Blissfully Domestic: Train them up!

www.openclipart.org

Okay so you got me. How on earth could I possibly put the words "blissful" and "domestic" together? This is still a process in our household but if we train our children to do things as unto the Lord then pretty much anything can be blissful through His eyes even the domestic stuff.  Yeah, easier said than done right?  It's going to take a lot of prayer and following through that is for sure.  I have learned that being consistent is key.

Since we are in a "home improvement" transition  along with getting rid of things causing clutter, this whole concept is a challenge in our blessed little home. We are learning to be diligent in what we do have because the Lord is getting ready to entrust us with more and we want to be humbly ready. If we can apply this now it will not be so hard when the time does come for us to move on.  Clutter is the ENEMY! Ugh lol

The Lord showed me a system to encourage domestic skills all the while striving to be joyful and yes, blissful.  Life is certainly not perfect and there will be days when the blissful concept will fail but it's all about attitude and how it is approached.  Sure, there are many days I just want to throw the whole concept out the window because I get so frustrated and discouraged but the Lord has gently whispered to me: "Do I give up on you?"  Yikes, that really got my attention!  Let's not give up on our kids even when we are weary, tired, and frustrated. 

"Lord help us to be diligent in raising up our children for your glory. Help us with our attitudes and help us strive to be diligent so all of our life learning experiences can be joyful and blissful. Life is too short and too blessed to be stressed. Thank you Lord amen!"

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom!

Watching them grow.....

As I sit here outside on my laptop watching my sweet little girls run free in the fresh air,  I realize how quickly they are actually growing and to not take any moment for granted.  Sweet Kelly will be 9 on May 2nd,  Lyssa is 5.5 and will be 6 on Sept. 1st, and Bethany bean is going to be 3 on May 13th!  Where does the time go?

Even in the frustrating times I want to be thankful, happy, and blessed because these are also learning experiences.  Life is too short to become stressed and frustrated on a daily basis.  I am learning to just let them be kids on this new journey.  I have most definitely learned a lot more about myself as a homeschool mom and I continue learning wonderful and amazing things as I come in contact with homeschooling families!  What would I do without them?  You know who you are. =)

As you sit and watch your children grow, capture those memories so sweet.  In a glimpse of an eye they will grow up and have children of their own. (sniff, sniff, tear, tear).    Children are truly a blessing from the Lord!

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom!

Photo by Emily Haapala Photography

I dream of.......Character Training!

Oh, this momma is ready for her hubby to come home from his business trip.  We have never been apart this long with kids before.  Wow, I have a greater respect for single moms and moms that have husbands who travel a lot.  I know my brother and I grew up watching our father travel a lot and wondering how our mom did it!  I just don't know how some moms do it on their own all the time, (I know that I am learning to lean on God's Word more and more).   My sweet girls missed their daddy so much and of course I missed him too.  The week may have been busy but thankfully, thanks to a dear friend, I was able to get away this morning and spend some quality time with another dear friend.  We took a day off from our schooling so that this could be possible.  Having breakfast on a golf course and enjoying adult conversation on such a beautiful day is just what I needed.  The girls had a great time with the sitter too. =)

Because our week was slightly off, I chose to just do character training throughout the week.  This seemed to fit as we were having issues with behavior's etc.  I made the girls act out skits on how to behave and react to situations the wrong way and then the right way.  Oh they loved this and have been striving to be better little girls.  I also have a red sheet of construction paper that I leave on the book shelf for them to grab and hold up to let me know something is bothering them with one of their sister's.  This is coming along swimmingly and has cut down on screaming, whining, tattling, etc.  If you have girls or are a girl you know how drama filled girls can be, haha!

I am currently researching a variety of character training studies/curriculum's to implement into our curriculum the next homescschool year.  I would like to do character training along with our Bible readings before doing our academics.  I am hoping this will make even a bigger difference.

What do you think of character training?  Do you think it is often overlooked?  Please share your thoughts, feelings, concerns, etc., I would love to hear from you.


Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and a mom

Image: Michelle Meiklejohn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Kids in the kitchen

As part of our homeschooling adventures, I love including kitchen and cooking time with the girls.  Recipes are always fun to explore especially when they are involved.  Here are a few fun recipes that we have either tried or will be trying in the future:

• Edible Indian Corn- This one looks like so much fun =)
• Fruit Pizza- So cute!
• Bagel Critters-This one is a hit!
• Fruit Flowers - Can't wait to try this one. So pretty too. =)
• Grapefruit Gals- Perfect for a home with all girls. =)

There are plenty more that we would like to try but thought I would post our favorites for now.  I am hoping to post pics of the end results in a future post.

 Kids are so much fun in the kitchen! It's such a great learning experience for everyone.

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom!

Story Cubes Review

I just recently did a review on Rory's Story Cubes.  The girls just love the concept and it definitely sparks creativity.  Even little Bethany sits at the table and makes up stories with these little cubes.  She is learning from her sisters, love it =)  Here is the link to my recent Story Cubes review on Homeschooling in Detroit.

http://homeschoolingindetroit.com/2012/03/07/learning-through-story-cubes/

Have a blessed weekend!

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom!

Keep my mind on higher things

The past few weeks have been well, quite frankly, a battle!  A battle in my mind and just overall emotions.  Christian moms, we will face these things from time to time and have to learn how to renew our minds daily.  Easy for me to say, right?  Hec no.  Depression has been trying to take over me but because of what I have learned growing up, it can't consume me.  The Lord is my strength and my refuge.
Now why on earth would I be battling this.   Something going on in the home? No, it's just things moms tend to face. (If you don't ever face it, please, share with me your secret, I would love to know.) Sure, there have been issues that I have been faced with that contribute to these emotions and so forth but, ugh.  I am just tired of dealing with these emotions.  I know that there are many of you moms out there that can relate.  Some days will be great and then...BOOM, SMACK, blindsided!  Lord, help me to keep my mind on higher things. If this is you just know you aren't the only one feeling these things.

Homeschooling got me down?  Sometimes, but I know it's what I am called to do and with callings sometimes comes attacks.  I understand this.  I guess my heart just needs to focus completely on Jesus.  Sometimes it can be so hard to.  Sometimes I just feel like throwing up my hands and saying, I QUIT! But that's normal sometimes even when you have a happy marriage, life, and family.  I know God won't give up on me.  It's literally a learning process.   I spoke with a few of my homeschooling friends yesterday and it was such a blessing to connect with them and share what we are going through and how the attacks are great.  Tears and hugs were present.  Thank you Lord for the wonderful ladies you have led into my life.

Lord, help us moms today.  No matter what our situations,  we need your help and can't go this journey alone.  The joy of the Lord is our strength! Help us to keep our minds on higher things.  Things of God!

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom!

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Family Bible Study: Being a good helper and having a servant heart

As a Christian homeschooling family, my goal is to always include Bible into our curriculum.  Well, at least this is what I had hoped for.  Growing up in a Christian school Bible class was always a required course.  This was obviously a wonderful thing but now being an adult I can honestly say that I think I took that part of "Christian Education" for granted.  Don't get me wrong, I was very blessed that my parents sacrificed some things so that we could attend.  I wouldn't change that for anything on top of the life long friendships and relationships that I have established.  What I am saying is there were many times that I looked at the Bible as just another text book.  Uh oh, right?  Through the years the Lord has showed me a lot regarding that.  And though I may have seen it that way, I was still being educated in the things of God and I have surely not departed from it.

For my concern of learning the Bible during homeschooling, the Lord showed me not to make it a part of the curriculum but simply as a part of every day learning. This struck a chord in my spirit as the Bible is of course supposed to be a part of our daily Christian walk with Christ.  I have been seeking the Lord on a new "Family" Bible study that we can all be a part of on a daily basis yet keeping it completely separate from our schooling.....

The Lord just today, led me to FamilyBibleStudyTime.com where I found the perfect Bible study for our next family Bible times.  It is titled: "Being a good helper"  It is a 5 week Bible Study about being a good helper and having a servant heart (servanthood).  I just downloaded this blessed Bible study to my Kindle Fire for only $0.99.  I look forward to getting started and really digging in to teach not only my children but myself about servanthood.  I know that my husband will also want to be a part of our Family Bible Time which realistically, it just wouldn't be the same without him since he is, after all, the priest of the home.

