Family, Faith, and Fridays

Monday, January 8, 2018

5 Reasons You Will Want to Homeschool

Welcome to Week 1 of the Virtual Homeschool Fair. I have participated in this amazing event for a few year and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I hope you will too!

Many thanks to Susan from Homeschooling Hearts and Minds for hosting each year and being the mastermind behind the fun. For the next four Mondays we will be talking about homeschooling, joining many other homeschooling moms just like us, talking about the same. I pray you will find some new ideas and inspiration, and maybe a few new friends.

This week's topic is The Reason We Homeschool and you might be surprised at all the different answers you will get by following the links below.

That being said, I want to share with you the 5 reasons I think you will want to do the same!

#1- You can shape your children! I am not sure about you, but personally I do not want someone else to be a bigger influence in my kids' lives over myself and my husband. They are our kids after all. There is a place for others in our children's lives for sure, but not the MAIN place. If we are spending less time with our kids each day than someone else, we should not be surprised when they are molding themselves around someone elses' beliefs and ideals.

#2- Religious Freedom- Let's face it- no matter your religious following, the schools do not care. And they are not going to guide your children in those beliefs. For our family, we believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and we desire to teach it too our children throughout the day with NO censorship.

#3- YOU can choose what your kids learn!- Have you heard about some of the things they are teaching our kids these days? Sex ed in elementary school? No thanks! I could go on and on, but I will leave it at this- I will not allow anyone else to decide what they think my kids need to know.

#4- LOVE!- No one loves your kids like you! Know one knows your kids like you. Who better to teach them and love them throughout the day than you!?

#5- It's just plain fun! OK , maybe not every day, but most days certainly. Learning is not just about books and tests. We often discover so much more when we do experiments, gather with other homeschoolers or go on a field trip. I don't get to just teach, I get to learn to and have a front row seat in the delight of my children a they learn and grow.

No matter the reasons you choose I pray you will be blessed. As we always say around here, not every day is easy, but every day is worth it!

See you back next Monday as we talk about Our Methods of Homeschooling!

Blessings,

Let's Talk About Why We Homeschool{Homeschool Link UP}

Now, let’s see what my fellow homeschool bloggers have to say about The Reasons We Homeschool.

Note: all posts will be live after 8 am EST.
5 Reasons to Homeschool High School by Susan @ Homeschooling Hearts & Minds
Weird Homeschoolers by Kim R. @ Good Sweet Love
How We Make Homeschooling a Lifestyle by Jeniffer @ Thou Shall Not Whine
Our Ever Evolving Homeschool Story by Christy @ Unexpected Homeschool

How Our Homeschool Came To Be (and why we continue) by Sabrina @ Kids, Crunch, and Christ
Home Education - 10 Reasons we keep going...even when it's hard by Lizzy @ Peaches@Home
So... Tell Me Again Why You Homeschool? by Leah @ As We Walk Along the Road
Virtual Homeschool Fair 2018 - Week 1 - Why do I Homeschool by Joelle@Homeschooling For His Glory
Homeschool Reasons: Bullies, Faith and More by Annette @ A Net In Time
In Pursuit of Purpose by Laura @ Four Little Penguins
A Long Time Ago . . . Why We Decided To Homeschool by Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break
The Why Behind Hopkins Homeschool by Amanda @ Hopkins Homeschool
5 Reasons We Love Homeschooling by Brittney @ Mom's Heart
Why We Homeschool - It's What We Do by Kristen H @ Sunrise to Sunset
Why we Home Educate and Extra Benefits by Sarah@Delivering Grace
Homeschooling: The Big WHY? by Lisa @ True North Homeschool Academy at Golden Grasses
Regaining Your Homeschool Focus by Jen @ A Helping Hand Homeschool
Why do we homeschool? by Dana @ Life Led Homeschool
Our “Homeschool” Why by Jacquelin @ A Stable Beginning

Because Life is Precious by Lori H @ At Home: where life happens
1998 vs. 2018: Why We Homeschool by Debra @ Footprints in the Butter

Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory
Jeniffer @ Thou Shall Not Whine
Chelsea @ Pause.Reflect.Learn.Grow
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break
Lisa @ True North Homeschool Academy at Golden Grasses
Chelli @ The Planted Trees
Hillary @ Walking Fruitfully
Debra @ Footprints in the Butter

Friday, January 5, 2018

New Year, New Word, New Plan

When I first started blogging I was introduced to this WORD OF THE YEAR concept and it intrigued me. Unlike New's Years Resolutions it was just a word to give meaning and hopefully a vision for each new year.

