Homeschool Moment

I wanted to share something that we started this school year, more independent work. When we moved here and Timothy was 1 and Elijah was 3 (more needed attention) I had to do something. I was wearing myself out trying to be right beside Isaac and Sarah doing school and keeping the two (now 3) little ones occupied. Bryan suggested that I let Isaac and Sarah do a good bit of school on their own. WHAT?!! Finally I gave in and tried it. At first it was hard (harder for me). I have realized that Isaac was depending too much on me, so it has been real good for me to take my hand off of him some. Now we work like this....if they have a question they come and ask me but they first try and figure it out on their own. I will check their work and go over whatever they missed. I have been amazed that they have done so well. :) As Bryan and I have talked about this I have come to see that in the long run it is for their benefit to figure things out for theirselves. Over time I have felt such a freedom from not having that "control". Isaac and Sarah can read the directions and do their work, only need mom for support. Next year I will be doing more school time with Elijah and he will need more of my attention so that eventually he will be doing independent work one day. I am such a perfectionist that in the beginning this drove me crazy, but after wise counsel from my hubby and following his lead, I am SO glad I have removed my hand from total control (I am still the teacher just not dictator) of Isaac and Sarah's school. So may I encourage those of you who have older children to give it a try, I really don't think you will regret it. It is a step toward more responsibility and maturity for our children.

A Kingbird

One day I was sitting outside when a kingbird flew by. I watched it land on a branch. It saw a insect and swooped down and got it. Then it went back to his branch and ate the insect. I wish I was a kingbird. The kingbird has strong wings that can fight off hawks and crows. It is a useful bird and very pretty.

by: Isaac Chandler Camp

Baseball

Watching for the right one!

Warming up!

Joanna is out!

Well, baseball is in full swing! Most of Isaac's games are later games so the younger kiddos and I don't get to make those. We did get to go this past Friday night to a game that started at 7:30. Joanna goes to bed at 8 so she was give out! Isaac has enjoyed playing and being with other boys his age. His team did not win this game but did win the game on Saturday. Next week is a busy week with a full week of games.

Jesus Is Alive!

Thank you Jesus for these wonderful blessings!

Our new family picture! I have been wanting to get a family picture since Joanna has been born and since we were all looking descent today (LOL) I got one. One of our Pastor's daughters took this, she took our Easter picture last year also.

Timothy is showing what he liked most....Resse Pieces!!

Isaac seeing what was in his basket.

Sarah opening a card from Paw and Maw!

Elijah is showing his bendable bunny!

Mommy and Joanna

This morning the kids got their Easter baskets before we went to church. Every one put on their "new" clothes....Jesus gives us a NEW life when we allow Him to change our hearts. We got to go and worship a Risen Savior with our church family at Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church....He is worthy of our worship! Then this afternoon we have enjoyed being together as a family by watching the new Narnia movie together and playing outside....one day we will be able to spend every moment at the feet of Jesus!! Pray each of you had a wonderful Easter!!

Helpful Hints

A Menu for the week(s) to come. This has helped us out in more than one way. First of all I make a list of all the meals that our family likes or eats and then I sit down with a calendar to decide what we will have for which meals. On that calendar I write down what our meals will be for each day that week and if possible the next week. From this calendar I compose a grocery list or make sure I have those items on hand. Then I write out my menu and post it to where the whole family can view it. My big kids love having this so they will know what we are having to eat and they don't have to ask me. Having a menu really helps me when I am trying to grocery shop for two weeks. I always get a few extra things for those "just in case" moments. Now I will say this, things come up and we don't always have what is written down to eat but I still am prepared. It is nice to know ahead of time what we are having so incase I need to set something out for the next day. Writing the menu down on a calendar is helpful for me, I know what we had last week and the week before, etc.

This is the claendar I use. Use what ever is best for you.

This is what our menu looks like. I place mine in a clear project sleeve so that I can write on the sleeve with a dry earse marker and then I can reuse it.

Big Brown Eyes

We have been blessed with brown eyed children! Some of our kids have Bryan's coloring of brown eyes, light brown. Some of the kids have DARK brown eyes like their mother! :) One of our dark brown eyed children is Elijah. When he talks to you those brown eyes just light up and especially when he gets excited!! When you ask him to show you his BIG brown eyes this is what he looks like (see picture above). It is so cute and so funny! Last night I was going to take a picture of him and Joanna, then he wanted me to take his picture, so I said "Show me your eyes" and this is the picture I got!! Got to LOVE him!!

Helpful Hints and Homeschool Moment

I have felt that maybe I could share some things that we do as a family and it might encourage others or spark an idea in some. I know how much I enjoy hearing what other familys do and getting ideas from others that I might can apply to our family. Two areas that I would like to share are, "Helpful Hints" will be things that might benefit any family with children and then "Homeschool Moment" might benefit a homeschooling family. Let me be the first to admit I am not saying that we have it all together, I know there are many others out there that are doing this family thing way better than we are, but I am willing to share in order to spur others on (Hebrews 10:23-25). So when you see a post titled "Helpful Hints" or "Homeschool Moment" you will know what I am sharing. I want to encourage feed back. If you have any suggestions for me please feel free to leave them in the comment box. I would love to hear what you all are doing in your families and what works for you and what doesn't. I want my post to be an encouragement to you and for them to challenge you as a mother, wife and woman. My ultimate goal will be to lift Jesus up and glorify God in all that is said and done!