I plan to start the new study on Monday, February 27th and be diligent with it for the next five weeks. After that time, I will share our journey in the Bible Study.  Greatly looking forward to it.  Since I am dedicated to writing in my journal, I will be documenting parts that really speak to my spirit and my heart.  Kelly (8.5), just started journaling so I look forward to her writing down things that are beneficial to learning about servanthood.  Though Lyssa and Bethany are on the young side, being the example of servanthood will still be the seed that plants into their little hearts and minds.  Such a blessing.

What "Family" Bible studies have you and your family studied together?  Please share your experiences with me, I would love to hear from you.

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and a mom

Image: www.familybiblestudytime.com

Northern Adventures

Last week we packed up our family and headed north of our state for some much needed rest and relaxation. Well, okay as much R&R you can get with children lol.  We also brought our homeschooling journey along for the ride making it quite an adventure, a "northern adventure" to be exact.

The girls were anticipating snow up there in northern Michigan and guess what?  They got their wish.  Good thing this mom was prepared.  I packed up all their snow gear from snow pants to scarves.  They definitely enjoyed the winter weather up there with no regrets.  Now, for those of you who know me really well, you know that the snow and the cold are not my cup of tea, ugh.  But, I do enjoy watching my girls play in the snow as I reminisce of the days my brother and I used to play in the snow.  Our favorite past time is sledding!  It was such a blast.

Though we didn't go sledding we did build a snowman, okay, "snow-girl" and a mean snow fort.  It literally snowed every day that we were present.  There was already a good amount of snow on the ground when we got there.  It was result of a huge snow storm that took place a month ago.  Because it started melting it refroze and left a natural ice rink.  Though we didn't pack our ice skates, we did some boot skating, haha! So fun and yet creative, another fun past time.  They put on a little show, it was so stinkin cute!

In the midst of our northern adventure we did get pampered.  My hubby took all of his girls out for a yummy Valentine's Day dinner with amazing desserts.  Good thing I was prepared yet again.  I made sure we brought some snappy clothes for the dinner.  I even applied just a little amount of makeup just like mommy to really make them feel like princesses!

Like everything else, all good things must come to an end right?  We were so not ready to come home.  We are already planning our next northern adventure.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I did bring learning activities and worksheets. We did take a break from curriculum but I didn't want to leave homeschooling behind completely, you know what I mean?

Anyways, like I said before we are ready to plan our next northern adventure.  We stay in my in-laws cabin and it's always such a blast.

If you are a homeschooling family have you ever taken your "homeschooling" on a trip?  Would love to hear about your adventures.

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and a mom

Encouragement for Christian parents

In continuing with my iPhone devotional: Parenting by Design through YouVersion, I came across another one that really has encouraged me as a parent and in my spiritual walk with Jesus Christ. It was such a blessing to me that I felt compelled to blog about it today. I pray this encourages you this day, don't be discouraged!

CALLED TO PARENTING: Parenting by Design (YouVersion)
"Sometimes we don't understand why God calls us to a certain task or ministry. Other people seem far more qualified to meet the challenge that faces us. And yet over and over again in the Bible God used the unlikely people to accomplish His goals. There is no greater calling from God than parenting. When you feel inadequate for the task, realize you are putting your trust in the wrong person! Strive to be an excellent parent, but recognize that God is not dependent on your knowledge or expertise to bring about His results. When you feel overwhelmed, surrender control and trust God. He will provide."

Exodus 4:10-12

And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto they servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Thank you Lord for this parenting revelation. God is faithful to minister to those who are His in times of great need, especially when raising children as unto the Lord! I know that I want to be a Godly example to my little ones so that they may emulate the things of God and eventually display those things on their own choosing. Let us not forget that not only are they our children, they are ultimately "God's children." He created them and entrusted them to us to raise them how to win the lost for him and how to serve Him with their whole hearts. We should all desire this for our children as Christian parents. I believe homeschooling parents have a greater responsibility in this as we were called to this for a purpose. What do you want God to do for you and your family?

