Wordless Wednesday~sisters and swimming

Boys growing to be men (husbands & fathers too)

To the ordinary eye this may just look like a pile of clean dishes! But to a mom like me, who, yet again, didn't see to the dishes being washed up the night before, found evidence of some little elf waking up early and washing them up before the other elves open their eyes. (including mine) And it is not something that has happened only once or twice, but several times a week. Kitchen gets cleaned up after dinner but there are always a few hungry tummies who meander in throughout the evening to bake cookies, make smoothies, grab a snack or drink and I have a bad habit of leaving them sit until morning. Daddy got up early this morning and caught the guilty elf in the act of blessing his family. What a great guy, and someday I know, a great husband and father!

Another boy who is "such a guy" as his sisters would say. Playing on the trampoline, swimming at the pool, playing a board game, or doing anything fun isn't complete unless big brother is along to share the fun. Gregg is such an awesome brother the way he gets along with his sisters and watches over them. (Of course, it hasn't always been this way but it's amazing how a child can be nudged in the right direction if you're consistent!)

My big boy Aaron is my secret dishwasher and an awesome son. I love watching these boys grow into 'men' and I know some little lady, someday, will be very blessed to be their wives!

When I'm not at my best....

which is quite often, I refer to this poem I have written in my notebook (author unknown) and it really helps my perspective. (And my patience) I hope it helps you when you are down as much as it has me.

There are little feet that follow

In my footsteps every day

Their little voices echo

So much of what I say.

Sometimes I'm not too happy

With all the things I see

Then I begin to realize

That they're imitating me

My patience seems to falter

And I speak with too much haste -

Til I hear the Saviour speaking

When I look into each face.

Oh Lord, please grant me wisdom

As I train each little one,

Help me set a good example

As You yourself have done.

I would not ask for riches

Or that they famous be

But may each find Christ as Saviour

And live each day for Thee.

All of a Kind Family and give away!

We have been reading the All of a Kind Family books and enjoying them very much. My 5 youngest girls have loved reading about the life of other 5 little girls who, in so many ways are just like them. Along with the stories of this delightful Jewish family we have been learning all about the Jewish Holidays and the traditions associated with them. Here are our favorite books that we are using along All of a Kind Family. AND, since we have completed our first book in the series and have finished with the guide I would like to bless another "All of a Kind Family" from Queens Homeschool All of a Kind Family study guide. Even if you don't have 5 little girls in your home, you will enjoy these precious books as you snuggle together for some great family reading time. If you would like a chance to win the guide for your family simply leave a comment letting me know. I will announce winners one week from today. Good luck!

Wordless Wednesday

A peek at our week!

Taking my camera in hand I......

captured 5 happy girls on the slide

enjoyed some shooting time with my boys

caught the serious looks of a daughter

quietly watching sisters enjoying one another

daughter Robyn bringing some cheer to the front porch

nine children patiently awaiting dinner outdoors

a sleeping child on the sofa

little brother giving big sister a piggy back ride

and an awesome moment with my love

Latin in our homeschool

Let me begin with the reasons we study latin. Those reasons can be found HERE. But what about latin hymns? Why study and learn latin hymns and what exactly is Christian Latin?

Classical latin is very difficult to read, students who have spent years mastering Latin grammar and vocabulary are usually discouraged by the difficulty of the classical authors.

Happily there is a solution to this problem? Christian Latin. The sentence structure of Christian Latin is much simpler and the sentences are much shorter than in classical Latin. The hymns and liturgy of Christian Latin are so beautiful and clothe such sublime thoughts that they are worthy to be memorized. Is there anything more fitting for our children to study and memorize than religious poetry expressing the most elevated thoughts?

Students who memorize prayers and music in the grammar years will have a great fund of vocabulary, grammar and syntax ready in their minds to draw upon as they proceed through the latin grammar. At every step in their study, examples of the new grammar concept-noun cases, subjunctive mood, irregular verbs, deponent verbs, participles, infinitives and gerunds-will already be in their minds ready to be analyzed and understood at the appropriate time.

