Introducing....

a new Anglican homeschooling family in the blogosphere!!! Stop by and say hello to Shirley at Dawn in the Home from Cape Town , South Africa!

It is always exciting for me to meet another homeschooling Anglican family - we are a rare breed!

What Kind of Blogger Are You?

I found this fun thing over at Cynthia's blog - Meanderings. This tool will analyze your blog and give the personality type of the writer. My results are:

IFSP - The Artists

The gentle and compassionate type. They are especially attuned their inner values and what other people need. They are not friends of many words and tend to take the worries of the world on their shoulders. They tend to follow the path of least resistance and have to look out not to be taken advantage of.

They often prefer working quietly, behind the scene as a part of a team. They tend to value their friends and family above what they do for a living.

Find the Typealyzer here. Just type in you blog addy in the box and voila!

Reindeer Drops

This recipe was given to my by a friend who teaches second grade - easy & yummy



1 package Oreo cookies
8 ounces cream cheese
Almond bark

Place Oreo cookies in food processor and process until crumbs. Add cream cheese and combine. Roll into balls.

Melt almond bark. Roll balls in melted almond bark. Sprinkle with festive sprinkles. Cool and refrigerate until needed.

These will not last long!

Winter Wonderland

The perfect day to stay home and wrap presents!

Ho Ho Ho.....

Miss R playing Santa - shaking her "bowl full of jelly."



That shirt will NEVER be the same :-)

The Rest of the Story....

Or why I went missing from this blog!

Some of you have missed my blogging over the last several months – for which I am deeply grateful. I am not going to go into great detail about what I have been doing but I want you to know some of the details as they impact today and certainly impact the future of our family.

I have been caught up in a battle for the orthodox faith in my diocese. My diocese is primarily orthodox with a few pockets of revisionists. My work with Remain Faithful included traveling the diocese helping with parish Power Point presentations which were designed to help people better define their faith, show the heretical nature of The Episcopal Church (TEC), and to inform them about news & events around the Anglican Communion. Our Diocesan Synod voted to leave The Episcopal Church in November and move to a safe haven -The Province of the Southern Cone while we wait for the new North American province to be recognized by the Anglican Communion.

My home parish voted to stay with TEC and show nothing but contempt for those of us who worked to keep our diocese safe from the apostate organization known as The Episcopal Church. They show little (read no) Christian love and charity for the orthodox while claiming to be “inclusive.”

I am relieved this battle is over but more is sure to come. Historically, TEC uses the parishes and people who choose to remain with TEC (because they have no local authority) to sue those who leave for diocesan property and assets.

Truth be told, my heart is broken but I look forward to returning to a better state of spiritual health – free from a parish that is spiritually destructive.

We have a new church home and parish family - we feel welcomed and loved!

A New Anglican Province in North America

An important moment in history for those of us who consider ourselves orthodox Anglicans in North America and I was there to witness its birth!




The provisional constitution and canons of the Anglican Church in North American were unveiled in Wheaton, IL, on Wednesday, December 3rd. For my friends and family this day was filled with great joy and excitement.

Much hard work led up to this day. The process leading up to the new Province has been going on behind the scenes for many years and to be in the presence of those who have devoted so much of their lives to this cause was so moving for us. We finally will have the safe haven for those of us who worship as orthodox believers away from The Episcopal Church - a denomination that has come to be infamous for its heresy.

I had the opportunity to meet many of the contenders for the faith once delivered to the saints. Some I had met before at events associated with our seminary life. Others were new and exciting to meet - especially for my 16 y.o. daughter, K, who had many of those wearing purple (bishops for those who don't know our denomination well) and a few dedicated lay people sign her copy of the provisional constitution for the new province.

I was also blessed to meet a few fellow orthodox Anglican homeschooling bloggers. There are so few of us in the blogoshpere I just had to say hello. I hope I didn't embarrass myself to much by walking up to them and introducing myself - I admire so much for their dedication to their families and their faith - and for their blogging skills. I met Jeanne from At a Hen's Pace - a sure delight to spend some time with a Panera! I also briefly talked with Rev. Ann Kennedy and her very cute children

We began our day with a Christ Awakening reception featuring some awesome speakers. Then we were off to witness an historical meeting with the Common Cause Partnership that ratified the new constitution and canons of the new province. The day ended with the most Spirit filled Mass I have ever attended. My prayer is that every Anglican Christian know the joyful worship I experienced that night. The Holy Spirit has fanned a flame that I pray will spread around the world reaching all those who don't know the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Anglican Advent Traditions Carnival 2008 is Up!

Kerry, at A Ten O'Clock Scholar is hosting Anglican Advent Traditions Carnival 2008. Stop by and take a look!

The Archbishop of Canterbury on Advent

The first Sunday in Advent is almost here! Here is Rowen Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury in a moving presentation on the meaning of Advent for Christians:



H/T BabyBlue and Ruth Gledhill

Pre-Advent Prayer

From Cotton Country Anglican


May this Advent bring forth a season of renewal and refreshment for all of our souls.


