tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34298292048036879582024-03-06T22:57:55.038-08:00God Made, Home Grown"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-7503288543884696142011-03-22T06:47:00.000-07:002011-03-22T06:49:33.106-07:00"God Made, Home Grown" Grows Up!<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;"><a href="http://www.godmadehomegrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Ellie-Yawning.jpg" style="color: #5a351b; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-191 aligncenter" height="266" src="http://www.godmadehomegrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Ellie-Yawning-300x266.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 10px;" title="Ellie Yawning" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Starting a blog is a lot like having a baby.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">When you’re first setting it up, it seems awfully small and insignificant…especially when compared to the “big kid” blogs in town.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">But slowly, over time, as you nurture it, feed it, and invest a lot of yourself in it…</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">…your baby–<em>I mean, <strong>blog</strong></em>–grows up! (Sniff, sniff)</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">And so, after much, um, labor, it seemed fitting for me to give my toddler blog some new clothes and more space to stretch its legs and move about.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Business tech expert, family man, and my good friend, <a href="http://www.andytraub.com/" style="color: #5a351b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Andy Traub</a>, has moved my blog to <a href="http://www.godmadehomegrown.com/">WordPress</a>! Go ahead, take a look...<em><a href="http://www.godmadehomegrown.com/">Isn’t it cute</a>?</em></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;"><em>(when you visit Andy’s blog to tell him what a great job he did, be sure to congratulate him and his wife on the expectation of their third baby!)</em></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">I also have my own domain name now: <a href="http://www.godmadehomegrown.com/"><strong>www.godmadehomegrown.com</strong> </a>. Please update your bookmarks!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">We may experience some growing pains over there over the next few weeks, but the time has come to let this baby stand on it’s own two feet.</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">If you notice anything that needs tending to, please feel free to email me at <strong>tiana at godmadehomegrown dot com</strong>. (that’s right, I have a new email address, too!)</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">Oh! And to celebrate, I’ll be hosting some great giveaways over the next few weeks. Stay tuned!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;">By His Grace,</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em;"><em><strong>Tiana</strong></em></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-3158855806806886142011-03-11T13:43:00.000-08:002011-03-11T13:45:31.019-08:00A Gentle ReminderI was reminded of this poem by a friend this afternoon...<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i>"Babies Don't Keep"</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth</span></i></b></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">empty the dustpan, poison the moth,</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">hang out the washing and butter the bread,</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">sew on a button and make up a bed.</div></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?</span></i></b></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.</div></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue</span></i></b></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">(lullaby, rockabye, lullaby loo).</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">Dishes are waiting and bills are past due</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).</div></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew</span></i></b></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">and out in the yard there's a hullabaloo</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">but I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).</div></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,</span></i></b></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">for children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.</div></span></i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>-- Author Unknown</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">I sit here and type with my baby in my sling. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">My two year old tornado is all calm and quiet, blissfully napping, resting up for the mischief that must be made this afternoon.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">The older two are upstairs, curled up in their own beds with good books.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">And the house is quiet. So I write.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">This mama still has a whole lot to learn about balance...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">about <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2009/09/little-bit-of-spontaneity.html">letting go of perfectionism...</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">about <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html">taking life slow.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">There are 7 windows open in my browser--evidence of my struggle with focused, purposeful living. I wish I had time to do something with all the ideas that are in my head, but I don't. So I close them all, and sigh peacefully.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">Babies don't keep...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">Toddlers don't keep either, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">nor do four year olds (e-hem, "I'm almost <i>five</i>, Mom!"),</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">or six year olds.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">Ideas come, and ideas go, and writing waits, and my children grow up.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">I hear a little blond girl happily singing upstairs..<i>.is rest time really over?</i>...and the thought that once made me frown makes me smile.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">Yes, there is laundry to do, but she'll help me.