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Have you ever heard of Giver's Log and Ticket Kitchen?

Just today, I heard in passing about a couple of websites that I think you will also be interested in whether you are a homeschooling parent or not.

Givers Log

Givers Log is a fun site that gives you oodles of ideas whether you are on a budget or not. It already has gotten my creative juices flowing so-to-speak. For example, "Happy Mail"Well, I will let you click the link to give you an idea of what this is about. I can pretty much bet that you will be impressed with these simple ideas, so simple yet AWESOME it makes you think: "Now, why didn't I think of that?"

Looking for some unique printables? Well, these printables aren't your ordinary printables that you click "print" and simply just take off of your printer. Again, click here to see what I am talking about. It's one of those things where you have to see it to get an idea of what it's all about. Such a tease I know but hey, if you are just an inkling interested you will most likely check it out for yourself. Go ahead, I dare you, hee hee! ;)

Anyways, as a homeschooling mom who loves crafts like there's no tomorrow, this site will make you want to start your next project and without delay. I am sure the kids won't argue either. The website has everything from what I mentioned above to simple food ideas, lists and home organizing etc.

Ticket Kitchen?

I am pretty fascinated with this site already because well it involves....CHOCOLATE! My fave! The ideas they come up with chocolate is absolutely amazing and I can't wait to use the ideas. This site was founded by the same creator as Givers Log (AmberLee) right along side her Co-Founder: Andrea. To see what I am talking about.......(here she goes again, haha) click here to read their story and take a tour of what they have to offer.

Happy Homeschooling~

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom!

Image by: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Back on Track for the New Year

Hello all, I am finally back. Pheww, I never thought I would get back on here but for accountability to myself, I need this blog has a homeschooling mom.

Sweet Pea (8) is struggling with math. Remember those days? Ugh! I love A Beka Curriculums math program though. It introduces a new concept all the while reviewing everything prior. It's an accelerated concept but Sweet Pea seems to be holding her own. When we can, we just focus on whatever is the toughest for the time being. It will be worth it in the end I am sure. Other than that she seems to be thriving with the other subjects. So proud!

Cup Cake (5) is really coming along with her reading. She is at the 1st grade level so this is excellent news. She is also doing 1st grade math so this is an excellent sign for the coming year. We really need to focus on writing. She seems to be doing better so we will just keep our focus for the time being.

Jelly Bean (2.5) well, we are struggling in the potty training department. She thinks it's icky now and refuses to go but knows she is supposed to. Being consistent is key and I will just keep going that route.....I think I can....I think I can.....I think I can..... haha! She is pointing and counting, can sing the Spanish color song, and is just overall a busy bee.

I am currently searching and waiting for good deals on curriculum's next year. I will be resuming with A Beka, Love it! Cupcake will be doing 1st grade and Sweet Pea will be doing 4th grade. I am so excited! I am anticipating the rest of this homeschool year will really be a joy and we will look forward to a new beginning in the fall. I can't believe this fall will be going on our second year of homeschooling. Where did the time go? I do plan on doing summer school 2-3 days a week just to keep their minds sharp.

They are thoroughly enjoying their co-op classes at Palaestra. Sweet Pea will be continuing with Fashion Design and Cup Cake will be taking a class called "Lollipop Logic" another math and language arts supplement that I think she will greatly benefit from. I anticipate that Jelly Bean will be starting preschool this fall so it will be interesting tagging on another curriculum into the mix. Lord help me but I am at peace and just need a daily dose of joy and strength and of course.....FAITH!

Well, I need to make sure the girls are finishing up their chores. It was the only way I could get on here and quickly. It's now time for piano lessons! Preparing for our spring recital.

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom!

My photo image feature is currently having problems. Sorry that I don't have a pic to share =(

Merry Christmas everyone!

