Today was our first homeschool evaluation. Isaiah turned nine this year, and the PA law required us to have our program evaluated at the end of our school year. We presented a number of samples and a list of resources used. Isaiah was also required to take the CAT test this year and to turn those results in. The evaluation was a joy. The evaluator was encouraging and reminded me that she was to make sure that "progress" occured in our program. She also commented that she'd never met a lazy homeschool parent. She believes that those who choose to educate at home are dedicated and committed to providing a good education for their children.
At the end of every year, I look back and wonder if I really did a good enough job with my children. There is always more that I could have done, always things I just didn't get to. But overall, I have seen my children grow and change this year. I've seen them advance academically. But most important, I have seen them grow in their walk with God. My greatest desire as a mother, is that I would see my children someday teach their children to know and love God. It's my deepest desire for them. Sometimes in the bustle of doing math, reading, spelling, etc., I can easily lose sight of my primary goal to train up my children in the way of scripture and to show them each day the great love that our Savior Jesus has for them. Help me not to be distracted, Lord. Keep my eyes fixed on you and help me direct my children toward you.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
5/28/09
What a different morning I'm having already! Praise the Lord. I am so glad that one constant in life is that, in fact, nothing remains the same forever.
Last night, I had a wonderful night of sleep, no interruptions, cool air. I had a solid and deep sleep. It was fabulous. It's amazing how good rest makes the day even look different.
In a little while, we'll be heading off to the Science Center. We'll be meeting Aunt Cari and her family there along with some friends from Waynesburg. I've yet to pack our lunch and things, so I'll need to be moving on soon.
My littlest ones are already up for the day. They've been waking when I do around 6:30, so I haven't had many mornings alone recently. This morning, they are playing delightfully together. Their little chatter is fun to observe. They are saying so many things.
Joel is sitting here next to me trying to type with me. Every few letters that I type, he adds numbers from the number pad. His little fingers are moving quickly like mine. I can hardly keep up with the little Techy.
Well, off to pack lunches. Blessings to you this day!
Last night, I had a wonderful night of sleep, no interruptions, cool air. I had a solid and deep sleep. It was fabulous. It's amazing how good rest makes the day even look different.
In a little while, we'll be heading off to the Science Center. We'll be meeting Aunt Cari and her family there along with some friends from Waynesburg. I've yet to pack our lunch and things, so I'll need to be moving on soon.
My littlest ones are already up for the day. They've been waking when I do around 6:30, so I haven't had many mornings alone recently. This morning, they are playing delightfully together. Their little chatter is fun to observe. They are saying so many things.
Joel is sitting here next to me trying to type with me. Every few letters that I type, he adds numbers from the number pad. His little fingers are moving quickly like mine. I can hardly keep up with the little Techy.
Well, off to pack lunches. Blessings to you this day!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
05/27/09
Some days the constant barrage of questions and crying exhaust me. I can't explain why some days I'm more susceptible than others to a momentary breakdown, but it happens. Today is that kind of day.
The babies have been fussier than usual. Lots of tears and a lack of interest in toys and an increased interest in stuff they just shouldn't have seems to characterize them right now. The entire time they are awake, I feel like I'm playing defense. My body is filled with tension from being on guard all day long. I really need to get into a yoga class or something.
The babies are not the only ones shedding tears today. My eyes have been filled many times today. I sense great release when finally I can let them go. Finallyy, I am able to confess that I am simply unable to hold it all together. I alone am unable to muster the physical strength needed to chase down my two little ones or to race them to the bathroom door to close it before they enjoy a quick play in the toilet. I alone am unable to quiet the noise that fills the air around me and the mental stress that accompanies life with five sweet little ones. My tears are a prayer to the Lord, whom I know is able. He is able to do all things. Today, Lord, I pray that in my weakness you will be strong. Shine through me. Move in me. Touch me and make me whole. I need You. Thank you, Lord, for your kindness to me.
The babies have been fussier than usual. Lots of tears and a lack of interest in toys and an increased interest in stuff they just shouldn't have seems to characterize them right now. The entire time they are awake, I feel like I'm playing defense. My body is filled with tension from being on guard all day long. I really need to get into a yoga class or something.