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">There is homemade granola to pull out of the oven, and homemade hot cocoa to drink--evidences that I am winning the battle against<a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2011/02/thief.html"> the thief</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">And there are dishes to wash,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">And supper to prepare,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">And a baby in the sling,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">And <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2009/11/most-important-thing.html">children to teach to love Him</a> more than life itself.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">Can I really be happy in this life, serving my God and my husband in my home, if nobody else notices or cares? If what I do here is never recognized, commended, or even valued by the world around me?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">Yes, at last, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">I think that, maybe, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;">I can.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-26140304084123626332011-03-09T08:08:00.000-08:002011-03-09T08:15:47.447-08:00Homeschooling the Precocious Preschooler<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Question: My three-and-a-half year old daughter seems to be advanced for her age. She can already recognize most of her letters, and she’s begging me to give her “schoolwork” just like her older brother is doing.</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I know a lot of homeschoolers say “better late than early”, and I don’t want to push her, but I don’t want to ignore her interests, either. Do you have any suggestions for beginning academic work for a young, but eager, preschooler?</span></strong></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Answer: </strong>I think many homeschooling parents struggle with when and how to start <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/03/doing-school.html">“doing school”</a> with their younger children. We often hear conflicting advice from “the experts”. I’ve heard of programs designed to teach babies to “read”. On the other hand, there are folks who advocate waiting to begin any formal academics until children are 8, 9, or even 10 years old. We don’t know who to believe!</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In my opinion, a lot of the confusion stems from cultural conditioning. Despite our separation from “the system”, we still, perhaps unwittingly, buy into some of its philosophy. The government school system tells us that Kindergarten begins in the September after which a child turns 5, and not a moment sooner. (If you’re child turns five on September 2nd, forget it!) However, the fact remains that readiness for school varies from child to child. I’ve met some 4-year-olds who are completely capable of doing “first grade” schoolwork, as well as 8 year olds who are still struggling with basic phonics skills.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">All this to say that you know your child best. If your daughter is interested and excited to learn, don’t be afraid that you’ll somehow damage her by giving her schoolwork!</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">That being said, here are a few recommendations that I have for early academic work for the more “advanced” preschooler. These are ideas that have worked for us, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll work for everyone. </span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I would encourage you to remember to keep it simple. Most early learning can be accomplished by<a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/10/read-aloud-resources.html"> reading out loud</a>, especially the Bible, and playing, <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/10/simple-nature-study-with-little-ones.html">especially outside</a>. Helping out with household tasks such as sorting laundry or measuring ingredients for a recipe are also great opportunities for learning. Do your best not to fill your child’s life with academics to the point of neglecting these other areas.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Also, please don’t spend a lot of money on a fancy phonics program or math manipulatives. With a child who is truly “ready”, they’re probably an unnecessary expenditure. Of course, if you already own some things that you’ve used for your older children, go ahead and give them a try. Otherwise, here are a few ideas for teaching the “Three R’s” that have worked for us:</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Reading–</strong> <a href="http://www.startreading.com/" style="color: #507aa5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">“Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons”</a> is my top pick for simplicity, effectiveness, and cost. It is my hands-down favorite phonics curriculum, and it is perfect for the precocious preschooler. I purchased my copy of the book on <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/785960/www.homeschoolclassifieds.com" style="color: #507aa5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">homeschoolclassifieds.com </a>for less than $10. You may even be able to borrow a copy from your local library before you decide to buy. The best part is how it is designed to be done while snuggling with your child on the couch. I even teach reading while nursing the baby.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Writing–</strong> I purchased a dry erase alphabet practice book for about $5 at Wal Mart. It has letters to copy and is filled with colorful pictures. My daughter never tires of it, even though she is almost 5 and has been using it for 2 years. Just be sure to cover your little one’s clothing with a paint shirt or smock, as dry erase marker will not wash out!</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Arithmetic– </strong>Math manipulatives are not hard to find if you are creative. We’ve had many a counting lesson while snacking on grapes! Almost any collection of little toys can be used as math manipulatives. I happened to find a set of colorful counting bears at a discount store for $3. Then, using a Magnadoodle as a “slate” (a la Laura Ingalls Wilder), my daughter would count out bears and write numbers. After a while, I began to write simple equations (e.g. 2+2=4) and have her build them with bears. In this way, she could do her own math lessons while her older brother was completing his.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, there you have it! Pretty simple, huh? I hope you some of these ideas will work for you…but please don’t beat yourself up if they don’t. Every child is different! Remember, you’ve taught your child how to walk and talk and many other important things already! Ideally, you want learning to continue to be a relaxed and enjoyable experience for both of you.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings to You on Your Journey!</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Tiana</i></b></span></span></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-76248473674537679832011-02-28T03:57:00.000-08:002011-02-28T03:57:36.369-08:00Spending Less Time On the Internet...hasn't made me a better blogger, but it has made me a better mother.<br />
