As a "stay at home"schooling" mom, this happens to me quite frequently.

There was a time that I always held a "job". In fact, I had my first job around the age of 15 when I went to work in the local dairy bar during the summer. I moved up to a restaurant, then factory work, back to the restaurant scene, and just kept right on going. I held jobs as a secretary in different types of offices. I have been a cashier, and moved up to managing aspects of the store. I have worked in the public school system as an aide and a substitute teacher. My list of "jobs" is rather long! During much of that time, I was also raising three daughters and trying to be involved in their day to day lives as well. That was, after all, how it was "supposed" to be done. In the eyes of others, my life had worth!

Now that I am staying home and schooling Michael, I have found that in the eyes of (most of) the world, what I do is of little, or no, importance! I really do find this quite sad, and not just for me, but for the countless other moms who are being made to feel this exact same way!

At a recent gathering of a group to which I belong, the "pedigrees" of those involved were being touted to the audience.... doctors, nurses, professional musicians, computer techs, artists.... the list went on.... and not once was a "stay-at-home-mom" (SAHM) mentioned! Now, I was not surprised by that in the least. But it did get me to begin thinking about how people view those of us who have made the choice (dare I say sacrifice!) to stay at home. We are viewed as being "less" by the world, but I believe that we deserve more than that!

When we made the decision that I would remain at home, it was a sacrifice of an additional income. That means that, while we have everything that we "need", we don't always get everything that we "want". I have had to become careful about our spending. I have learned to be on the look-out for deals and shop the clearance aisles. I have  become knowledgeable about the best times to shop the meat department, and I've learned that there is nothing wrong with being frugal! While I do not "make" money as a SAHM, I have found creative ways to save money!

Our decision was a sacrifice of "alone" time. I am now with our son 24/7. That means that from the time that his feet hit the floor, until the time they lead him back to bed, he is by my side. From his first words of the day, to his last words of "good-night".... I get all the words in between. And let me tell you, there are a LOT of words! Occasionally, I will sneak away to Walmart while he stays with his Dad... it is kind of like a mini-vacation!!! Time for myself is not very plentiful!

Our decision was a sacrifice of career. You see, I had gone back to college, and had just switched my major to Early Childhood Education (from a medical field), having made the decision to finally go for that teaching degree I'd always wanted. When I was younger, I had dreamed of being a teacher, it just didn't happen. Having been a substitute teacher for several years, I knew that this was what I wanted to do, and I was determined to make it happen.  God had other plans, and while I may not have my degree, I AM the teacher that I knew I was meant to be. Yet, if I had that degree, people would view my teaching in a much different light!

At times like these, when I am feeling that I am "less", I am learning to dig deep and remember WHY I am here. I remember that it was answering God's call on our lives that led us to adopt our son. I remember that He placed him with us because he trusted us to do what was in his best interest. I remember that God, who created me with this purpose in mind, isn't the God of "less", but the God of "more", and that my worth is found solely in Him alone.

I trust in that.... I truly do. And when I am made to feel "less", I just remember that God has "more" in store for me than I can even imagine. He has given us "more" so that I can stay at home and give Michael all that he needs. He has provided "more" patience than I thought it was possible to have! He has led me to "more"ways to help Michael learn, even at those times when I thought I was "less" than capable.  God has led us to a church home, where I can continue to grow in Christ. We have become part of a Community Group, and even on those nights when Michael goes with us, I find that I am able to recharge by "adult time" batteries! I love the "more" than comes for listening to God's prompting!

I love being where God has planted me..... I am His child, I am a wife, I am a mom and nanny, and I STAY AT HOME.... which also makes me a doctor, a nurse, an office manager, a teacher, a cook, a custodian, a transportation expert, a personal shopper, an accountant....and the list goes on an on!!!

And before you say it.... this is NOT a slam to those of you who not only work, but do all of the above... I have been where you are!!! You are AMAZING!!! You deserve a huge pat on the back, because I know that it is hard to work and juggle a household. In fact, you deserve a standing ovation!!! 

But.... to those of you what have chosen a different path... a path that has led you to become a SAHM.... you deserve the same affirmation. You are AMAZING!!!! Don't ever let anyone tell you any different!!!

YOU are MORE than enough!!!


Have a Blessed Day!

Lynn

It Isn't How you Learn...

We have started our fifth year of homeschool. It really doesn't seem possible that we've been doing this for that long, but we have!!! While there are times when I still question whether or not this is the right choice for Michael, I can honestly say that God has always stepped in to give us a clear answer.