That all said. How do I approach Latin in our home? I begin my children in their first year of Latin when they are about 6. They begin with Prima Latina and Lingua Angelica. Eventually they work their way through Latina Christiana I, II, and finish with First Form Latin. I keep it simple by only having them go through the memory work of memorizing their vocabulary, prayers, and songs. No grammar usage is taught whatsoever in their first year. Only memory work. The second year we go through the book again doing the written exercises and learning the 'science' of the Latin. In this way, they are completely familiar already with the vocabulary words, songs, and prayers that it simply makes the grammar of it so much easier to learn. For Lingua Angelica the same thing. Memorize the songs first, then go back through and learn the translation the second year. By beginning them so early it is simple to get them through several years of grammar before graduating by doing each level twice through. I have found that by doing it this way it really gets ingrained in their minds and not only do they know it, but they really "know it."

Powerful

Oh mom I wanna go!!

I've suddenly become quite popular these days with our son Aaron. Seems whenever I have to go anywhere, run errands, grocery shopping, library, post office, doesn't matter where, he wants to go. So what has changed in his life lately to suddenly make him want to go everywhere? It's called a 'driver's license.' He is so very happy to be driving and basically told his older sisters to 'move over' because his shotgun riding days are over!! Whew! We are halfway to having all of our children driving. Six down, six to go!!

In this one thing, I do agree

Question-How do you deal with everything?

Like, laundry, cooking, cleaning, kids fighting, schooling, errands, snuggles, you know, stuff like that? How do you fit everything in and get it all done?

We were at the pool last night and I met a mom of 3 little girls. One was 7, and she had 5 year old twins. She was so cute with all her questions and inquiries once she realized I had a boat load of kids. And that, "you homeschool too?"

Her questions were actually easy to answer. It's simple ~ I don't fit it all in nor do I get it all done! I mean, who does? No matter how many children you have. Well, actually, many moms get it all done, I'm just not one of them. I fall seriously short of my expectations each and every day. I am amazed at so many moms who are so accomplished but instead of berating myself or comparing myself to them I see them as inspirational. And it very possibly may be you reading this right now that I find so inspiring and I thank you. I have decided on one thing though that serves as a foundation to help me as I serve my family. And it is this: that life is a process based on relationships, not a list of attainments! Although, I do love the little lists with goals on them that I love to check off as I go along but that isn't reality for me. I'm not that talented. However, there are a few days out of each year where I go to bed at night and say, "wow, I got a lot done today. Everything is so nice and organized and clean." And I love it that I can say that once in a while. It's the early fall when daddy goes to the woods to begin cutting wood for winter. He normally takes everyone with him leaving me pretty much alone in the house for hours at a time a couple days a week for a month or so. And it's then, and only then that I can say that!! So how do I explain a day in the life to someone with less than half of the children I have without overwhelming her? Well that would be priorities first. But what are they? Well they always look different depending on the day. But I do have an overview of HOW I would like to see my day go; in order of priority. (Remembering that relationships are priority because 'things' have a way of destroying those things which are most important) The standard to which I strive to keep but don't at all times because again, I have way to many imperfections that are constantly holding me back.......

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42 To me this translates into a process based on relationships.

1. First and foremost ~ Loving Flexibility ~ If I try to keep my wits about me and remember that being flexible is key with love then life runs more smoothly.

2. Running a well ordered home ~ This goes without saying for anyone. But I have found if chores are done then life can glide along better. De-cluttering is my favorite way to keep things orderly. Always remember that if you own it, you have to be accountable for it. Accountability takes time, and that could mean time away from our family. Let me also say that my idea of a well ordered home does NOT mean one that is always kept up. I mean simply a place for everything with the goal of everything in it's place. There's one of those goals I shoot for with loving flexibility.

3. Simple meals ~ This could mean different things to different people. I try to shoot for high quality foods. This kills two birds with one stone. A. If the food is high quality then they get the nutrients they need, and B, it usually means I can get away with less of it! Quality versus quantity.

4. Chores ~ Everyone has a job to do. Many hands make light work! I don't normally switch around jobs too often. Perhaps just once a year. The same child keeps the same job until they are old enough to graduate from it then they 'hand it down' to the next child and move on with one slightly more difficult than before.

5. And last but not least ~ Fitting in schooling. I put this last because without the above attainments reached then we can get into trouble. In order to run a school with several children then there HAS to be order. That order is covered in the first 4. And since my children's education is so important then the other things have to happen. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. That is life, that is our life and we strive each day to do better than the day before. Because everyday is different and brings it's own challenges that we cannot see so that's why I call life a process based on relationships.

My father-in-law always says:

"If you are not going forward, then you are definitely going backwards"

Triplets or geeks!!

Janai's day out with mom and dad

On Saturday we celebrated Janai's birthday with dinner out and shopping. Janai is so sweet and pleasant to be around and we have an awesome day together! She chose to go to an Asian restaurant, hence her choice of attire!! She fit right in!