<br />
I haven't written much, but I have baked more cookies,<br />
<br />
read more books,<br />
<br />
and caught up on the laundry in a way that might be called semi-permanent.<br />
<br />
I've snuggled more, taught more, and argued less.<br />
<br />
I'm thinking more clearly, and struggling less with the details of life.<br />
<br />
It hasn't been easy, and there have been some days that I have failed. It's not as though I haven't had anything to write about...<br />
<br />
...but other things have become more important. I certainly don't think I'm done writing, but I think I'm at a point of "less writing" until I can get some other areas of life into focus.<br />
<br />
When I can write, I will. When I can't, I won't...and I won't hold it against myself. Perhaps, in this way, my writing will be more Spirit-led.<br />
<br />
I'd love to share some of the things that God has been teaching me during this time, but it will have to wait.<br />
<br />
It will have to wait.Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-55827698464179288692011-02-16T05:36:00.000-08:002011-02-16T05:36:52.355-08:00A Valentine<div style="text-align: center;">Acacia received a Valentine from Grandma this week.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsYIqa7r2W4Z-hOuvXngJqxUU5GbO9dW26675NANPTB5OLVYvHpD2WHxcb6pkexOwga5J0KO6gEJr8hfSrnsQRzwrz0Q1frhZI65GtHyK7QR9iqOZ4DCp79ahA9L5r_ibMZHb9zjGzzc/s1600/acacia+valentine+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsYIqa7r2W4Z-hOuvXngJqxUU5GbO9dW26675NANPTB5OLVYvHpD2WHxcb6pkexOwga5J0KO6gEJr8hfSrnsQRzwrz0Q1frhZI65GtHyK7QR9iqOZ4DCp79ahA9L5r_ibMZHb9zjGzzc/s320/acacia+valentine+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">She read every word of it...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QNRo9XgRnDNbN-0q9l2yTzC6D-ZP95B2YVs3TXNpyWNW7aUIzZwhOMUbTbef0lEOA0Q51wfvN-WKYZ3roxs5Z2qMqA2jI87PspAqaLcMe919wCKATCPcCll_-O9gc-rlOjCZV36QYq0/s1600/acacia+valentine+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QNRo9XgRnDNbN-0q9l2yTzC6D-ZP95B2YVs3TXNpyWNW7aUIzZwhOMUbTbef0lEOA0Q51wfvN-WKYZ3roxs5Z2qMqA2jI87PspAqaLcMe919wCKATCPcCll_-O9gc-rlOjCZV36QYq0/s320/acacia+valentine+1.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">At least a dozen times...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpl6pC6oH1MfAMgt8WqORXzyGccMma8ZG1gLhctjX-2hbQpEokS1_sYfH5h-PlCmJ9bnZUr1YklDPTlvxjlbgU9obfWfBIPGir_9re2FWfx99l78L6tPTMnzQ0XTG4Pboy05secSkUXI/s1600/valentine+acacia+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpl6pC6oH1MfAMgt8WqORXzyGccMma8ZG1gLhctjX-2hbQpEokS1_sYfH5h-PlCmJ9bnZUr1YklDPTlvxjlbgU9obfWfBIPGir_9re2FWfx99l78L6tPTMnzQ0XTG4Pboy05secSkUXI/s320/valentine+acacia+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">She counted how many pretty flowers there were, and told me how the little girl in the picture looked "just like her"...except for the short hair...</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjsp9v3Aua7YElVQNIC2dAfyaNad6v1lXP4rPOEQuUEMMRFL2abIXS9uBmjgKI2TZ1JsCSTM8A-XYIhS4nXn2rHxqenDYxXgUP-2wNT9-moXYzE9jGtrHUUdGJvvrdaYcQcCcwDoiXyk/s1600/valentine+acacia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjsp9v3Aua7YElVQNIC2dAfyaNad6v1lXP4rPOEQuUEMMRFL2abIXS9uBmjgKI2TZ1JsCSTM8A-XYIhS4nXn2rHxqenDYxXgUP-2wNT9-moXYzE9jGtrHUUdGJvvrdaYcQcCcwDoiXyk/s320/valentine+acacia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Oh, that I might treasure God's love letter to me as dearly!!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>"Oh how I love your law!<br />
<span class="indent" style="padding-left: 2em;"></span>It is my meditation all the day.</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19119098-1" style="padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span>Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,<br />
<span class="indent" style="padding-left: 2em;"></span>for it is ever with me.</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br />
I have more understanding than all my teachers,<br />
<span class="indent" style="padding-left: 2em;"></span>for your testimonies are my meditation.</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br />
I understand more than the aged,<br />
<span class="indent" style="padding-left: 2em;"></span>for I keep your precepts.</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br />
I hold back my feet from every evil way,<br />
<span class="indent" style="padding-left: 2em;"></span>in order to keep your word.</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br />
I do not turn aside from your rules,<br />
<span class="indent" style="padding-left: 2em;"></span>for you have taught me.</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br />
How sweet are your words to my taste,<br />
<span class="indent" style="padding-left: 2em;"></span>sweeter than honey to my mouth!</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br />
Through your precepts I get understanding;<br />
<span class="indent" style="padding-left: 2em;"></span>therefore I hate every false way."</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Psalm 119:97-104</i></b></span></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-44673206732724083082011-02-10T11:38:00.000-08:002011-02-10T11:38:46.811-08:00A Stricter Judgement<div style="text-align: left;">Every once in a while, I read an online article about homeschooling that annoys me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Because articles like this one pop up every couple of months or so, (and frankly, because I doubt that they are written by anyone who is actually qualified to talk), I'm not going to do any linking, quoting or copying. However, allow me to attempt to paraphrase the thesis statement:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Homeschooling your children is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. It is a lot of work, and it will completely change your lifestyle. Not everyone is cut out to homeschool, but if you are one of those amazing parents who 'has what it takes', congratulations to you and good luck!"</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Why does this annoy me, you ask? Shouldn't parents "count to cost" before they build?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, educating our children at home requires some forethought and planning. I won't dispute that. However, I think for a lot of people, there is a "mystique" about teaching that makes them believe that education is something that is best left to the "trained professionals".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"></span></i></div><i></i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i>"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers,</i></b><br />
