Lately I have been struggling with LIFE in general. The Lord has placed me in a season where I am walking in the valley so to speak. This valley is filled with difficulty and heartache. Just today I told Brian that I was fed up with being in this season of life. I told him that sometimes I think "Okay God, that is enough!" Then I am reminded that HE has put me in this season for a reason. HE is not surprised at what I am going through or even how I feel. HE is sovereign and knows my thoughts before I even speak them to HIM. The Word tells us that HE is close to the brokenhearted. I am reminded that HE walks with me each day and helps me through these rough spots. I am thankful that I have a God that NEVER changes. HE is the same yesterday, today and forever. I am glad that I have a God that has walked where I have walked and who is Lord of all creation and sits on HIS throne in Heaven reigning over all.
Michelle
Lessons Learned
Michelle and I are working through an interesting time with our oldest daughter Emma Kate. It's always surprising to hear what she says. When she speaks, we learn that she perceives and understands far more than we realize. Just yesterday I was browsing news articles on www.drudgereport.com when Emma Kate walks up. She looks at a picture of some politicians sitting around a table and said, "Is that John McCain?" I looked at the tiny image on the left-hand side of the article and indeed Mr. McCain was at the table. Michelle nor I have ever pointed him out to her. This provided me an opportunity to point out the bad guys in the picture as well: Schumer, Dodd, Obama, Pelosi! ; )
Another encouraging thing we are seeing in Emma Kate's life is her tenderness. She is beginning to understand those times when she needs to say she's sorry for things she's done without us prompting her to do so. I've been praying since Emma Kate was born that our Lord would put His Spirit in her and cause her to love Him more than her own life. Little things like uncoaxed repentance are incredible moments of encouragement that our great King is answering that prayer.
There are challenging times as well. Emma Kate often struggles when the wills of daddy and mommy differ from her own will, e.g., we want her to brush her teeth and go to bed; she wants to watch another episode of Little Bear. You know: it’s that struggle with submission to authority that we perfect as adults! :)
It struck me a couple of weeks ago as our pastor was teaching us about the pursuit of pleasure in Christ that I should check my discipline style. I confess that, out of frustration, I often default to a pop on the leg whenever Emma Kate's contumacious spirit rears up. There is certainly a place for corporal punishment, indeed a requirement. To sum Solomon here, "Better corporal young than capital when mature." Pastor Muzio's sermon caused me to realize though that God presents me with the promise of reward in harmony with the threat of discipline in my pursuit of Him. I want to model that for my children which means that I've got to balance the way I administer discipline.
Lately, instead of saying "Do this or you'll be punished," I say "Do this and you'll be rewarded." Emma Kate has responded quite favorably to this adjustment. Don't get me wrong, we haven't put the rod of discipline completely away, we are simply seeking to hold it with a velvet glove.
Brian
Another encouraging thing we are seeing in Emma Kate's life is her tenderness. She is beginning to understand those times when she needs to say she's sorry for things she's done without us prompting her to do so. I've been praying since Emma Kate was born that our Lord would put His Spirit in her and cause her to love Him more than her own life. Little things like uncoaxed repentance are incredible moments of encouragement that our great King is answering that prayer.
There are challenging times as well. Emma Kate often struggles when the wills of daddy and mommy differ from her own will, e.g., we want her to brush her teeth and go to bed; she wants to watch another episode of Little Bear. You know: it’s that struggle with submission to authority that we perfect as adults! :)
It struck me a couple of weeks ago as our pastor was teaching us about the pursuit of pleasure in Christ that I should check my discipline style. I confess that, out of frustration, I often default to a pop on the leg whenever Emma Kate's contumacious spirit rears up. There is certainly a place for corporal punishment, indeed a requirement. To sum Solomon here, "Better corporal young than capital when mature." Pastor Muzio's sermon caused me to realize though that God presents me with the promise of reward in harmony with the threat of discipline in my pursuit of Him. I want to model that for my children which means that I've got to balance the way I administer discipline.
Lately, instead of saying "Do this or you'll be punished," I say "Do this and you'll be rewarded." Emma Kate has responded quite favorably to this adjustment. Don't get me wrong, we haven't put the rod of discipline completely away, we are simply seeking to hold it with a velvet glove.
Brian
Fox News - Homeschooling
This is part of the America's Future series airing on FOX News Channel, looking at the challenges facing the country in the 21st century.
Homeschooling is no longer just an offbeat trend or an avant-grade educational choice. It is growing exponentially and its proponents are fighting for new legal rights in the U.S.
With more than 2 million homeschooled students in the United States, parents' reasons for opting out of traditional public school are as varied as their demographics.
"It used to be that homeschooling was the domain of people on the two extremes of the political spectrum, and now you have families from every possible religious, political, philosophical, socio-economic position," said Celeste Land, chairwoman of the Government Affairs Committee for the Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers. "You name it, we've got it."
Land says many parents who decide to take on home education come to the decision after realizing they want more for their children than school districts are required to provide by law.
