I have a headache

Ever get one of those headaches that make you feel like your brain is rolling around in your head? I have that. Ouch. Coffee and Advil and a good Chiropractic adjustment are my best remedy although my Chiropractor would lovingly disagree with that approach. Anyway, I've really discovered Flylady this past 2 weeks and recommend that sight as a good kick in the pants kind of get up and go sort of start to dive in and conquer clutter...and I have. Its been so therapeutic. I love home keeping but not housekeeping. I love doing laundry but not putting it away. I'm funny. Not funny ha ha...funny weird. So my headache is making it next to impossible to think and plan a good blog entry but I'm bored because I can't do anything that makes me move too much. So I thought I'd ramble and share my huge happiness with Flylady and feel like I accomplished something worth while. I don't know how much value there is to rambling though. Anyway, a headache is just my body's way of saying slow down...so I think I might just practise "being still" today.

Planning, planning, planning

I love planning...this time of year is sweet to the homeschool teacher! It includes rest and lots of books. I think, not sure, but really do think, that homeschool teachers have a 'thing' for books. I get simply giddy around them (I think I've mentioned that before somewhere). So, while my kiddies are away at camp for the morning, I get this incredible 21/2 hours of complete quiet in my home. This is an unusual sound for me. My ears are actually ringing right now due to the click clack of my keyboard. So amazing downtime for me but also, a time of refreshing, reviewing last years mistakes and taking great heart that there is a new beginning in a few short weeks. School will be starting all too soon for some, but the gentle rhythm of routine speaks to my heart. And so, I'm planning my year. As I pour through my curriculum choices for my kids I've discovered that I made a gem of a find and it makes me think of my friend Kelly who loves all things Victorian. Its a book called 'Story Starters' by Karen Andreola and I highly recommend it to everyone who homeschools or simply takes a great interest in their kids education. It could be a fun weekend activity or rainy day thing...or an extra credit. It is valuable for every grade K to 12! What a resource. And...it doesn't have to be done in a year, it doesn't require marking in the traditional sense and it envelopes the Classical Approach to education that I love so much. There are the sweetest Victorian pictures to stimulate the imagination and the beginnings of great stories that our children get to finish. Their way...they are in charge of the outcome and really, for a reluctant writer, how cool is that! There's a quote in the book that says, "The soul without imagination is what an observatory would be without a telescope." H.W. Beecher
Is that not just a summing up of exactly what we hope education will do for our kids? Instead of beating the soul out of them, this shows us how important it is to pour imagination into them. And if they do go to school (I have one in there too...) then how much more important is it to feed that part of them when they come home. I've often heard it said that it takes 11 positive comments to erase the effects of 1 negative comment. We have much work to do when our kids return to us. And so, I just bless you parents, who work so hard and give up so much for the efforts you pour into your sweet bundles (even if they do tower over you..) and I say to you, be encouraged. You have great kids...great kids make great parents.

a REALLY great quote

I just love this quote...enjoy.
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Out deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our own light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God! Your playing small doesn't serve the world! There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us! And it's not just in some of us; it's in everyone! And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others!" - Nelson Mandela

Happy Birthday to ME

Yep! Its my birthday, its my birthday...well, yesterday was...but I like to drag it out! The big one is coming up next year...and I'm excited! I love getting older...wiser, calmer, more relaxed about actually living! So many good things in a life...even in the hard parts. So, for my birthday, I was blessed with an MP3 from my kids, which I am loading as I type and a GPS from my husband...now don't worry, its not for when I get lost...its a handheld, for hiking with my kids. We love to Geocache...check it out on Google, very fun! And our homeschool group plans a few hikes a year, so it'll be handy in these events! Also, a lovely pedicure my daughter gave me...complete with orange polish and a blue stone set into my big toe (very fun looking!) What a fun day I had doing exactly what I felt like! My little one is having his 3rd party to celebrate his birthday...today it is Pirate Day around here! Look out...

