Writing

I have noticed over the last several years the writing is becoming a lost skill for many people.  In this age of technology and our busy lives we tend to wanted everything quick and now.  This has effected our writing in a negative way, or at least I believe it has.   I have started, yet again, another attempt at keeping my blog up to date.  My reason is two fold.  First, to continue to share with the world the idea of Homeschooling.  Second, to work on my own writing skills.  Over time I have noticed that my personal writing skills are lacking.  In the past I wrote very eloquently, but due to rushing and the natural slang that comes from using technology my writing is suffering.  I feel I am a living example to my children and I for one want them to have a good example of a writer.  Currently I am not that example, however with time I hope to improve that for them. 

31 one days later

Well we have been in the new year for 31 days.   How is the new year treating you?

On January 1st my family set out to unplug from media.  We unplugged all TV's, all video games, all computers.  The only exception to this rule was we could check email, and I could get on line to work.  What an amazing 31 days it was.

This is what we found to be true for our family:
1. The house is cleaner....we have been able to keep up on chores and even get areas of our house clean that were being neglected.
2. We brought back family story time...we have begun reading the Bobbsey Twin series as a family.  If you are not familiar with this series it first came out in 1904 and many were reprinted and updated in the 1960's.  There are a total of 72 books in the series. 
3. People are not arguing and picking on each other as much.
4. We have brought back board games and playing them together.
5. We have all been sleeping better at night, by 8 pm everyone is tired and ready for bed.

So have we allowed stuff to be plugged back in...yes with some major restrictions, not only for the kids but for Mama as well.
1. No electronics till school and chores are done.  "We must take care of our responsibilities before we play."
2. No more then one hour max at a time...then you must do something that is unplug for an hour or more.
3. No electronics after 8 pm. 

So that is our first month of 2013....it was very eye opening and wonderful. 

Techno Fasting

One thing I am looking forward to in 2013 is the month of January.  In January my family will be taking a fast from Tehcnology.  After the ball drops we will be unplugging all TV's, all Video Games, and all computers.   Cell phones can only be used to phone calls, no games etc.  The only eception to this will be my lap top for work and checking email (again for work).   We will not be checking in on Facebook, playing games, or even writing on the blog. 

My prayer through this fast is that my children and I will see where we have gone wrong in our lives with technology.  Where we have allowed our lives/minds/souls to be derailed in the name of entertainment.

Some have asked why do this.  The idea came from a night when we had no power in our home.  That night, with no tv, no computers, no video games, was the most relaxing fun night for the kids and I.  We played marbles by candle light and enjoy just being together.   So thus I thought, woundn't this be a great thing to do.

So here we are...after the ball drops.....everything gets unplugged. 

Violence

Violence is all around us.  Much of the United States has its eyes and hearts focused on the shooting death that occurred Friday, December 14, 2012 in Connecticut.  I have heard many people say we need tougher gun control....and others say we need to institutionalize those who have mental illness...and others say this is why we homeschool.   

I, obviously, homeschool my children, but as I told them.....violence can happen anywhere at anytime.  Are they safer being homeschooled, I believe a little, but are they totally safe...No...but do I feel they are at least a little bit safer...YES.  

By homeschooling them I am able to ensure they are receiving just what they need in education, a personalized education in a safe environment.  I am able to maintain a level of values and morals that is no longer acceptable in the public school system we live in today. 

I pray that some day the world will be a safer place and people don't have to worry about someone going into any building and place and hurting others.  I hope someday that prayer can be answered and known by everyone.

Sunday School

Each Sunday my family has the same routine.   Get up, get a shower, get dressed, eat a small breakfast, and hit the van for church.  We have belong to the same church since 1989, so it is just the norm.   My children attend Sunday School each Sunday and for the most part enjoy it.   I am currently in a class, as they created a new class a few months ago.  I can count on one hand number of Sunday's we have missed, as a matter of fact, this year it has been 1 total, and the year is almost over.  Even then, that Sunday we were at a church service just not our church service. 

So why do we get up early on Sunday, when much of the world is sleeping in?   Why do we do this week after week?   Plan and simple....routine builds discipline.....discipline builds character.   I want to raise children who are ladies and a gentlemen of honor.  Who learn that sometimes, even when you don't want to do something, you still must do it.  That honor and respect the elderly (our church has a large percentage of elderly).  I want my children to learn to give of themselves for others.  And most of all I want my children to have a strong faith that will lead them through the rough times of life. 

So that is why each Sunday we wake up early and hit the ground running just like all the other days.

12 Days of Homeschooling

I saw this video the other day and I have to say it really made me laugh.  Some of these statements I have not encountered in my personal life, but many I have.  I hope this video will put a smile on your face as well.   Happy Homeschooling!

2010 to 2012 What Happened???

I was thinking the other day, yes I do that from time to time, it has been a LONG time since I worked on my blogs (I have many of them).   Then I thought about it some more and decided to log into Blogger and just see how long it had been.  Well much to may shock I had not spoken my mind since 2010.  

Guess I owe people, if anyone, an apology for not working on this.   Well do I really owe anyone an apology, well not really.  But I feel it is time to bring this blog back up to date and try to maintain this blog.   I have one word to explain what has taken place over the past two years.....CRAZINESS.  Yes, I think that about sums it up very well.  My family was turned upside down on 05/15/10 when a person, who I thought was my soul mate, my partner in crime left.  Without any warning...POOF....decided that he was not "happy with himself" and left.  After many tears and much fear, my kids and I picked up the pieces of our lives and pressed on.   Although I don't regret the choice to marry this person, after all my children would not be here if it was not for that union, I do regret any pain they have suffered due to the actions of another. 

So hear we are almost to the end of 2012.....a single parent homeschooling household.   Can we do this....YES WE CAN!   Is it hard...YES IT IS!    But one day at a time, step by step we can do it.

One of my goals in life it to become a Curriculum Writer, and so the first place to begin would be with making the stuff I write known to others.   Thus this blog will not only talk about the joys, the frustrations of homeschooling/life, but also begin to contain some of the vision I have when it comes to Curriculum.