We were only about 500 yards away from home when I heard a 'kirplink' in the backseat. This is what I found when I turned around. I'm afraid our day out must have exhausted her.

But once inside she was all revved up again for her cake and ice cream celebration with her brothers and sisters. She loves making rosettes to put on her head bands so she picked out some more fabric so she could make more. She also chose the game of Trouble. Which I really think is like the 25th time we've bought that game since we began having children!

My bad

But it still doesn't make me feel any better knowing it was my fault. Our daughter Robyn was expected to fly home today from her Aunt's house in Utah. Pick up time: 12:50. We were a bit late to arrive at the airport but only by about 8 minutes. It's a small airport so I knew it would only take about a minute to find her. The flight was on time so I looked around and didn't see her anywhere. I called her on her phone, no answer. Hung around for a few minutes and called again. Beginning to get nervous because that's what I do. Called her phone again, and again, and again. By now, well, if you are a mom you know the by now stuff. I go out to tell dad I have no idea where she is. He called Utah to speak to Aunt Marjorie, she then called her son who was to have taken her to the airport this morning as we wanted to make sure she even made her flight before I panic anymore than I am already.

Still calling her phone and no answer. By now, about 20 minutes have lapsed and I am in tears. I mean, I was shedding some serious tears. She was no where to be found. (I had begun to pray quietly and honestly I was feeling better, still crying, but feeling peace) Daddy trying to calm me as well but I couldn't seem to pull myself together! Finally, a call from simultaneously from Aunt M and daughter Christie telling me that she doesn't fly out until TOMORROW morning, not today. Okay, my bad!! I am so happy to say that she is still safe and sound in the care of her Aunt M. I have to tell you, I'm getting way too old for this!! (Okay, kids, you can all stop laughing at me now. I was in real pain for a little bit!!)

The Might Works of God

"We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises to the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done....That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments." Psalm 4,7

The Might Works of God Series was written for the home and school, that the boys and girls of the 21st century might remember the mighty works of God in bringing forth this nation. Many have learned to recognize His hand in the liberty which we know in America, others have forgotten, and some have denied. This series for children is designed to help us remember.

I love these books for teaching history to children. Straight forward and in keeping with the still immature minds of the younger set. It is all we use to teach American History to our younger kids. And if you have 2 or 3 kids near the same age this still will work very well. The Christian self government that is taught throughout the series is what I as a parent admire the most. Each of us, especially our children need to learn how to govern our own hearts through the teachings of Jesus Christ. These series really focus on that fact through each lesson. The stories are very well written and full of factual information about our country.

A few of my favorite things!

One Room School~Difficult pregnancies

Most of us have had to deal with a difficult pregnancy at one time or another. And whether you are homeschooling or not it is never any fun. But if you are homeschooling then I hope I can provide you with an idea or two on how to continue schooling without losing your mind during this difficult period. I certainly don't have all the answers but it is my hope to be able to bless others with what has worked for our family. Normally I don't experience sickness until my 5th or 6th week. Hopefully I have found out right off the bat that I was expecting in hopes of giving myself a week or two of prep time before sickness sets in on a daily basis. As with schooling in any circumstance planning is KEY. Have daily schedules set in place for each reading child. Feeding off of a schedule can help lead children to continue "somewhat" on their own for a couple of months. A non-reading child normally is still young. Young enough so that if you scaled back their schooling for a few months no harm would be done. There is a lot of snuggling time for those little ones when mom is 'off' sick and I'm sure that makes up for any lost academics! However, this can possibly be a time for stressing out too if you're not careful. If you choose to let the younger child or children scale back on their schooling for a bit then it is important NOT to stress over it as that only makes a difficult pregnancy even more difficult. Embrace this time with your little ones and know that soon enough they will be reading and doing their math problems!!! If you are able; before you are laid up most of the days I found it so very useful to have meals pre-made and in the freezer. Even 5-7 meals ready to eat can be a life savor. I like to do this near the end of a pregnancy as well. Except I try to increase the amount of meals to more like 10-20. Incorporating the help of older children here is a huge blessing. Even just having some meat cooked, chopped, and frozen is a milestone. So in a nutshell....

Freeze meals ahead of time. (This is helpful for me whether I'm expecting or not)

Have schedules made for each child. Keeping them on auto pilot as much as possible is great.