May this Advent bring the beginning of a new space within the Anglican vineyard where orthodox Anglican Episcopalians who find themselves no longer able to joyously practice the faith delivered once to the saints for all within the structure of The Episcopal Church (USA) can find rest and peace.


May this Advent also bring peace and rest to Anglican Episcopalians that believe they have received a new understanding of God's plan for his earthly kingdom and who currently lead the Anglican province known as The Episcopal Church (USA). May they be content to practice the faith as they perceive it within the existing structure of The Episcopal Church (USA) independently from their orthodox Anglican brothers and sisters and may they focus on "heavenly things" and not seek to retain unto themselves the properties, buildings, furnishings, monies and other "earthly things" with which their orthodox brothers and sisters have practiced their faith to the glory of Almighty God.


May this Advent bring an understanding to all Anglicans, and to all Christians, that only in God's time will his true plan be revealed to us in a universal sense, and that until such time as God chooses to fully and universally reveal his plan, that we strive to give each other such space as is necessary to enable each of our brothers and sisters to fulfill Christ's commanded mission to his church: to make disciples of men and to strive for unity in our worship of our Triune God.
As we approach Advent 2008, let us joyfully entreat: Come Lord Jesus, Come!
Amen.

Upcoming Advent Carnival

For more information go here

I Voted...

Deacon Daddy

In a magnificent service, hubby was ordained to the Transitional Deaconate. The girls now call him Deacon Daddy. In a few short months and God willing, he will be Father Daddy!

A First!

Kerry, at A Ten O’Clock Scholar, a fellow Anglican and homeschooling mom has honored me with my very first blog award! Please stop by and visit her blog. She is a gifted blogger!

The rules that go with this award:

Put the logo on your blog
Link to the person you received your award from
Nominate at least 7 other blogs
Put links to those blogs on your site
Leave messages on the blogs you’ve nominated

I would like to bless some of my Swappie friends with this award:

You will find my cybertwin, Amy, at A Redeemed Sheep. Amy is another homeschooling mom who writes about life, her family and her love for the Lord.

Marilyn, at A Mixed Bouquet, another homeschooling mom, blogs about life on the farm and her family. She is raising a son with special needs and is always an inspiration. She also has a recipe blog.

Laurie, at For Heaven’s Sake, homeschools her son with Down syndrome. Nevin is older than my R and I’ve watched him grow from a boy to a young man. She has freely shared her journey over at The Swap for many years and I have learned so much from her.

Renna, at Finding My Knitch, is a retired Swappie mama – her children have grown up and graduated. Renna blogs about all the things I am going to enjoy when I retire – hobbies, nature, food and, of course, family life!

Kelly, at Grey-Haired Geek, is another homeschooling mom and fellow Swappie. She has an adorable young son with Down syndrome and has written a beautiful poem you must read about life with Joshua!

I would also like to bless a new friend and gifted writer, Karen, at Top Shelf Ink. If you visit her blog you will see her beautiful Anglican prayer beads (which she made all by herself) and a post on contemplative prayer! I treasure our discussions and owe her a note!

Barbara Frank is a veteran homeschooler and homeschooling author. She has a new book out - The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling. Barbara also homeschools her son with Down syndrome. I hope to get to visit her in real life soon!

And last, but not least, another fellow homeschooling mom, Mrs. Darling, blogs at Dishpan Dribble. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy her beautiful blog and many insights. She also has several other blogs that can be found here, here and here

Again, many thanks Kerry!

The Benefits of Homeschooling a Child with Special Needs

I guess I might be considered a veteran homeschooling mom by now - my girls are 13 and 16 y.o. and have been homeschooled for their entire lives. I have had the added blessing of homeschooling my daughter with special needs so I thought I would share with you my list of the benefits of homeschooling a child with special needs:

• The child with special needs can receive the one-on-one teaching that will enable them to grow academically. This cannot be matched in the public school setting.

• The program designed for them by the person who knows their needs intimately. Your home program will best suit their individual needs. You can create a balanced program that does not sacrifice academic skills for life skills.

• The child can learn at his/her own pace to allow their needs to be met properly. Concepts can be taught with the repetition necessary for mastery using a wide variety of materials ensuring success appropriate to the child's needs and developmental age.

• The child will have the opportunity for successful learning experiences that will motivate them to develop persistence in learning difficult concepts.

• The child learns academic and functional life skills in the best of all venues - real life. Fractions are important when it comes time to share a pizza!

• The child with special needs can learn where they are safe from peer ridicule. Many children with special needs are the object of peer ridicule because of processing difficulties, difficulty expressing themselves, physical impairments or cognitive challenges. They can make mistakes where it is safe to do so – their own home.

• The parent can pick and choose social opportunities. Homeschooled children are not limited to socializing with only their peers. They tend to socialize with children and adults of all ages for a wide variety of experiences. Homeschooled children are less affected by peer pressure.