Well, here we are, our first Christmas as homeschoolers! I am so beyond excited and pleased with what we accomplished so far and look forward to what 2012 has to bring. As homeschoolers, I have decided not to take the full two weeks off like the traditional school but we will be having a whole lot of fun. The Monday and Tuesday after Christmas we will for sure be taking off then resume Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at least with math, reading, and writing. Don't want to lose what was gained so far. The same pattern will continue after the New Year.

It's nice because even when everyone will be returning back to the brick and mortar setting we might be having a couple days off then too. I so love being in control of our schedules. It is such a blessing!

The next couple of weeks are going to be kind of hectic so with that said this is my final post for the year. I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to starting up with fresh content and gaining new readers with this new blog! God bless you all!

Lindsey
Blessed to be a mom!

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What Bible curriculum do you use?

As a new homeschooling mom, of course Bible is an important part of our learning. I want my girls to know the Bible more than anything but have tried a couple different curriculums and they are just not working at this point.

Right now we are just doing a deep mom and daughter devotional (as seen on the right) along with learning the ABC Bible Verse alphabet. I would like a curriculum that is versatile with all ages if possible. What are you using? Can you please tell me a little about your curriculum? I look forward to your comments. Have a blessed rest of the week. We woke up to a little blanket of snow on our front lawn, yay, Christmas is coming =)

Lindsey

Blessed to be a mom!

Called to Homeschool!

As a new homeschooling mom I can honestly say that it has been a harder experience than I originally anticipated. The Lord began speaking to me about homeschooling over two years ago. My oldest daughter (Sweet Pea, 8) was enrolled in a public school since Kindergarten. All was going well. I was very active in her school and was on the PTA but something was brewing in my spirit, homeschooling kept popping up. I was back and forth and really unsure and very apprehensive. I prayed: 'Lord, if you are really calling me to do this, you will send the resources and help me be research what I need to do this.' The Lord did an amazing thing and resources and people just came my way in droves. God is so amazing. It first began when I homeschooled my middle daughter (Cup Cake, 5), when she was in preschool. This was an easy transition as I am a degreed and certified Child Development professional and taught preschool for years. God started me with what I was familiar with first. It was then a year later the Lord had me pull Sweet Pea out of the public school the end of her second grade year. Our youngest (Sugar Bean, 2.5), well she is potty training and a busy bundle of energy. I most likely will be starting preschool with her pretty early on as she is eager to be doing what her big sisters are doing. It's all a new challenge for me but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! I will not give up, Lord help me.

I have learned that if you are not called to do this, don't. If you are meant to, you will just know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are supposed to home educate your children. Prior to my journey I talked to so many moms that homeschooled their children and thought they were 'crazy' for lack of a better word. HA! But, God gave me the desires of my heart and here I am today. There have been dark days and discouragement but the Lord has been faithful to carry me through. Honestly, I wouldn't trade this for anything. I love my children and want to raise them up in the way they should go, according to the Bible. If I am disobedient in training my children, I will be held accountable for their lives and they may end up going down the wrong path in life. I do not want this to be. I want the Lord to bless me and my family and the only way this can be achieved is if we are being obedient and diligent! The "Jewels in my crown (my sweet little girls), will indeed one day earn me heavenly jewels in my crown.' This is why I named my blog "Jewels in my Crown.' Please feel free to share your heart with me and send on over words of encouragement. We are still in the adjustment phase but coming along swimmingly. We started our homeschool journey here at Brandon M. Homeschool Academy the end of August 2011. I will share what the name of our homeschool means in a later post. I am sure you will be touched and blessed by this.

I hope you enjoy my new blog as a homeschooling mom. I just ended my personal blog: Peaceful Island Mother and felt I needed to start over fresh with a new focus and that being connecting with other homeschooling moms and families out there.

God bless you and I look forward to sharing journey. For a play by play of my weeks including crafts, etc., you can view Lindsey's Journey on homeschoolingindetroit.com. (This is a local source in my state). Enjoy!

Also, if you are looking for excellent deals on children's books and even homeschooling workbooks, foreign language, biographies, etc., check out a site I have partnered with childrensbookstore.com. To learn more about this endeavor you can view my blog in process titled "lindseyskiddiebooks.blogspot.com.'

Lindsey
Blessed to be a mom!

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net