It's also the law that presents some of the toughest challenges. States and school districts have a disjointed jumble of ordinances and measures that can make it tough for parents to know exactly what they are permitted to do as homeschoolers.
The situation has galvanized a nationwide movement. Legal fights to establish homeschooling rights have been launched from California to Pennsylvania. In most cases, Land says, parents are just looking for clarification.
"A family comes to us and says the school district is looking for more than the law requires or won't let them do something they want to do," she said.
Dawn Johnson, a mother of four, believes the challenges are well worth the payoff. "I don't think anything beats one-on-one tutoring, and I am allowed to talk and teach each of my children individually based on their strengths and weaknesses and learning styles," she said. "They're not held back by students in a classroom."
Her strategy appears to be working. According to Johnson, her children are now testing at two grade levels ahead of their age group. Socialization is also covered, with Johnson committing her children to activities from soccer to choir at least four days a week.
"They're probably more socialized than kids who go to school and see the same children every day because we're doing different things every day," she said.
As for financial considerations, many homeschooling parents believe the time and money they spend teaching from home is a bargain compared to private school tuition.
"You get to choose your own curriculum," said Johnson. "You can get everything free online if you want."
Some parents are also fighting for tax credits, since their tax dollars are paying for a system their children aren't using. Land says it's "very tempting" to look at education tax credits as an option for homeschoolers, but cautioned that the credits could come with strings attached, and could invite even more unwanted regulation.
Homeschooling is no longer just an offbeat trend or an avant-grade educational choice. It is growing exponentially and its proponents are fighting for new legal rights in the U.S.
With more than 2 million homeschooled students in the United States, parents' reasons for opting out of traditional public school are as varied as their demographics.
"It used to be that homeschooling was the domain of people on the two extremes of the political spectrum, and now you have families from every possible religious, political, philosophical, socio-economic position," said Celeste Land, chairwoman of the Government Affairs Committee for the Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers. "You name it, we've got it."
Land says many parents who decide to take on home education come to the decision after realizing they want more for their children than school districts are required to provide by law.
It's also the law that presents some of the toughest challenges. States and school districts have a disjointed jumble of ordinances and measures that can make it tough for parents to know exactly what they are permitted to do as homeschoolers.
The situation has galvanized a nationwide movement. Legal fights to establish homeschooling rights have been launched from California to Pennsylvania. In most cases, Land says, parents are just looking for clarification.
"A family comes to us and says the school district is looking for more than the law requires or won't let them do something they want to do," she said.
Dawn Johnson, a mother of four, believes the challenges are well worth the payoff. "I don't think anything beats one-on-one tutoring, and I am allowed to talk and teach each of my children individually based on their strengths and weaknesses and learning styles," she said. "They're not held back by students in a classroom."
Her strategy appears to be working. According to Johnson, her children are now testing at two grade levels ahead of their age group. Socialization is also covered, with Johnson committing her children to activities from soccer to choir at least four days a week.
"They're probably more socialized than kids who go to school and see the same children every day because we're doing different things every day," she said.
As for financial considerations, many homeschooling parents believe the time and money they spend teaching from home is a bargain compared to private school tuition.
"You get to choose your own curriculum," said Johnson. "You can get everything free online if you want."
Some parents are also fighting for tax credits, since their tax dollars are paying for a system their children aren't using. Land says it's "very tempting" to look at education tax credits as an option for homeschoolers, but cautioned that the credits could come with strings attached, and could invite even more unwanted regulation.
Family Update
I can not begin to tell you how much I am enjoying homeschooling Emma Kate. She is a joy to teach and I look forward to our schooling together. She is such a smart child (no I am not just saying that because she is my child). We can be out running errands or driving to church and she will say "Hey Mommy, there is an Octagon" or "Hey Mommy, that light is green" I am just so proud of how well she is picking things up. Emma Kate is in the process of learning the Westminster Catechism for Children and is doing quite well.
Caroline has started to babble (although she thinks she can talk). It is fun watching her learn things as well. We will ask her questions like "Do you want some juice" and she will shake her head "yes" or "no". We can also ask her to go and get things and she will bring them back to us. The best thing is she LOVES to help unload the dishwasher! She helps take out the silverware and give them to me or Brian to put away. It is wonderful!
The girls are both getting along very well. They love to run up and down the hallway chasing one another. They love to turn around in circles until someone gets dizzy and falls on their fanny and then they bust out laughing. They love to dance with one another (and yes, Caroline can dance too). They both love to read and they love to play "horse or puppy" with Daddy. All in all they are really great kids.
Brian continues to stay a very busy man. Some days I wonder - how in the world does he just not fall out on the floor tired from all he is doing. Not only does he work full time and then come home and be a full time daddy, but he also is teaching guitar lessons, teaching jr. high youth on Weds/Sun, sometimes teaching adult Sunday School and leads worship in a group on Sunday evenings. I can't complain - although he is busy he always makes time for all of his girls - including Mommy! I think I have the best husband ever!!