JP turned 9 up North

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Cancer is ugly

I don't like cancer. I hate it. I always say to my kids, "Hate is a very strong word" but that's exactly how I feel about cancer. I know too many people with it, lost some people to it and I hate it. Can I whine about that for just a moment? Its so hard to see really good people go through it and its just a horrible disease. But there are so many victories too...my mom, my aunt...famous people...there are survivors all over the place. So I'm encouraged. God gives us so many places to rest in his comfort, like in the greatest prayer ever written..."Thy will be done on EARTH as it is in HEAVEN." So the promise is for those who will grab hold, that cancer is not in heaven and God's perfect will is that it is not here either. Getting into that perfect will is hard. I imagine for a person dealing with cancer, it would be nearly impossible to get into the mind set when faced with chemo, radiation, pills etc. I'm just trying so hard to stay away from asking 'why' and ask 'what can I do'...'how should I pray'? If this is hard for me, I can only imagine how hard it is for those dealing with it. Give us strength God, wash us with your healing waters. Let us be in a continual waterfall of peace and healing. Bring comfort and good rest to all the families fighting this battle. You have already won Lord, show us how to win too. In Jesus name, Amen.

Bad Spellers Untie

I love words...the way they come together, the way they flow without a bunch of effort. I should have studied Lingustics but the thing that holds me back is that I can't spell. I mean, I can but...the dictionary and spell check are my best friends. And then, the cruelty of spell check is that it sometimes corrects a miss spelled word as correct because it's American. Can't catch a break...my uncle has the best shirt I've seen for this issue. It says, "Bad spellers of the world...untie!" Isn't that great? I had a stellar round of scrabble at the cottage and just loved my win...because it just never happens! That makes it really sweet. I won't post my score or my opponent may never speak to me again, but lets just say it was really good! So good, I had to take a picture of the board! It's all good...untie~~~

Daily Decalouge for Living

1) Only for today, I will seek to live the day positively without wishing to solve the problems of my life all at once.

2) Only for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will dress modestly; I will not raise my voice; I will be courteous in my behavior; I will not criticize anyone; I will not claim to improve or to discipline anyone except myself.

3) Only for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created to be happy, not only in the other world but also in this one.

4) Only for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without requiring all circumstances to be adapted to my own wishes.

5) Only for today, I will devote 10 minutes of my time to some good reading, remembering that just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul.

6) Only for today, I will do one good deed and not tell anyone about it.

7) Only for today, I will do at least one thing I do not like doing; and if my feelings are hurt, I will make sure that no one notices.

8) Only for today, I will make a plan for myself: I may not follow it to the letter, but I will make it. And I will be on guard against two evils: hastiness and indecision.

9) Only for today, I will firmly believe, despite appearances, that the good Providence of God cares for me as no one else who exists in this world.

10) Only for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness. Indeed, for 12 hours, I can certainly do what might cause me consternation were I to believe I had to do it all my life.

Hmmmmmmmmm.....................

To say that I'm relaxed is an understatement. My ears have come down about 6 inches from my shoulders as I predicted they would and I'm not able to get out of cottage time. Like the only things we planned were what to eat and when to eat it. Really a sweet and wonderful time of friendship, coming together as family and having just oodles of fun. Our friend tried water skiing for the first time in 20 years and lived to tell the tale and inspire all the young ones who dared! Way to go Tessa~you so totally rock! Mud was found in the ATV adventures and although Moose Hunting was a bust, we heard a Bullfrog Band of Banjos. Way cool! Now hunting Moose in Algonquin is not quite what you might think...we were hunting with our cameras. But we didn't see any...this time. We did find a water spring and brought some water home with us. All is right in my world right now. Rocks were collected, scrabble was conquered, beaver dams observed, mosquitoes fed, books enjoyed, prayers and devotions lead, landscape photographed, paintings begun, birthdays had, ice cream eaten, touring done, turtles found, cakes made and eaten, dragonflies landed, tubing and water skiing, swimming, canoeing, relaxing, ATVing, dancing, boating, spider looking, basketball playing, sleeping, discovering, Moose Hunting and driving all in the name of vacationing! Whew...I need a vacation from my vacation! Check out our boating angel who followed us everywhere! God is GOOD!