• Character development and behavior issues can be dealt with by providing an environment where limits and consequences are consistently enforced. Homeschooling can offer atmosphere where the choices and consequences are articulated as necessary to make the best choice available and wrong choices can be discussed and dealt with consistently.

• The spiritual needs of children with special needs can be met best in our own homes where they will be exposed to the love and word of God. In a world where many of our children seen as "disposable" and somehow less worthy (especially children with Down syndrome), they need to know that God has a plan for them and loves them unconditionally. God does not make mistakes! "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14, NIV.

• The health benefits are tremendous. Children exposed to Early Intervention in group settings and the public school system are constantly exposed to every viral/bacterial illness present in the community. Homeschooled children with special needs can avoid many of these common illnesses until they are older and better able to tolerate them.

© 2008

Will My Hubby Agree?

I laughed out loud when I saw my score!

95 As a 1930s wife, I am Very Superior Take the test!

Perhaps more is expected in 2008...

The Perfect Day

Through the eyes of Miss R. Her older sister is away at yet another camp (more of a conference) and R is lonely and sad without her big sis and in need of a little fun.

We started our day out with lunch at R's favorite restaurant, The Flat Top Grill. It is a yummy stir-fry rice/pasta bar that serves a delicious round flatbread called roti prata.



Then off to WalMart - her favorite shopping destination :-)



She purchased a much loved movie and was VERY excited.

Then off to the pool!



We are house sitting a home with a pool - what a sweet deal for R who is a fish in the water. She is working hard to perfect the butterfly stroke this summer. I love to watch her swim - so graceful in the water!

Remain Faithful

Since this is a "mom and pop" type blog, I will rarely bring up church (or any other kind of)politics. I am very active in my church and in my diocese so church politics hugely impact my life. I am active in the church as a servant of Jesus Christ and serve in a variety of ways. I consider myself an orthodox Anglican. I believe in and am deeply committed to:

* The authority and supremacy of Holy Scripture
* The doctrine of the Trinity
* The person, work and resurrection of Jesus Christ
* The acknowledgment of Jesus as divine, and the one and only means of salvation
* The biblical teaching on sin, forgiveness, reconciliation, and transformation by the Holy Spirit through Christ
* The sanctity of marriage
* Teaching about morality that is rooted and grounded in biblical revelation
* Apostolic ministry

Definition of orthodoxy from: The Way, The Truth and The Life, Theological Resources for a Pilgrimage to a Global Anglican Future.

Because church politics impact my life I have developed a keen interest in them. So many denominations are in crisis right now. My denomination has been in crisis for many years and we are seeing history in the making as the faithful orthodox seek to find a place to worship without persecution by revisionists who have taken over the American church.

Orthodox Anglican church leaders, both clergy and laity, recently met together in the Holy Land at the Global Anglican Future Conference known as GAFCON and have released a final statement known as the Jerusalem Declaration. This Declaration paves the way for an orthodox province in North America - free from the heresy present in The Episcopal Church (TEC).

There is much work to be done at the local, national, and international level to make this new province a reality. A new laity movement, Remain Faithful (RF), originating in Ft. Worth, TX, is gaining momentum as the crisis in TEC escalates.

The Mission Statement of Remain Faithful:

Remain Faithful is a group of orthodox Episcopalians who believe the Bible to be the revealed Word of God which contains all things necessary for salvation as well as wisdom for Godly living. We are comprised of and led by lay Episcopalians. We are committed to speak the truth in love, communicating clearly the position of faithful orthodox Episcopalians upholding the authority of Holy Scripture. We stand firm with the vast majority in the worldwide Anglican Communion in our commitment to serve our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, to support orthodox Christian ideals and beliefs, and to spread the Good News of Jesus' gift of salvation to all.

Join RF here

RF will clearly define the vast differences that exist between the erroneous beliefs (page 9) espoused by TEC and the General Convention, and the historic truths of our faith as Christians and members of the Anglican Communion.

Please join me in prayer for this movement.

Dear Heavenly Father, by your Grace you sent your only son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to live as a man and to die upon the cross that our sins might be forgiven. Who declared before all the world and for all ages that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that through Him alone may we come unto You and be granted eternal life.
You have called us to gather in the name of your Holy Church, and in defense of that faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. Send, we pray, the Holy Spirit, to guide and guard us, that we may remain steadfast in that task and that we may not fear those whose power is only upon the earth. Bless us and our work, that in all we do and all we say, all who see will know your Glory.
This we ask, in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen

For those fellow orthodox Anglicans who occasionally visit my blog, please join me in signing this petition in solidarity with the Jerusalem Declaration.

And don't forget to join Forward in Faith, North America!

Church Camp Summer '08

Was amazing!



I love working with the little ones - first through fourth grade. The are so much fun and unrestrained in their worship. They are VERY busy though. Our days were filled with worship, Bible classes, good food, arts & crafts, games, nature walks, singing, swimming, campfires, s'mores, fellowship...with very little sleep for the counselors.

This year we concentrated on listening to God with the theme, "Can You Hear Him Now." My little campers were very attentive and their spiritual growth was amazing.

