Spring and School

We are only 11 weeks into our curriculum as we started schooling from January to December. I am proud to say my 3 almost 4 year old is writing, yes writing his whole entire alphabet out in Uppercase letters. He is amazing me. I just sit and watch as he dives into his 'schoolboxes' each day with enthusiasm I have not seen in a long time. I am praying for my spirit to be renewed to devour God's Word like that each day.

We just took a 2 week self imposed Spring Break. We needed time to organize, take care of some family business, and refresh our relationships too. Chicago was busy and cold and lots of time spent in the van listening to the Melendy family on Spiderweb for Two.  This is part of an audio series we have been listening to for 2 years on our vacations. Google it and find it on sale. It is a marvellously entertaining series of audio books.

My 9 year old and I are travelling on the Eastern Frontier in history and learning about Franklin, Washington and Lincoln, the great names of American history. I am loving this history and geography woven together and am learning so much about this adopted country of mine. I look forward to next year and learning Biblical history with him too. I studied in Africa at my Bible school but the knowledge needs to be refreshed. 20 years ago it was new to me but not now....

Science experiments with the added help of learning bird calls off the Internet have been eye opening and fun for both of us. God is revealing His creation to my son in a new way, and not just through Mum taking us all out in the cold for a Nature Walk. I recently downloaded a wonderful resource off of Homeschool Freebie of the Day from Homeschool Radio Shows website : Handbook Of Nature Study. This book is amazing. I am still longing for a paper copy and added it to my list of 'likes' on my book list. We are using this book as a supplemental resource for our nature studies on a weekly basis.

Old books, classic books are still my favourite and remain a stable in my reading diet for both myself and my children.

I will also be attending the Ultimate Homeschool Expo Conference online in a few weeks time: http://www.ultimatehomeschoolexpo.com/  . This is an online conference for homeschoolers and other parents who would like to attend and it's online. You don't have to leave home. All the action takes place online and one you've bought your ticket you have access after the conference to over 100 audios, many articles from the speakers and freebies from the organizers and speakers.  The ticket is $24.95 per person or if you order with a friend $37.95(+- $19.00 each).  I attended a session on Tuesday night in my PJ's and it was fun. There was also a Twitter party after the audio session and folks won lots of neat prizes - books, e-books and such like.  You can try the conference out for free by visiting the website and maybe attending one of the live open sessions coming up in April. Click on over and find out. If you want to team up with me for a ticket - Please email me.

Spring is Surely Coming

This is the season of new things. I look around our city and see the daffodils and tulips popping out of the ground. It makes me so thankful for seasons. When I lived in Africa there was 2 seasons - summer and winter(only 3 months long and not really cold). The Lord created the harshness and coldness of winter to temporarily silence plants and animals. Sometimes humans too. During the ice storm this year there was lots of time for reflection. God provides these resting times i nour lives so our spirits can be renewed.

Did we use the winter season wisely? Did we spend more time in His presence and Word? I certainly did not. I became caught up in the 'things' that needed to be done so we could have more time to enjoy the nice seasons.

Did you snuggle with your children in front of a log fire and just read for the entire day! Mmmm. I read lots of books but they were scheduled ones msotly. When I did stop and read the fun and exicting, mysterious ones I had my family's attention totally. These are my favourite times during the day. I can hold the attention of 2 wriggly boys who would rather be making noises galore with their cars, trucks and trains.

Are you wondering if I am healing from my grief in the past 3 years. Well yes and no. I do not get sad every day, just occasional moments during each week. I am blessed to realize that. Mourning is so exhausting. Grief can envelope your brain, spirit and soul, and eventually your physical health. My health is gradually improving. Praise the Lord.

Gluten Free, Sugar free and additive free has done wonders for my physical awareness, and my spirit too. You see the Lord is healing me both inside and out.

The photo above is our precious Brendon taking at a photo shoot in spring time before he got cancer!