Oh I am soooooo exhausted

I don't even know where to begin...what a weekend. Sara's exam finished on Thursday and we've just ramped it up from there. Off we went on Friday to finish all the details for grad on Saturday...my boys were all away for the night, one at a sleepover and 2 off camping. Truly they had great fun. My daughter and I went to get my nails done and then off to relax, we rented a movie and tried to rest for Saturday. We woke early and went over to the hall to help set up and then came home so I could practically rewrite my MC speech, grab a few things and wait for the boys to shower and head back out. Dinner was enjoyed and then the night began. A few last moment changes to the program and we were off and running. A wonderful night. I felt it was just good to be a part of it all. And then Sunday morning we were again off and running...
Fathers Day~
So the kids were bagged and guess who cooked breakfast in bed for pappa! He deserves it though...a hard working man is he. And we really just went from there, off to church, home for lunch and then off to family for a wonderful dinner and time of birthday fellowship. Talk about poolside service...I felt like it was Mothers Day!
Then yesterday it was off to Marineland for our year end school trip. We didn't even see one show, we just went from ride to ride and news of news, my youngest was tall enough for everything he wanted to ride! What a really great day...blazing hot, I got some colour for sure and our feet were dirty beyond belief! But it was so good! What a great time we had. Such a good weekend, and now...CRASH!

Its finished

She did it! This was a stellar exam! Well played, solid and just so good! I'm so proud. 6 long weeks till results, we'll have to stay distracted. It was just so lovely to hear. We went shopping for a gift after and then lunch with her teacher to celebrate! So lovely. All in all, a perfect day! And my oldest played a spectacular game of soccer tonight. No wonder he made the highschool team! I'm a proud mummy...really a great day!

Piano Prayer

My daughter has her piano exam today...ahhh....who's more nervous? Me! Of course. She'll be great. I've listened to her practice for 9 months...it's gonna be just great! No worries. Just pray for her please. Pray she is in a good mental place. Pray her fingers are strong and firm and her feet stay secure. Pray her mind is clear and the music crisp. Pray she has fun and loves every moment! May she be blessed by her examiner. I pray too that her examiner has a good morning, a happy countenance and a love for music that encourages the next step. Where 2 or more are gathered in prayer, it will be done for you. In Jesus name, Amen!

My cup runs over....

Not only does my cup run over, but it spills and pools and could quite possibly fill a new lake! I'm so busy, I want to get off this ride and start over! Exams, field trips, grad, soccer, long range planning...its all too much. Did I sign up for this? I did. And I'm always reminded at this time of year to find time to myself. Yesterday I was in the garden for ever. It was wonderful. Its fun to think of new plans and wonderful ways to grow the yard to new places. I love where we live. The beauty, vegetation, wild life, its all so beautiful. Swimming and walking, digging and pruning. Its all so good. The smells outside right now are simply tropical! The sounds are inviting and even this morning I said to myself, I never want to go inside again! And here I am. But I'm reminded that God is good...look what He made for me to enjoy. I have a knight in shining armor who rescued me,I have great kids who love me, and a community of friends and wonderful people. I live free and choose free. I can shop, I can bare my furry legs if I want, I can be who I want to be... So I'm busy, but I'm blessed. My cup truly does run over.

How tired is tired?

School is almost over, grad is coming quickly and I'm exhausted. Its such a tiring time of year. There's so much left to do and it seems not enough time. I've been reading lately in my new curriculum for next year about taking pressure off, and to some extent I did that this year. Things just seemed to flow a little more gently than they normally do. I'm not sure if that's because there was one student less in our class room or because my daughter became very independent as a learner this year. But I really feel like I only had one student. It was a bit surreal. And now I'm really finished. I feel really released. My little guy doesn't know it yet, but today's his last day. I need to be done. Up North is calling me...my shoulders should probably drop down about 2 inches the closer I get to the lake. Can't wait! I saw my friend last night and it was great to see for myself that she's okay. Its her husband who's not well. She's really strong. Her strength is a real source for me. What an example. So if you get the chance read Romans 8. It came as a Word to me last night in prayer and when I looked at it, wow, blew my mind. Explains alot.
Anyway, I'm going to try and attach a picture into this section of my blog. Not sure about all the things I can do yet...still alot to learn, but week 1 has been fun.

What do you do with bad news?