Miss R had the time of her life. She made many, many new friends who took a sincere interest in her. I was very moved by their love for her and acceptance of her for who she is - a child of God.

We returned home in awe of the presence of the Holy Spirit working in our camp session...and I apparently caught a strep infection from one of my little campers. We sent a little girls home with a sore throat and fever. I'm better now and should be back to blogging a little more frequently!

Church Camp

The girls and I leave tomorrow for church camp leaving hubby and pets behind. My girls are more than excited!

This is a great opportunity for Miss R. She gets loads of independence in a safe, loving environment. Last year she won an award because of her Christ-like behavior and for the way she lets the love of the Lord be known to all.

I will be a counselor for the first to fourth graders - quite the fun group. I hope to have some good stories to tell when we get back. I just hope I can find the time to tell them!

Oh, and I'll be in a communications black-out. No TV, no radio, no computer ---- no electronics at all. How is an information junkie to survive!

Road Map to Holland

This book is a mother’s story of the first two years of her life with her son born with Down syndrome. I really didn't plan on reading it. I have had more that my fair share of time with my children in NICU, PICU, and CVICU. I’ve been in Holland for 13.5 years – been there, done that – I know the story!

When I first heard this book was being published, I put it on my Amazon wish list. Recently, I placed an order with Amazon taking the books I wanted off my wish list. As I reviewed my order and saw the additional book, I thought maybe it was just meant to be so I left the order as it was.

The order arrived just before our trip to the Rockin’ Roller Coast – Cedar Point in Ohio. My hubby and children are roller coaster fanatics while I prefer to skip the thrills and sit in the shade with a good book. Road Map to Holland, by Jennifer Graf Groneberg, immediately sucked me in and I could not put the book down.

I found Jennifer’s story profoundly moving. She is so honest in telling her story that, at times, I could feel her pain and her joy - and my own memories became alive. She moves through the premature birth of her twin sons, Bennett and Avery, and the post-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome that Avery receives in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The first two years of life with Avery are portrayed with touching clarity. It is a story of love, family, friends and growing understanding of the gift that Down syndrome is. I love the last lines of the book, “He is the child that I always wanted, that I did not know I wanted. He is my son.”

This is THE book I would give parents of a newborn with Down syndrome.

America's Rockin' Roller Coast

My hubby and children are roller coaster fanatics. Every year we journey to the best (so they tell me) roller coaster park in the US – Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. I prefer to sit in the shade with a good book. I’ve had enough excitement in my life and certainly don’t even want to know what getting air means.

My family will wait as long as it takes to ride in the very front of the roller coaster. Here are the girls in the front of the coaster (The Magnum) having the time of their life!

I'm Back!

Life has been eventful since my last post. I'm so far behind, I may never catch up but I've had a good time getting here! I've put 4700 miles on my car since my last post and don't even want to think about just how much money that might add up to be.

I've visited my parents in southeast Florida - my mom had her hip replaced and was recovering nicely until a blood clot formed in her lower leg. So, recovery is a little delayed while she goes on blood thinners and a few days of complete bedrest. She is in good spirits and taking everything in stride.

I then drove over to the gulf side of Florida and vacationed in my favorite place on earth - Captiva Island, Florida. Captiva is a place where I relax - get refreshed and refueled. The hardest thing I have to do is make it to the beach. I love it! See the gorgeous sunsets below

Then back to Illinois to unpack and repack to travel to Wisconsin for graduation festivities at the seminary my hubby is now attending...and back to Illinois to repack for our trip to the Rockin' Roller Coast. Are you tired yet?

Now, I have to face the house I've ignored for the last nine months and the 1000 posts on my google reader!

Excuse me please...

I just have to share this sunset with my hubby. You see, he is slaving away finishing exams and I am in paradise. This is his kind of sunset!








I like my sunsets a bit more colorful with lots of clouds for interest - like this one from another evening:




This is what R's entire body looks like when we leave the beach. She is a sand magnet!

Kidnapped?

I grew up in a time of innocence. I lived in a small town in the Midwest where everyone knows everyone. We lived in a modest ranch home with a small fenced backyard. Across the street was a field planted with corn and far into the distance was a wooded area.

During those idyllic times, mothers sent their children out to play after breakfast and didn’t worry about the dangers we know exist today. In my childhood home, we were sent out after breakfast and wandered in randomly for lunch. Most of the time made our own sandwich – then back out for fun in the neighborhood until dinner time. My mom was very busy during my early years with four of her five children born in five years. She was either pregnant or caring for a newborn during this time.

There were few rules – don’t play in the street, come when you're called, don’t go into the cornfield and never, ever enter the woods.

I have no recollection of the year this event occurred. I don’t associate it with anything but a carefree summer. Given what I can recall, I would say I was four or five years old.

