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...

I woke up to.....

Aren't they gorgeous...












So, all day I've been singing As the Deer....



Prayer

God, you are my God, I am seeking you,
my soul is thirsting for you,
my flesh is longing for you,
a land parched, weary and waterless.
I long to gaze on you in the Sanctuary,
and to see your power and glory.

Your love is better than life itself,
my lips recite your praise;
all my life I will bless you,
in your name lift up my hands;
my soul will feast most richly,
on my lips a songs of joy and, in my mouth, praise.

On my bed I think of you,
I meditate on you all night long,
for you have always helped me.
I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings;
my soul clings close to you,
your right hand supports me.

Psalm 63:1-8

My Magic Pot

This Dutch oven mysteriously appeared in my cupboard years ago. My mom swears it was my grandma's but I have no recollection of anyone giving it to me. It is obviously very old so it could have belonged to my grandma. It has always just been there. The interesting thing about this pot is that everything that goes in this pot comes out tasting absolutely wonderful!

You might note the electric stove in our student housing - I will never get used to cooking on it!

Today it is filled with chili - my own five chili pepper (cayenne, habenero, chipotle, jalapeño, scotch bonnet) recipe. Don't ask for the recipe. It is extraordinarily hot and spicy...just the way my hubby likes it!















Tomorrow it will be filled with Sherried Tomato Soup from the The Pioneer Woman Cooks!

Monday will be my favorite soup - Clam Chowder. I'm not bragging when I say this pot makes the best clam chowder ever!

I hardly ever cook soups with a recipe - the pot does its magic and it always tastes good. If you're willing or able to tweak a recipe for your families tastes, you just have to try this recipe. It makes a huge amount but I never have to worry about anyone going hungry.


Clam Chowder

2 - 10 ounce cans of clams

Drain over:

1 cup diced potatoes
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced onion

Place drained clams in fridge for later.

Cover veggies with:
4 cups of water mixed with 4 teaspoons Bear Creek Country Kitchens clam base
Add more water to cover veggies if necessary.
Season with basil, marjoram, thyme
Optional seasoning - dill (I always forget to buy it)
Add cayenne pepper to taste.
Simmer veggies until tender.

Cook until crisp and crumble:
1/2 pound bacon
Reserve for later.

In another pan, make a white sauce:
Melt 3/4 cup butter or margarine.
Add 3/4 cup flour.
Stir for one minute
Add 4 cups half and half or combination of milk and half and half.
Cook until thick and bubbly.

Add to cooked veggies in broth, stir until mixed well.

Just before serving, add clams - they only take a minute to cook.
Add crumbled bacon and 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar.

Very creamy. Very rich. Very tasty. Freezes well.

Lenten Prayer

O Lord, this holy season of Lent is passing quickly.
I entered into it with fear,
but also with great expectations.
I hoped for a great breakthrough,
a powerful conversion, a real change of heart;
I wanted Easter to be a day so full of light
that not even a trace of darkness would be left in my soul.
But I know that you do not come to your people
with thunder and lightening.
Even St. Paul and St. Francis
journeyed through much darkness
before they could see your light.
Let me be thankful for your gentle way.
I know you are at work.
I know you will not leave me alone.
I know you are quickening me for Easter-
but in a way fitting my own history
and my own temperament.

I pray that these last three weeks,
in which you invite me to enter more fully
into the mystery of your passion,
will bring me a greater desire to follow you
on the way that you create for me
and to accept the cross that you give to me.
Let me die to the desire
to choose my own way and select my own cross.

You do not want to make me a hero
but a servant who loves you.

Be with me tomorrow and in the days to come,
and let me experience your gentle presence.
Amen.

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

Lenten Prayer

Dear Lord, you once said,
"The will of him who sent me
is that I should lose nothing
of all that has been given to me."
These words are a source of consolation this day.
They show that you are doing all that can be done
to keep me in your love.
They demonstrate that indeed
you entered this world to save me,
to free me from the bonds of evil and sin,
and to lead me to your Father's house.
They reveal that you are willing
to struggle against the strong powers
which pull me away from you.
Lord, you want to keep me, hold onto me,
fight for me, protect me, help me, support me,
comfort me, and present me to your Father.
It indeed is your divine task not to lose me!
And yet I am free.
I can separate myself from you,
and you will never take this freedom away from me.
Oh, what a wonderful love,
what a mystery of divine grace!
Please Lord, let me freely choose for your love
so that I will not be lost to you.
Amen


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

I Have a Voice