Well I was right. Yesterday was insane, but not for the reasons I thought. We had bad news of a wonderful friend who is sick. Its hard not to walk down the road of fear. I'm so greatful to be a Christian at this moment because I don't need to ask why. Instead I ask, how should I pray Lord? What should I do next Lord? When should I act Lord? But never why. Dangerous place to go but so easy. Thats where faith comes in. Either I believe that God is God or I don't. But I do. As I walked along the road leading me to this place called Christian, I read and listened to some great teachers. One of them taught that Jesus is one of three things. He's either a Lunatic, because you don't go around claiming to be God without serious social consequences, or He's a Liar, because its kinda hard to prove your God wearing a man suit, not that the miracles weren't enough, but they weren't because they still killed him, or He's Lord. You have to choose one. I choose Lord. No other religious deity ever claimed to be God. My research points in that direction. And its here that I find peace. Even if the worse happened to my friend, I know its not the worse. Fear is an indicator of punishment. And death isn't punishment, not anymore, Jesus paid the price for me to never die. For the Christian, death isn't the end. Yes, my body stops but the me goes on. Living in glory sounds like a good place to me. I want some of that! And Jesus is clear that he's building a mansion in His Fathers house. And if I am the daughter of the King, then that means I'm a princess...and I most definately want to live in a mansion in heaven with my Abba Father. So fear isn't an option. Its tempting to go there, but instead, I'll pray. Words are powerful. God created the every exisitence with them. And he knows the desires of our hearts. So, as my friends sister in Christ, I stand in the gap and pray.

Singing, Speaking and Soccer

Today is going to be a huge day...choir practise at my house in the afternoon. What are we thinking? All these wee little voices and 2 weeks to pull it together. We need a choir for our graduation ceremony next week and here we are pulling it together. No regrets though, it will be sweet and wonderful. Probably singing Open the Eyes of my Heart. After that practice I'm working with the Grad committee because I'm the MC of the event...I need to know the order of events. And then add my comments and flare. My goal is to keep things perky, fun and timely. We usually go almost 2 and ahalf hours. The mind can absorb what the butt can endure. And then after a Chiropractic appointment, we're off to a soccer game that my youngest is in. So its a really busy day. Not to mention, school! Oh right, homeschool. Is it summer vaction yet?

Books make me giddy

So our support group had a book sale today and it was great. Small, but at least we started. And that's what makes something go...a beginning. You need momentum. Just alittle push and it starts. So today we started. I made some great bucks and so did my daughter. She was sweet at her table, working so hard checking prices and selling her old novels. I find it so hard to sell books. I get giddy walking into libraries, bookstores and sales. I just love books. And what is it about books that makes me get that way? I'm really not sure. It might be the feeling of being far away when reading. Do you ever get that? Like your reading something so fantastic that when you put the book down your surprised there's other people around and your not where you were a moment ago? That's what I love about books. The smell, the feel of the pages, the words so neat and orderly. I even breathe slower. Its like a whole different pace to life when I read. Relaxing wonderful reading. I love books.

Lazy Daizy Homeschool Summer Day

Today was fun! The nearer we get to "Grad" the more subjects that drop off each day. My daughter finished school today but she's going to do a research project on spiders. Personally I think it's a gross out mom project...but fine! She's learning, I'm happy!
We went to my cousins house in the country today! What a great place...its an old Mill. The place is about 120 years old and has neat artifacts lying around everywhere. What a great place to homeschool! He has a creek running right past his place and a wonderful sized property. We've been invited to come up and do school there on nice days if we want...I think we will! The kids found a bullfrog and snake along the bank of the creek and you could just hear the frogs singing...they sound like elastic bands popping off a package that was a little too big for the band. Inside the old mill at the bottom was an old chicken coop and a place for cows and pigs...just close my eyes and I'm there, mucking out a stall, gathering eggs, feeding the animals. What a simple life...uncomplicated. If only. Instead, I'm rushing from A to B like everyone eles. Grad is coming soon which means, choir practice, grad practice, MC writing, long range planning, blessing page writing and book sales! And they say homeschoolers are hermits!

In the beginning...

It began back in 2002...homeschooling became more than just an idea, it became a reality. We brought our son home after completing grade 3 and our daughter home after grade 1. Our youngest never did go! What a life! We have had so many adventures and this year began a new one...High school back in school for our oldest. The challenges have been many and the work load is huge. But we're almost done the first year and have many new lessons to add to our family knowledge. Mostly, grade 9 is really hard. Not from the standpoint of education, I mean the rest of it. Its amazing how things amplify over all the years...I don't remember it so hard. So our school shrunk by one student and that placed our middle child in the position of oldest student. What a blessing she is. Self motivation is huge! And our youngest...what a love! He is struggling and trying so hard to read. Its been a long year for him, but one of growth for sure. He is a great mathematician. Which brings us back to our eldest. What a trooper. He worked so hard this year and is aiming for honors! I can see it...its within reach! He's .5 of a percent away for grade nine second semester. So close.
Its wonderful to meet you! Join us as we enter this new age of blogging! Join our journey. We're happy your coming along!