Early one day, my younger sister and I were outside playing. Two teenage boys approached us. They were familiar but I didn’t know their names. I felt no fear thinking they were just going to pass by but before I knew it, I was hoisted upon the shoulders of the taller one and my sister on the shoulders of the shorter teen. Off we went into the forbidden cornfield and, to my horror, into the woods. We eventually reaching a little wooden shack - perhaps a clubhouse of sorts or a hunting shack. I remember cowering on the unfinished wood floor trying to comfort my sister who was sobbing hysterically.

My next memories are of being set free and the huge sense of relief. We knew we were in big trouble for going into the forbidden woods and decided to never tell a soul. We returned home where we hadn’t been missed at all.

I cared enough over the next few years to learn the names of the teens and where they lived – just blocks away. For years, I wanted to knock on their doors and tell their parents what they had done but knew that would start a chain of events that (in my immature mind) would get ME in trouble.

Was it a prank or did something sinister happen? I don’t recall and don’t want to know. Today, the event seems small and insignificant. I am safe and secure in the one Truth – the love and saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For Fun - What is Your Spiritual Type?

I ran across this (apparently old) quiz last night and decided to take it just for fun. I really don't take these kinds of quizzes to seriously. Turns out I my score was quite high - falling into the Candidate for Clergy category.

According to USA Today a candidate for clergy is:

Happy with his/her religion but searching for the right expression of it.
Have doubts about the particulars but not the Big Stuff.
Little doubt they've found the right path.
Very informed and deeply committed

6.4% of respondents fall into this category.

I wonder if my seminarian husband will find this funny?

...and no, I am not even thinking of going to seminary. I will be content to be a clergy wife!

Tagged...

I've been tagged by my cybertwin, Amy. I am to share 6 things about myself that few people know.

* I was kidnapped when I was five years old.

* I was one of those people who didn't have to work to get good grades - until I got to college.

* I have never been ticketed for speeding or any other moving violation. No parking tickets either!

* I always wanted a dozen children.

* I am the black sheep of my family. I was raised by parents who had one goal - creating future liberals. I endure endless grief for my beliefs when the family gathers together. In the end, the grief I endured with my family has been a blessing as I now prepare to defend the orthodox faithful in my home parish. I am stronger for the experience!

* I hate to fly. It didn't bother me until I had children. An incident over the Pacific ocean where we had to don life jackets and learn the position for ditching left me scarred for life!

If you are reading this post, consider yourself tagged!

Finally...

Spring has arrived at my house! K went around snapping a few pictures:




One of my hardy magnolias

















Another magnolia




















Hyacinth
















Forsythia















And this is where the morel mushrooms are waiting for me!

What do you do when you feel stressed?

I have had a stressful week this week - nothing big just a few added stressors that I usually don't have.

To top it all off, I had a very rude awakening this morning. I mean I literally had a rude awakening as I was awakened by the shaking of my house! I live about 200 miles from the epicenter of the earthquake that rocked the midwest today at 4:40 a.m.

What do you do when your stressed?

I cook! I leave everything behind as I peel, chop, slice, stir and tweak. I am very happy in my own kitchen creating feasts for my family. Today was only a minor feast since hubby is away.

Our mini Thai feast - my favorite cuisine and I like it Thai hot!



Sticky Rice
Thai Fried Rice
Pad Thai
Green Curry

Lots of carbs and lots of calories!



If hubby had been here, we would have had another curry, Chicken Satay and perhaps Thai wontons.

Why is it so hard to take food pictures?

Homeschooling and Down Syndrome

We made the decision to homeschool very early in the lives of our children. Once we made the decision to educate our children at home, I read everything I could get my hands on about homeschooling.

As we moved through our homeschooling journey, much of what I learned about homeschooling and Down syndrome (DS) I learned the hard way by working with my daughter. Initially, I didn't have internet access and therefore no access to information on how children with DS learn or even others homeschooling families with children with DS. Professionals were not really helpful because they had little specific knowledge about DS. We even engaged a consultant with a Masters in special education as an educational consultant. He gave us suggestions for curriculum and general information about learning in children with cognitive challenges - and information about academic and developmental skills progression in typically developing children. He also gave me the confidence to homeschool our daughter with special needs but did not have the answers on how to overcome the challenges we faced. It wasn't really the fault of the professionals we worked with - it takes a LONG time for research to trickle down to those working in the field. In fact, with R, I had to unlearn much of what I knew about homeschooling and learn with her, about her & her unique needs. I now have a room (seriously) filled with research into how children with DS learn along with my regular homeschooling stuff!

The fact is children with Down syndrome learn differently. Simply put, they are wired differently. Methods used for typically developing children may eventually work I suppose, but to lessen frustration all around & increase learning potential (and keep motivation high) they need their specific learning profile targeted for success. The learning profile is a list of strengths and weaknesses common to children with DS - different from typically developing children and children with other causes of developmental delays.

Today, there is a great deal of support for families homeschooling children with DS primarily found on the internet. For more information:

Homeschooling and Down Syndrome
A family oriented list.

Home Education and Down Syndrome
A list for committed homeschooling families that focuses on the special learning needs of children with Down syndrome - resources, curriculum, strategies for teaching etc.