The babies are not the only ones shedding tears today. My eyes have been filled many times today. I sense great release when finally I can let them go. Finallyy, I am able to confess that I am simply unable to hold it all together. I alone am unable to muster the physical strength needed to chase down my two little ones or to race them to the bathroom door to close it before they enjoy a quick play in the toilet. I alone am unable to quiet the noise that fills the air around me and the mental stress that accompanies life with five sweet little ones. My tears are a prayer to the Lord, whom I know is able. He is able to do all things. Today, Lord, I pray that in my weakness you will be strong. Shine through me. Move in me. Touch me and make me whole. I need You. Thank you, Lord, for your kindness to me.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
05/24/09
It has been a few days since Grandma's funeral. I've been thinking about her a lot, especially thinking about the model she was for me as a mom. Like Grandma, I really enjoy having a large family and I even look forward to many grandchildren. There are many trials and challenges that come with a big brood, but the blessings are far greater. Each one of our little Bailys adds much to our home. I'm thankful for each one.
My grandmother did a wonderful job of being available for us. She was always around, and that was a comfort to me. I knew that if I got sick and my mom was had to work, Grandma would be home and she would take care of me. When we were at her house playing, I knew that if I needed anything at all, Grandma would be there to help me. I felt free to play all day in the comfort of her presence. She was there, available, and that meant a lot.
For Grandma, children were never an intrusion or annoyance. She was glad we were with her: she valued us. She got pleasure from serving us, making us meals, mending our things, making us play dough. She wasn't so busy with the things of this world, that she had no time for us. On the contrary, her family was her priority and she willingly gave of herself. She made us feel important.
She include me in whatever she was doing. I have her to thank for knowing how to play solitaire and bingo. I remember sitting with her as she taught me how search for words and circle them. She sewed with me. I remember her making me my most favorite doll dress for my cabbage patch kid. She put that little dress together in no time and it was just as I described to her.
I pray that God helps me to stop from my busyness and take time to play with my kids, to sit on the couch or at the table and teach them how to do word searches and crosswords. I want to stop what I'm doing to really listen to my kids and to help them with whatever important thing they have on their mind. I want to include them in the work I'm doing, and not put them off because their "help" is innefficient and often messy.
It's especially in the kitchen that I think of Grandma. Every time I make bread with my kids, I tell them about her and how she always let me help her knead her dough and how good that bread tasted with butter and jelly. Using her rolling pin to make pie crust or cookies, I can almost see her rolling something out on her kitchen table. I always remind the kids where that rolling pin came from. When I make a batch of playdough, I remember sitting at her table dumping out blue or green dough from the old butter tub she stored it in. I remember her standing in her apron cooking or doing dishes, while I sat there in my own play world, making little dough people or dough pizzas. I'm glad I have such strong memories of her and that I can share those with my children.
Thank you, Grandma, for having time, time to invest in me, time to talk to me, time to play with me. I pray that the imprint you made on my life will carry on to my children, their children, their grandchildren, and beyond. I pray that your legacy with live on for decades to come.
My grandmother did a wonderful job of being available for us. She was always around, and that was a comfort to me. I knew that if I got sick and my mom was had to work, Grandma would be home and she would take care of me. When we were at her house playing, I knew that if I needed anything at all, Grandma would be there to help me. I felt free to play all day in the comfort of her presence. She was there, available, and that meant a lot.
For Grandma, children were never an intrusion or annoyance. She was glad we were with her: she valued us. She got pleasure from serving us, making us meals, mending our things, making us play dough. She wasn't so busy with the things of this world, that she had no time for us. On the contrary, her family was her priority and she willingly gave of herself. She made us feel important.
She include me in whatever she was doing. I have her to thank for knowing how to play solitaire and bingo. I remember sitting with her as she taught me how search for words and circle them. She sewed with me. I remember her making me my most favorite doll dress for my cabbage patch kid. She put that little dress together in no time and it was just as I described to her.
I pray that God helps me to stop from my busyness and take time to play with my kids, to sit on the couch or at the table and teach them how to do word searches and crosswords. I want to stop what I'm doing to really listen to my kids and to help them with whatever important thing they have on their mind. I want to include them in the work I'm doing, and not put them off because their "help" is innefficient and often messy.
It's especially in the kitchen that I think of Grandma. Every time I make bread with my kids, I tell them about her and how she always let me help her knead her dough and how good that bread tasted with butter and jelly. Using her rolling pin to make pie crust or cookies, I can almost see her rolling something out on her kitchen table. I always remind the kids where that rolling pin came from. When I make a batch of playdough, I remember sitting at her table dumping out blue or green dough from the old butter tub she stored it in. I remember her standing in her apron cooking or doing dishes, while I sat there in my own play world, making little dough people or dough pizzas. I'm glad I have such strong memories of her and that I can share those with my children.
Thank you, Grandma, for having time, time to invest in me, time to talk to me, time to play with me. I pray that the imprint you made on my life will carry on to my children, their children, their grandchildren, and beyond. I pray that your legacy with live on for decades to come.
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