Me - well, as you can see I am quite busy as well. Not only do I homeschool Emma Kate but I also run and play with the girls most of the day. I have learned to leave my housework - it will eventually get done, but time with my girls will fade! I also am very involved in church. I sing in the choir on Sunday mornings, lead worship in a group on Sunday evenings and teach a class on Sunday evenings. My photography business is going quite well. This is the first year that I have been booked almost 6-12 months in advance for some events. Right now my big project is taking photos for our church directory.
Well, I hope that you have enjoyed hearing from us - please let us hear from you all. Until next time......Michelle
Caroline has started to babble (although she thinks she can talk). It is fun watching her learn things as well. We will ask her questions like "Do you want some juice" and she will shake her head "yes" or "no". We can also ask her to go and get things and she will bring them back to us. The best thing is she LOVES to help unload the dishwasher! She helps take out the silverware and give them to me or Brian to put away. It is wonderful!
The girls are both getting along very well. They love to run up and down the hallway chasing one another. They love to turn around in circles until someone gets dizzy and falls on their fanny and then they bust out laughing. They love to dance with one another (and yes, Caroline can dance too). They both love to read and they love to play "horse or puppy" with Daddy. All in all they are really great kids.
Brian continues to stay a very busy man. Some days I wonder - how in the world does he just not fall out on the floor tired from all he is doing. Not only does he work full time and then come home and be a full time daddy, but he also is teaching guitar lessons, teaching jr. high youth on Weds/Sun, sometimes teaching adult Sunday School and leads worship in a group on Sunday evenings. I can't complain - although he is busy he always makes time for all of his girls - including Mommy! I think I have the best husband ever!!
Me - well, as you can see I am quite busy as well. Not only do I homeschool Emma Kate but I also run and play with the girls most of the day. I have learned to leave my housework - it will eventually get done, but time with my girls will fade! I also am very involved in church. I sing in the choir on Sunday mornings, lead worship in a group on Sunday evenings and teach a class on Sunday evenings. My photography business is going quite well. This is the first year that I have been booked almost 6-12 months in advance for some events. Right now my big project is taking photos for our church directory.
Well, I hope that you have enjoyed hearing from us - please let us hear from you all. Until next time......Michelle
Baby Fun
We asked each of you to let us know what you think the gender of the baby will be and how much you think he/she will weigh. Here are the results - you will find out when he/she gets here if you were right or not!
1. Brian....Boy - 7 lbs/ 10oz
2. Michelle....Girl - 7 lbs/6 oz
3. Emma Kate....Girl - "I think it will weigh $300.00" (HA)
4. Ann.....Boy - 8 lbs/4 oz
5. Les....Boy - 8lbs/2 oz
6. Eddie....Girl - 7 lbs/10 oz
7. April....Girl - 8 lbs
8. Karen....Girl - 8 lbs/7 oz
9. LeeAnn....Girl - 7 lbs/10 oz
10. Micah....Boy - 5 lbs/ 12 oz (I like how my brother thinks)
11. Gram....Boy - 8 lbs/ 2 oz
12. Tracey....Girl - 7 lbs/ 9 oz
13. Amy....Boy - 7 lbs/9 oz
14. Caleb....Girl - 6 lbs/9 oz
15. Aaron....Girl - 9 lbs
16. Dustin....Girl - 10 lbs (he first said 30-40 lbs - my brother is something else)
17. Diane....Boy - 8 lbs
18. Bryant/Jean....Boy - 8 lbs
19. Jenna....Girl - 8 lbs/4 oz
20. Mike....Boy - 8 lbs/2.5 oz
21. Cathy....Boy - 10 lbs
Boy - 10
Girl - 11
If you haven't given us your guess - please email Michelle and let her know so that we can update the totals. Thanks!
1. Brian....Boy - 7 lbs/ 10oz
2. Michelle....Girl - 7 lbs/6 oz
3. Emma Kate....Girl - "I think it will weigh $300.00" (HA)
4. Ann.....Boy - 8 lbs/4 oz
5. Les....Boy - 8lbs/2 oz
6. Eddie....Girl - 7 lbs/10 oz
7. April....Girl - 8 lbs
8. Karen....Girl - 8 lbs/7 oz
9. LeeAnn....Girl - 7 lbs/10 oz
10. Micah....Boy - 5 lbs/ 12 oz (I like how my brother thinks)
11. Gram....Boy - 8 lbs/ 2 oz
12. Tracey....Girl - 7 lbs/ 9 oz
13. Amy....Boy - 7 lbs/9 oz
14. Caleb....Girl - 6 lbs/9 oz
15. Aaron....Girl - 9 lbs
16. Dustin....Girl - 10 lbs (he first said 30-40 lbs - my brother is something else)
17. Diane....Boy - 8 lbs
18. Bryant/Jean....Boy - 8 lbs
19. Jenna....Girl - 8 lbs/4 oz
20. Mike....Boy - 8 lbs/2.5 oz
21. Cathy....Boy - 10 lbs
Boy - 10
Girl - 11
If you haven't given us your guess - please email Michelle and let her know so that we can update the totals. Thanks!
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