Homeschooling Kids with Down Syndrome
A list comprised of only homeschoolers with children with Down syndrome. It is a closed list but I have pull :-)

National Challenged Homeschoolers Associated Network (NATHHAN), a Christian support network for those homeschooling children with special needs, also offers e-mail support for those of us homeschooling children with Ds. Send me an e-mail and I'll give you the contact information.

Of course, I also love to read about the lives of bloggers who homeschool their children with DS - the numbers are growing rapidly given the lists I moderate and the bloggers I am meeting. I know two families via the blogosphere with older children with Down syndrome - Barbara and Laurie who share their wisdom, insights and experiences - and many families with younger children. There is no need for anyone on this journey to do it alone like I did for all those years!

Sweet Sixteen...

And how sweet she is!

I am richly blessed by K for sixteen beautiful years. She is just a great kid - loving, affectionate, sensitive, fun...I could go on and on and on. Happy Birthday!!!

I have the best pets...

And I feel very blessed to have them!



This is Miss R with her new kitten, Orla Rose, wrapped in a blanket. This kitten is so very good to Miss R. She will let her hold her for hours and not move a muscle. I had to ask her the other day if the cat was alive. Orla Rose was on her back with her legs straight up - not moving a muscle!


Every pet we have met (ours and others we know) seems to instinctively know to be gentle with Miss R, my daughter with Down syndrome. Even the most rambunctious pup (like mine) will be cautious around her. I asked her last night why animals were so kind to her. She said, "I talk to them with my mind."

Life with this young lady has taught me many things and you know what....

I believe her!


Here is Lil 'O snuggling with Orla Rose. The animals even get along with each other - another blessing!

A Day to Celebrate...

Eighteen wonderful years married to the love of my life! My dreams of marriage never looked like the reality I know today - what is better than to love and be loved! I am humbled and blessed by what the Lord has done in my life. What an awesome God we serve!

My daughter's homeschooling experience

"Share your children’s home education experience in their own words. What have they said about their education? What are their likes and dislikes? Share some stories, some quotes, or turn your blog over to your children for the day."




From K, my 15 y.o. - what every homeschooling mama wants to hear...

"I’ve been homeschooled my entire life. I love being homeschooled. I have never wanted to attend a public school. My mom is a wonderful teacher and I have gotten a wonderful education. As a homeschooled child, I’ve had to work hard, but in a good way. I have a wonderful Bible class and work with a Christian curriculum. I get my work done early so I have free time to do things I enjoy - like reading, writing, and drawing.

I love spending time with my family. We enjoy the flexibility of homeschooling and take frequent vacations - quality family time with lots of learning opportunities! I have seen London, Hawaii and Israel and much of the U.S.A - places I doubt I would have seen if I hadn't been homeschooled.

I can honestly say that I am grateful for the fact that Mom wanted to homeschool me. I’ve learned so much and the experience has been wonderful - and that’s an understatement!"

Just so you all will know, we have had many a challenging day where we (well, mostly me) have all been in tears. In our early years, I admit to looking in the mirror first thing in the morning and saying to myself - I could have this whole day to myself - but then reality sinks in. I never tell anyone this journey is easy but with perseverance it all comes together - things click and you find what works for your family. It is process that becomes a lifestyle. I will never regret the investment I have made in my children. Things like time alone, lunch with friends or shopping 'til I drop - things I may have missed because I homeschool seem superficial when I look at the way my girls are growing up. They know what is really meaningful in this life - loving the Lord and loving their neighbors. I love being their mom...

See more about Home Education Week at: Principled Discovery

Show and Tell

"Show off those talents. Share a story, a special moment, a piece of artwork. Any accomplishment, great or small, is fair game."

Most parents take for granted that their children will ride a bike with relative ease. Not true for most children with Down syndrome. They have a great deal of difficulty losing those training wheels.

A couple of years ago I sent Miss R to bike camp - a camp for children with special needs. It is a five day camp with a huge success rate...and lots of hard work for the kids.

Have you ever wept with joy?
















See more about Home Education Week at: Principled Discovery

Recipe

"Share a recipe...figuratively, as in two parts love, one part creativity, or literally, as in a super quick, nutritious meal your kids scarf up."

Literal today - busy, activity filled day! I made this for my girls last week and they scarfed it up!



Noodles Romanoff

8 oz wide noodles – cooked and drained
1 cup cream style cottage cheese
1 cup sour cream (I used light)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. grated onion
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tblsp. butter
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cayenne pepper (optional)


1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
Paprika

Cook noodles according to package directions.

Combine remaining ingredients except last Parmesan cheese.

Add noodles and mix well. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with Paprika.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Sorry, no picture. It went so fast I had no time to grab a camera!

See more about Home Education Week at: Principled Discovery

Challenges

"Share your greatest challenge."