Michael has made great strides in the past month... yes, we just finished day 26 of his 5th grade year. We have chosen to go to a year round format, and there are many that would say that just "isn't right". For us, it is going to be what makes all the difference for Michael.

At the end of Michael's third grade year we took off the entire summer, as we had based our calendar on the public school's calendar. When we started back up in August of that year it was a total disaster. Talk about stress!! He had forgotten just about everything he had learned. Oh, he could still read, do simple math, and could still write, but anything beyond that was, simply, gone!  I knew that neither one of us was ready to go through that again. The solution was simple - don't take such long breaks.

This year we took off for three weeks at the end of his fourth grade year. We are now on a four day school week, taking Friday off each week. If something comes up during the week and we'd like to take off an additional day, we do it. We make it up the following week on Friday! So far, it has really been great. We have been able to pick up right where we left off, and he has retained everything. This has been a huge blessing for both of us!

I have also found out over the years that Michael likes to move around when he works. There have been many a day where he has stood up while learning a subject.  And when he reads... well, I'm never quite sure just what position I will find him in!!!

 
This used to drive me crazy, but now I don't even mind, as long as he is reading, and retaining what he reads.

   

As long as I allow him to "fidget" he gets the work done. This is something that would never be tolerated in a public classroom.  He would be forced to sit in a chair, and that just does not suit his learning style!






When we first began our homeschooling adventure I tried to keep our day as close to a public school day as I could. After all, I had worked in the public school system for a number of years in a substitute teacher capacity, and that is what I knew. Now, if he wants to stand to do his math... go for it! Stand, sit on the floor, work in the dining room, work in the school room... I don't care, as long as the work is completed and retained! 

You see, it isn't HOW you learn that is important, but the fact that you LEARN that truly matters. Here, we work at Michael's pace... and we keep plugging away until he has the concept down. We don't rush through things just to say that we're finished.... slow and steady wins the race!

I'm beyond thankful that God has given me this time to spend with Michael, and that we have chosen to head his call to homeschool. It isn't always easy, but it IS what we've been called to do. I know there are many who feel that kids who are homeschooled don't get enough "socialization". Many feel that kids need to be "making friends" and that the only way to learn to get along with others is to be out in the classroom. Mickey and I??? We feel that a classroom environment would force Michael to retreat into his shell... we fear that he would be bullied because he is "different"... we know that he would be "lost" in a world that moves at too quick a pace. We trust that what we are doing is following God leading, and that He wants only what is in Michael's best interest. We will continue to ask for God's direction, and follow wherever he takes us. Homeschool isn't for every child. It isn't for every family. For us... it is right where Michael is meant to be.


Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn

I love VBS... Yes I Do!!!!

What fun we are having at Jungle Safari!! Day 2 under our belts!

This is my first year to work at the Community VBS in our new home town. This is a huge event, with several churches offering their time and money to make it happen, including our home church North Madison Christian Church. It takes a lot of volunteers to pull off an event like this... and I think that those who don't volunteer their time... even for a night... are missing out on a wonderful opportunity ... teaching about the love of Christ to the next generation.

Now, I not only do VBS, but I am back in the saddle teaching Sunday School again, and I'm enjoying it immensely. I would like to share a few reason why I feel that volunteering to work with kids is important.....

* Seeing a child who might not have the greatest home life come alive when they feel loved. Kids need to see that someone cares... even if it is only for a short time... it can make a difference.

* Being available to answer questions about Christ, his death, and resurrection so that kids can meet the REAL Jesus...  humbling!

* Knowing that for one week, you can build a relationship with a child who might not meet Jesus any other way... so needed in our world today.

* It is a joy to serve alongside others who have the same love of Christ that you do. Watching them love on these kids is a truly amazing experience.

Now.... not all VBS (or kid's ministry!) positions require you to teach!!! This year, I'm a crew leader during VBS. My job?  Simple... take kids from point A to point B, C, D, and back to point A without losing any kids!!! I get to sing with them. I get to hear the lesson with them, and help drive home the point. I get to work on their crafts with them... all the while talking to them, learning about their lives, their likes, and their dislikes. I get to give them high fives, hugs, and tell them "Way to go". How easy is that???  There is no planning... I just show up and love on the kids!!!

If you've never volunteered to work a Vacation Bible School, I encourage you to give it prayerful consideration. There are so many spots that need to be filled, and you might be surprised at how well you might fill the bill!!!Even that little smile given to a child as they are handed there snack speaks the love of Jesus. THAT is what it is all about!!!


Have a Blessed Day!

Lynn

Only Eight More Days

After Michael is finished with today's work, there are only 8 more days of school. He is excited... to say the least! He is really looking forward to some time off. We are going to be changing things up a bit for the upcoming year. He won't be getting as much time off  between sessions as he would like, but I think it will make a huge difference!  We are going to go in to year round school beginning in June.

