End of the School Year

Posted on July 11, 2008
Filed Under home education, family news | 2 Comments

Just over a year ago I started to homeschool Ben and Grace joined us last September. Today we have reached a milestone, we have completed our first full year of homeschooling. Back in September I really wasn’t sure how all of this would pan out. Would both of the kids respond to me? Was it the right decision for both of them? Would they become isolated? etc.

There have been days over the past year when I haven’t really been sure if I would make it until the end of the school year. These days, I’m told are normal, and we obviously overcame them.

I’ve been reflecting on our school year for the past few days and I am amazed at what we have learned together - I write together because I am continually learning new things through the studies they do. I am chuffed to bits when I think of the problems the children have overcome and when I see them “get” something they have struggled with and realize that I have helped them to achieve this. My daughter really struggled with reading at school as she wasn’t quite ready to learn. Back in September she would cry every time I brought a book near her and say “I can’t do this, I’m stupid”. Now in July she is not a fluid reader yet, but she is getting there in leaps and bounds and she sits in bed at night looking at books and working out the words.

In themselves they seem so much more confident in who they are. They want to try new things. They enjoy mixing with all sorts of people (adults and children) and are not isolated at all. I love the conversations we have together about anything from God to salt dough. We have had countless visits to places to learn things. We are experiencing a different kind of family relationship.

I’m ready for the summer break, but I’m looking forward to September, though, of course, everyday is a learning experience. I thank God that I am able to teach my children.

The teacher got a nice box of chocolates this morning! She has given herself a pat on the back

help me find a book to read …

Posted on July 8, 2008
Filed Under book | 8 Comments

Waiting to find out if we have our Canadian permanent residency is driving me to despair. I want to get lost in a book to pass the time. Can you recommend anything?

Links

Posted on July 7, 2008
Filed Under Links | Leave a Comment

I’ve got David Crowder’s album Remedy on. I find this album so spiritually impacting at the moment. It speaks (or should I say sings?) well into where I’m at right now.

I’ve felt challenged by a couple of posts today which are very different, although similar at the same time. Sonja challenges us at how much things should cost and at what human cost. TallSkinnyKiwi shares about the book Wikinomics and looks at scriptures that talk about transparency, generosity and trust rather than secrecy, hoarding and self-interest.

My thoughts on blogging

Posted on July 7, 2008
Filed Under blog | 2 Comments

I’ve been thinking a lot since I wrote Why Blog? a few weeks ago. It certainly seems that there is a blogging drought going on as some people shared in the comments; also other bloggers who I read are taking blog sabbaticals! I’m glad it’s not just me.

As others mentioned, the conversation is changing and there needs to be a next step - the question is what? Maybe more of a focus of how things look and shape out in our own lives and communities? Any ideas?

I think that I will take things slow over the summer and blog as and when and maybe pull back into things more in September - but you never know things may just flow through me!

Being an INFP I value my online relational community. I’ve decided that I need to focus on things relevant to me and where I’m at. Some of that will include my passion of justice in the world and my hope for a different kind of church. Other things I share will be boring and irrelevant to most of you - like how chuffed I am that my vegetable garden is happening this year and how I just got the big thumbs up from the education authority at how I homeschooled the kids this year!

So … I hope you stay with me on the journey, I’ll stay with you all and continue to enjoy reading about your passions and hobbies, thoughts on Christianity, love of Jesus, your travels, decorating ventures and what music you listen to!

Thank you for your comments a few weeks ago. I love the fact that I have an online community that is so open, honest and frank with me - love ya all!

4th of July

Posted on July 4, 2008
Filed Under current affairs | 4 Comments

Happy Independence Day to all of my wonderful American friends. I hope you all have a great day.