Having a list of some great family videos to order from the library

Declutter as much as you can~even without babies and pregnancies this is a huge blessing. Remember, all that 'stuff' you own means accountability.

Keeping a list handy for them is a plus. I know that even the thought of food can be difficult so I like to have my family decide the menu for a while until I can begin to wrap my brain around the idea of food.

Try to schedule testing, evaluations, curriculum planning/shopping, etc. for a future date if possible. Along the same lines having all needed supplies on hand is helpful. Paper, pencils, markers, notebooks, etc. It has been such a blessing to be able to direct a child to the 'school pantry' to find a new folder crayons, or whatever rather than having to think about school supply shopping. Scaling back on those 'extra curricular' activities is also a life saver. Not having to load children into the van and running town is a must for me. And if possible, have daddy or an older child run errands and do the shopping.

Got toddlers? There isn't much entertaining that a sick mom can do for a toddler. Aside from just keeping them close by reading stories or cuddling with them there isn't much else that can be done. Older children of course are great with toddlers so if you have any in your home make sure they get some turns playing with "the baby." Napping with the toddler is something else that helps me. I don't normally have my own nap time but during difficult pregnancies this is a must and since the toddler needs one too it works out perfectly.

SPIN OFF~What are the causes of morning sickness? While this is just speculation I have to think it comes pretty close. Basically it comes down to a healthy diet. I have found through my experience that if my diet is as close to 'natural' as possible then my morning sickness is lighter and lasts a shorter time. Unfortunately, while I believe this is true I've not always adhered to making the best choices when it comes to my food. Researchers at Cornell University believe that the sickness and vomiting is perhaps the body's way of ridding itself of toxins during the most delicate time frame of the early developing infant. Hence, the sickness is at it's worse in the first few months. (I prefer to think of it as "God's way" of protecting the infant!) To read the study you can go HERE.

Wordless Wednesday~an unexpected visitor

Is it bad to have finger nail polish in your nose?

Now there's a question you don't hear everyday. And when you do, you usually stop in your tracks to investigate!! Why, why, why do these things like this always happen when daddy is away from home? Because I know without a doubt he would take over and make everything okay!! But for today, the dirty work belongs to me and, let me tell you, this is something I consider to be dirty work!! But first, a visit to google to find out how, if at all I am supposed to make things aright!!

My new journey with yoga

There was a time not so very long ago that when I heard the word 'yoga' only one came to mind: HIPPIE!! I don't know why either, just some weird mindset I fell into. At any rate, once I began doing Jillian Michaels workout several months ago I was introduced to yoga through her Yoga Meltdown dvd. Either I'm now a 'hippie' or not I don't really know but I can sure tell you that I am a huge fan of the practice of yoga. Combined with weekly workouts of strength/circuit training and cardio workouts yoga adds a nice touch all on it's own. Even power yoga can feel like you've just done yourself the hugest favor you can do to your body!! Here are some of the many benefits the practice of yoga can give you:

Increasing flexibility

Increasing lubrication of the joints, ligaments, and tendons

Messaging of all the organs of the body

Complete detoxification

Excellent toning of the muscles

To read and understand how this can be visit the link HERE

But these enormous physical benefits are just a 'side effect' of this powerful practice. What yoga does is harmonize the mind with the body and this results in quantum benefits. It is now an open secret that the will of the mind has enabled people to achieve extraordinary physical feats,, which proves beyond doubt mind and body connection.

Yoga through meditation works remarkably to achieve this harmony and helps the mind work in sync with the body. How often do we find we are unable to perform our activities properly and in a satisfying manner because the confusions and conflicts in our mind weigh down heavily upon us? Moreover, stress which in reality is the #1 killer affecting all parts of our physical, endocrinal, and emotional systems can be corrected through the wonderful yoga practice of meditation.

In fact yoga = meditation, because both work together in achieving the common goal of unity of mind, body, and spirit - a state of eternal bliss. More on this HERE.

So I don't know all about the mental stuff going on with yoga (nor do I think I care!) but I can tell you that the physical benefits I have found by practicing it have been awesome. My husband and my children practice yoga as well but mainly for the health benefits of it. I have seen much improvement in many areas over the months of my yoga practice. My favorite yoga dvds, in fact the only ones we have tried are P90x yoga, Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown, Bob Harper's Warrior for the Yoga, and The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga. All workouts are considered to be Power Yoga and are not typical of what we all think of when we think of yoga. Definitely some great workouts.