I have faced many challenges through the years on our homeschooling journey but the greatest was unlocking the key to learning for my youngest with Down syndrome (DS). We decided early in her life that the system in our area could not meet her learning needs and began our homeschooling journey. Children with DS commonly have auditory processing challenges with impaired short-term memory, difficulty with attention, delayed language acquisition and articulation issues, impaired cognition, and gross/fine motor delays - significant issues.

I, like most other parents who have children with special needs, spent a great deal of time in research about my child's condition. The more I learned, the greater confidence I felt that I could parent this child AND meet her learning needs by homeschooling her.

Homeschooling is a natural extension of what parents do to care for and nurture their child's growth and development - homeschooling begins at birth. A child with Down syndrome needs specific instruction in skill acquisition and development in areas that are often taken for granted by parents of typically developing children due to the challenges they face. Fortunately for families with children with DS, our children face etiology-specific (specific to DS) learning challenges and DS is the most well-researched syndromes that causes intellectual impairment. There is a great deal known about the way children with DS learn BUT it takes an information junkie and a great deal of persistence to find it. I confess to being an information addict which has blessed our lives in the knowledge I gained.

So, overall I am very pleased with where we are on our journey. I can't take away the challenges my daughter faces but I can give her the tools to help her be more functionally competent in this world. More challenges remain but I have faith that the joys will continually outweigh the discomfort that challenges bring.

See more about Home Education Week at: Principled Discovery

Profile of Our Day

"Describe yourself, your family, or one of your children. What is it like to be home educated in your family? What is "normal" for you?"

We are fairly structured in our days. I have found that it is me who needs the most structure! If I don't plan it, it doesn't happen!


Record keeping is not required for homeschoolers in my state but because I homeschool a child with special needs (and my own obsessive-compulsive nature) I do plan and record our days. I use a very basic template of my own design to plan and monitor progress of our daughter with Down syndrome. I have found it is the best way to keep ME on track and I can see the baby steps (and giant steps!) my daughter makes daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. Our daily schedule is quite flexible though. I learned long ago that flexibility is the only way to stay sane!!!

I confess to needing lots of sleep. I am at my best with 8 (or more) hours of sleep. My children are older (13 & 16) so my life is a bit more relaxed than when we first started our journey. My 16 y.o. is more like her dad - she is up at the crack of dawn to get her day started so she can get to her beloved books, writing, knitting etc. - all the things she loves that come after school! She is a gifted student and quite independent these days. She is artistically inclined while I am not.

Miss R, my 13 y.o. with Down syndrome, thrives on our one-on-one learning time. This year I have added a lot of software and online learning programs and have found them quite valuable because they are high interest and visual - a perfect fit for her learning style.

Our days usually flow smoothly. The girls know what is expected and they are fairly compliant. Miss R has rewards built into her day to keep her motivated and enthusiastic. We do reading and math - then she gets a little computer time. After science, social studies and writing, she gets to watch a DVD. I truly think lunch is her biggest motivator because we eat when she is done!

We are generally done with formal schooling by 12:30-1:00 p.m. I remember our early days on this homeschooling adventure where we didn't finish until the middle of the afternoon. Then we often are able to do errands or fun things like socialize with friends. It wasn't always this easy but that is another story for another day!

Read more about the lives of homeschoolers: Principled Discovery

Looking Back....

"Share your personal history...before you were a home educator. What was life like? Think about things you miss and things for family have gained."

What was life like before I was a homeschooling mom? I guess that would be the time before I had children!

Before kids, I was an emergency department(ED) RN at a Level 1 Trauma Center. I loved my job but it was very demanding of me physically and emotionally. Every afternoon I would go to work and find my name assigned to first trauma - meaning I would get the first trauma that came through the doors. The first trauma generally arrived fairly early in the afternoon/evening. The average time per trauma patient was 4-6 hours unless their injuries were so life threatening and they went quickly to the operating room.

I took care of people of all ages - from newborn babies to the elderly. It was never boring and always challenging. I often wonder since leaving just how I did it for so long....all the pain and suffering of humanity right there every day.

I used to save lives - now I nurture souls growing my children in faith and knowledge as a homeschooling mom. My work today is much more rewarding. The investment I make today in my sweet girls will reap benefits for this life and all eternity. Today I know plentiful hugs and kisses (still!), the secrets of their hearts, their prayers to the Lord. I hope they will be well prepared for life as adults - ready to face the trials that will surely come and the joys of all the blessings of this life with strong faith that the Lord will always be there to provide.

Home Education Week

Hosted by Dana at Principled Discovery.

For more information: Home Education Week



Participate as you can and join the fun!

Blue Roses

by Pastor Hal Steenson

Why do I always have to be the one who starts to do laundry and there’s no detergent? I guess it was time for me to do my “Dollar Store” run, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags and Clorox. So off I go.

I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn’t in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, “Mommy, I’m over here.” It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and also shocked as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, “Hey Buddy, what’s your name?”

“My name is Denny and I’m shopping with my mother,” he responded proudly.

“Wow,” I said, “that’s a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Hal.”

“Hal like Halloween?” he asked.

“Yes,” I answered. “How old are you Denny?