Who here doesn't need vision?

Webster defines vision as "something seen," or "unusual discernment or foresight."

And when the word popped into my head that was really what I was thinking- foresight, or a plan for the future. We have some big events pending in our lives (one of which is retirement from the military after 26 years) and it has been on my heart that our family needs a new vision for our future- a new plan.

But then I referenced vision in the Bible and look at what I found.
Take note of the different translations!

AMP

Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; But happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God].

NLV

Where there is no understanding of the Word of the Lord, the people do whatever they want to, but happy is he who keeps the law.

ERV

If a nation is not guided by God, the people will lose self-control, but the nation that obeys God’s law will be happy.

NKJV

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.

Now I am no word study expert (I will leave that to smarter people than me) but I SEE that vision in the Bible is something quite different than what I was originally thinking. And in reading it, I liked it even better! Go figure- God has a better definition! ;)

Vision- revelation, understanding, guidance by God Himself.

Yes, please!

While I may long to have a plan, I need to know that God already has one and He will reveal it in His time.

While I often long for understanding, God has given me just what I need for the moment in His Word.

And while we may sometimes feel we are wandering down an uncertain path, have no doubt God IS guiding us.

That my friends, is all the vision I need.

How about you?

Be blessed, dear friends, and may the Lord of the universe be YOUR VISION!

In the past these are the words I have chosen-

2014- Grace
2015- Joy
2016- A New Thing
2017-Restore

Check out more blog posts from Homeschool Review Crew and Friends!

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Living Deliberately

With 2018 here (yes I am a few days behind) there are a few things I have decided to be more purposeful about. Let's don't go crazy and call them New Year's Resolutions, but really, they are things I want to see growth or change in.

Here's hoping!

Date Nights- This is the first thing I am working on! Seriously, gotta put that husband first sometimes. ;) We are not even what I would consider busy people, but it seems that other things just slide into the slots and we get the leftovers of each other sometimes. Trust me when I say the left overs of me after a crazy day of schooling are not very pretty folks! My goal is to put ourselves on the calendar at least twice a month for a few hours out alone. We do not even require babysitters any more, so honestly this should not be that hard. It's all in the planning.

Exercise and Health- If you have been here long enough, you know my health has been questionable for a while now. In the quest to find the problem, doctors found a gall stone and I had my gall bladder out in May. While I no longer have THAT particular pain, the surgery gave me a host of other issues I am still dealing with. It is burdensome and tiring and I have had enough already! I am still tweaking things in my diet and such but had put exercise on hold because I have felt so poorly. Enough of that! I am getting my backside busy again if it is the last thing I do. Someone hold me accountable!

Leisure reading- I read A LOT! But mostly they are books on parenting and such, or curriculum or books for review. This year I want to be a little selfish and read at least one book a month just for me. Simple, mindless, sweet books. Historical fiction. Mysteries. Whatever. Feel free to shoot me your recommendations!

Making memories with my sons- I feel like I have fallen down on this a bit lately. With the girls it was easier. I was younger (think NOT tired) and let's face it I have more in common with them because well, they are girls! But I do not want my boys to miss out on mom moments just because I am old and - a GIRL! I am making specific plans with my boys for some fun at least once a month. Again, it is all a matter of scheduling!

Simplifying life- In our 34 Weeks of Clean quest, we have simplified MUCH in our lives. Layers of stuff are gone and it feels good. It also motivates me to do more, especially with the possibility of another move in our future. But it is not just stuff I want to simplify, it is life in general. I want to concentrate on what really matters and set aside the rest. Take note, SOCIAL MEDIA is the first on my list!

Time with friends- This is an area that homeschool mommas seem to struggle with. (or is it just me?) Lunch dates are hard to fit in the middle of our school days and by the time we are done, late afternoon coffees often require more than I have to give. I am working on a plan to shorten my Fridays and dedicate some time to friends. I am also determined to get over this crazy fear of flying and hop on a plane to a see a few friends. Watch out ladies, I may land on your door step!

More time in the Word- This should have come first of course, but I saved the best for last. While I attend a Bible study and we do devotions nightly as a family, time in the Word with just me and God often gets lost in the busyness of my day. I am determined to get back to that time in the morning before I even step foot out of bed. What a better thing to wake up and start your day with!

Oh, friends, I may be adding as I go, but this is where I will start! Whether you choose to make resolutions or just want to make some positive changes in your life, I pray 2018 will be a year of great strides in a positive direction for you and one filled with love, laughter, hope and joy!

One filled with GOD!