In Indiana, one only need to keep record of attendance to homeschool a child, and you have to show that they have "attended" 180 school days. That's it... nothing more. Which makes Indiana a great state for homeschooling! As long as I keep track of our days of schooling, I can choose what Michael is taught, which often includes lessons about Christ!!! Another bonus! We can do those 180 days any way we like!

We will start in mid-June, and we will be doing a 4 day week - Monday through Thursday. He will get a three day weekend every week! We will also take a week off in October, a week in December, and a week in April. All of those breaks coincide with the breaks of the grandkids, so they can come and spend time with us! I really believe that going year round will help with his retention.

We are also looking forward to attending Community VBS this year. I'm going to be teaching Michael's group, and love the opportunity to meet a few more kiddos in the community. He will also be taking swim lessons again in July. I think we are going to go ahead and get a pool pass, too. Summer, even with school mixed in, is shaping up to be a fun time.



Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn

Where to go from here.....

As I stated previously, Friday is it... the last day... the finish of our third year of homeschool. While I've purchased some items all ready, the question still begs to be answered... where will we go from here?!!! And the answer... I just don't know... yet!

I have thought about enrolling Michael into a Classical Conversations group here... however, I'm just now sure that this is "him". I fear that it might just be more than he can deal with.

I have tried to get information on the local homeschool co-op... twice. I've called, and I've emailed... and so far, no one is talking! I understand that this next year is to be focused on drama and the "arts". Not sure that this would a good fit him either. He is about as outgoing as a turtle stuck in its shell!!!

I feel that it would benefit him to be in a group activity, to be around other children, to be taught by someone other than me. Yet, I'm not sure that he would do more than totally shut down.

Decisions, decisions, decisions! I've been doing some reading on all the different types of homeschooling that are out there. Pretty sure that we fit directly into what is called the "eclectic style". I pick and choose what I think will fit him and his style of learning. I also throw in unit study and lapbook work. With that said, I'm not sure that this style works well with Classical Conversations... and I don't want to confuse the issue now that we are starting to get somewhere!!!

So, if you're a homeschool family, what has been your take on Classical Conversations? Do you have a child who is pretty "backwards" when it comes to being around people they just don't know, and if so, how did they do in a group situation?  I really like to hear how others may have handled a situation similar to this!

Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn

Up in the Air

As I have shared prom pictures with you, I decided that I needed to share the photos Mickey took of our Michael, and Johannes... the little brother of one of Carly's friends. While the girls were being made over... having their pictures taken, etc... Michael and Johannes were busy being boys. Mickey turned around to find them jumping from the bank to the sidewalk and decided to take advantage of the photo op.

As you can see, Michael enjoys jumping... he was very excited to do so, especially since his new shoes sport lights on the sides. Nothing better than jumping and making them flash....

and so he jumped some more....

But I absolutely loved this picture of Johannes....

perfectly suspended in the air, with his arms outstretched...

As I looked at this picture this morning, I couldn't help but wonder how we would each feel if we saw ourselves suspended that way... arms outstretched... out bodies conforming to the shape of the cross. Would it bring home to each of us the fact that Christ died in our place? That he took our sins upon himself so that we would never have to find ouselves in this position because our sins are so great? Isn't it amazing that the very act of the cross literally wipes away death, and gives us each the opportunity for eteranl life with him?

So many thoughts from such a simple pictures... but I am finding that the more I allow God into my life... that the more I love Jesus... the more I see of him in the everyday events of life. And I am thankful to see him even in the small things.... like two little boys up in the air!

Our Baby Girl is All Grown Up!

Tonight was Carly's junior prom. She attended with her friends Alexis and Laina. I think that Carly looked absolutely beautiful in her "70's Style"dress. And check out the hair!!!

That is Laina on the left and Alexis on the right... aren't they all just too cute?

And here they are, striking their Charlie's Angels pose...

I am sure they will have a great time... and that the "after prom" at the school will be a ton of fun. What kid, not matter their age, doesn't like to jump around in inflatables?! And my sister friend Rebecca rode with me to take the girls out to eat and then to drop them off at the prom. That was a lot of fun... loads of teenage girl giggling going on... and then when you add in Rebecca's giggles... well... let's just say I've reached my maximum on giggles for the week!

Seems like just yesterday that Carly was playing dress up, having her hair fixed by her sisters... and now... the prom! It won't be long until our baby girl leaves the nest! But I hope it isn't too soon... momma isn't quite ready just yet!