“How old am I now Mommy?” he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle. “You’re fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by.”

I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement because he was the center of someone’s attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.

Denny’s mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn’t even look at him, much less talk to him. I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I told her that there are plenty of red, pink and yellow roses in God’s garden, however, “Blue Roses” are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a “Blue Rose” and if someone doesn’t stop and smell that rose with their heart or touch that rose with their kindness, then they’ve missed a blessing from God.

She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, “Who are you?”

Without thinking I said, “Oh, I’m probably just a “daffodil or maybe even a dandelion,” but I sure love living in God’s garden.

Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Alleluia!

Christ is risen!

In the Anglican tradition, we do not say alleluia during Lent but it returns at the Easter Vigil with great joy. It is a song in my heart today.

During the Great Vigil of Easter our youngest, Miss R, was confirmed.



Miss R has Down syndrome. In case anyone wonders how she was prepared for her confirmation, I used materials from Bethesda Lutheran Services. They have a confirmation curriculum for people with special needs as well as many other materials (some materials are free) that target the spiritual needs of a generally underserved population. Take a look at their resources in the special education and disability ministry catalog.

As with most learning materials, I needed to adapt to meet her specific needs. My daughter is a very hands-on, visual learner so to add interest we made (together) visuals to help her remember what we had worked through. A little more adaptation was needed to bring in our Anglican faith.

An Ordinary Miracle

Tissue warning....also some of the post-operative pictures may be difficult for some:

A New Friend

Hidden Treasures

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Lenten Prayer

Oh Lord Jesus Christ,
you who forgave the sins of the paralytic
before you let him walk again,
I pray that [this Lenten period] may make me more
aware of your forgiving presence in my life
and less concerned about performing well in the eyes
of my world.
Let me recognize you
at that virginal point in the depth of my heart
where you dwell and heal me.
Let me experience you in that center of my being
from which you want to teach and guide me.
Let me know you as my loving brother
who holds nothing --
not even my worst sins --
against me,
but who wants to touch me in gentle embrace.
Take away the many fears, suspicions, and doubts
by which I prevent you from being my Lord,
and give me the courage and freedome to appear naked
and vulnerable
in the light of your presence,
confident in your unfathomable mercy.

I know how great my resistance is,
how quickly I choose the darkness instead of the light.
But I also know that you keep calling me into the light,
where I can see not only my sins
but your gracious face as well.
Be with me every hour of my days.

Praise and glory to you, now and forever.
Amen.

Henri J.M. Nouwen
From Show Me the Way, Readings for Each Day of Lent

Our Trip to the Holy Land...

We went to the Holy Land as a family in the fall of 2006. I wish every Christian could visit the land where our Lord lived...and died for us. Our visit made The Holy Bible come to life for me in a new way - the memories are priceless. The spiritual growth we experienced deepened our faith tremendously - as a family. We were so blessed by the opportunity that I hope to return again someday. We met some very special people on our pilgrimage who have become the kind of friends we want to keep for eternity!

I thought I would share a few (I have more than 1000!) of our trip - they won't tell the whole story but give you a little glimpse of our trip of a lifetime!

Amazing....

Akiane Kramarik - truly gifted

The Swap...

Is probably the best Christian homeschooling support community on the web. It has something for everyone in the homeschooling community - information on curriculum and homeschooling methods, fellowship, recipes and more! The Swap has a private, safe place for children/teens to interact with other Christians via the internet under the supervision of Swappie (loving way to refer to a person who participates on The Swap) mamas.

I first began visiting The Swap looking for support and information on homeschooling children with special needs. The Swap was recommended to me by Marilyn, a woman who I've come to know as a person with a heart for the Lord and shares her knowledge and wisdom everywhere she goes. I know Marilyn won't remember (the list no longer exists) but I'm grateful to her leading me to The Swap.

I think it was there I first met (in an interactive manner) someone who homeschooled their child with Down syndrome. Laurie has openly shared her journey with her 18 y.o. son - stories that I have found inspirational and motivating over the years.

It was on The Swap that I met my cybertwin. Amy and I have the same first and middle names and have shared similar journeys in many ways.

Renna held a leadership position on The Swap for many years. She did it wonderfully - with the greatest love and respect for all.

It was very exciting for me to meet my first Swappie on our trip to the Holy Land in the fall of 2006. Jennifer doesn't blog (that I am aware of) so I can't introduce her to you. She lives in the Holy Land bringing others to Christ in a land which surprisingly has a great need to know the Lord.

More Swappie blogs:

Stacy's Page
New Teaching Mom
Trees Planted by the Water
In the Midst of This Season

I'm sure I am missing a few Swappie blogs but they are all places to go to find inspiration and see how God is working in the lives of homeschooling families. The Swap has blessed me abundantly over the years - I hope it might bless many more through this blog!

For a friend...

who is sick with the flu. Sorry it is only cybersoup but it is sent with prayers for a quick recovery.

Tomorrow - more about the most giving, loving homeschooling community on the web...