Blessings,

Monday, January 1, 2018

January 34 Weeks of Clean Schedule

Physical and mental clutter can lead to unhealthy habits, obsessive thoughts, and anxiety

-Psychology Today

It's January 1st and you know what that means. It's time to begin 34 Weeks of Clean!

Welcome friends! We are so glad you are here!

Let me start with a real quick background and then a few ground rules.

34 Weeks of Clean began a few years ago out of desperation to keep myself busy while my hero husband was deployed for a year. Somehow I convinced some people to play along with my madness and such began a cleaning, de-cluttering and organizing frenzy! Each year our followers have increased in numbers and each year I count them as friends. I cannot even begin to tell you how glad I am you are here with us!

Plan to have fun, make friends, and take your houses back!

This year I will be running things a little differently due to my need to save myself some time that I need to use to focus on some big, impending changes in our lives.

Each month I will post the assignments that will take place within that particular month, with any updates I might have, here on the blog! Each week on our Family, Faith and Fridays blog Facebook page, as well as my personal page, I will post a quick reminder for your week.

Hence, these rules-

1- Stay connected! Keep your eye on the Facebook pages and feel free to ask about anything or simply chat away. ~~Misery~~, I mean friends, love company.

2- Take ONE WEEK AT A TIME! I cannot emphasize this enough. Really, I can't! Our tendency is to hit the ground running at the beginning (picture the gyms across America in January) and then fizzle out because we pushed too hard. This is divided into 34 Weeks for a reason. Some weeks will take longer than others, but all require some effort. Do what you can when you can, but stay with us each week. It will benefit you in the end, I promise.

3- If one particular week simply does not apply to you, enjoy a week off. It won't happen often, but it can happen. Treat yourself to a break that week and be ready to go again the next week.

4- Have fun! Grab a few friends and challenge each other, winner gets dinner out. Or enlist the help of your kids and then celebrate each success with a special dessert. Or find a friend to work together with, a few days at your house and then a few days at hers. Do whatever it takes to make it fun and get it done! (hey, that rhymes!)

5- Keep the goals in sight! We are DEEP CLEANING, DE-CLUTTERING and ORGANIZING! It takes ALL THREE to equal success.

So without any further ado, let's get January started.

Week 1- Holiday Decorations

Week 2- The Pantry

Week 3- Kitchen Cabinets and Doors

Week 4- Fridge, Freezers, and Floors

Week 5- Recipes

I can't wait to hear how you do!

Thanks to the many people who have shared 34 Weeks of Clean with their friends! You have blessed me, and I know you are blessing others as well. Plus, it is simply more fun to work with friends.

Blessings,

Friday, December 29, 2017

The 34 Weeks of Clean Masterpost

This year I will not be blogging weekly about 34 Weeks of Clean. It takes a lot of mental and physical energy to get it all posted, and I need to direct both of those things elsewhere this year.

BUT- that does not mean I am not following the schedule! As a matter of fact, we are! Regardless of what goes on in our lives, our houses still need attention, and clutter will collect magically if not kept in check.

So for our 34 Weeks of Clean veterans, welcome back! You know what to do!

For those of you who are new, welcome! Each week just check back here, read this post (maybe bookmark it on your phone or computer!) to find the week we are on, follow the directions, and take back your house- one week at a time. At the beginning of each month I will check back in with you all, offer some updates and ~~hound you~~ , I mean, cheer you on in case you stall out!

Why one week at a time? Because these are not small projects. We are deep cleaning, de-cluttering AND re-organizing! Yes, it is a challenge. Yes, it is worth it! In the end you will feel like you have a new house and a new lease on life. Trust me, I know! It is freeing to unload stuff you don't need or love. It feels good to walk in to a house that is clean and says welcome. And it saves much time and effort to live in an organized house!

Don't work ahead! Please. You will wear yourself out in just a few weeks. Take your time each week and do it well. Don't give up! You CAN do this and you WILL be blessed by it! Just remember it is a journey not a sprint. Your house did not get in the shape it is in one day. It is a slow creep, and it takes time to reverse the mayhem.

So roll up your sleeves and get ready to take your houses back in 2018!

On January 1st- READY, SET, GO!

January
Week 1- Holiday Decorations

Week 2- The Pantry

Week 3- Kitchen Cabinets and Doors

Week 4- Fridge, Freezers, and Floors

Week 5- Recipes
February

Week 6- The Stove and Dreaded Loose Ends

Week 7- The Dining Room

Week 8- The Living Room

Week 9- Books
March

Week 10- The Bathrooms

Week 11- Entryway

Week 12- The Family Room + DVDs

Week 13- Pictures and Scrapbooks
April