<b><i>for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."</i></b><br />
<b><i>James 3:1</i></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><b><i><br />
</i></b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I've heard Christians use this passage to argue that not everyone is equipped to be a teacher, and that some people just don't belong doing it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>Maybe so, but there's one small problem with this line of thinking...</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">If you are a parent, you are <b>already called</b> to be a teacher, whether you like it or not.<br />
<br />
Ouch.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><b><i>"These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall </i><i>teach them diligently</i> <i>to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."</i></b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><b><i>Deuteronomy 6:6-7</i></b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><b><i><br />
</i></b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">You. That means parents.<br />
<br />
Notice that Moses didn't give the people the option of sending their children off to a trained Rabbi if they didn't have the "gift of teaching". Nowhere does God institute a school system where the Hebrew children can get together for grade level instruction in the Book of the Law.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><b>It was the parents' job. Period.</b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">It's a lot like the professional ball player a few years back who told us all that he didn't think he was a role model and didn't want to be a role model.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>Sorry. Too bad. You already <i>are </i>a role model...now, what are you going to do about it?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
What am I going to do about it? Well, the only thing I know to do about it is to homeschool my kids, endeavoring to give them as close to a biblical education as possible.<br />
<br />
But, maybe that's just me.</div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-4624794519474758932011-02-05T08:16:00.000-08:002011-02-11T05:01:24.653-08:00How to Tear Down Your Own House...<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://yoursacredcalling.com/blog/2011/02/how-to-tear-down-your-own-house/">In 12 Easy Steps!</a></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"The wise woman builds her house,</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>But the foolish tears it down with her own hands."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Proverbs 14:1</i></b></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-24300323847188965982011-02-03T11:27:00.000-08:002011-02-07T11:59:22.737-08:00The Thief<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>John 10:10</i></b></div><br />
There is a thief in my house...<br />
<br />
A thief that robs me of my time...<br />
<br />
It promises me peace, and happiness, and fulfillment...for a price.<br />
<br />
It wants "just a minute...maybe 2...or 10,"<br />
and then, the afternoon is gone.<br />
<br />
Yes, there is a thief in my house.<br />
<br />
It steals my energy and my joy, and leaves me with disconnected relationships and chaos.<br />
<br />
It says to my precious children, <i>"Not right now, sweetie, Mom's busy,"</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
It says of the housework, <i>"That can wait,"</i><br />
<br />
And it says to my dear, hard-working husband, <i>"I'm afraid dinner will be late,"</i><br />
and <i>"Don't worry, I'll hand deliver that bill tomorrow,"</i><br />
and, <i>"I'm sorry...I forgot."</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
There's a thief in my house, and I've<i> let it in.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>That thief is <b><u>the internet</u>.</b></i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
There, I said it.<br />
<br />
But, here's the thing...<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>It doesn't have to be a thief.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
If I can tame it...control it...master it rather than allowing it to have mastery over me,<br />
it can be a very useful tool.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"'All things are lawful for me,' </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>but not all things are helpful.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>'All things are lawful for me,'</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>but I will not be enslaved by anything."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>1 Corinthians 6:12</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, what's a mama to do?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If I'm going to be obedient to God in my responsibilities to Him, my family, and my home, while also continuing in this ministry I have of writing online, something has to change.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>And so, I have new rules:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1. I will not turn on my computer in the morning before I have read my Bible.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2. I will do a general email check only twice per day--once in the morning, once at night. </b>15 minutes each. If a more lengthy response is needed to any messages, I will make a hand written note of it, and tend to it during afternoon rest time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3. I will not go on Facebook unless the children are in their beds.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4. If I need to use the computer during the day (for example, to print out copywork or look at my checking account balance), I will do so without looking at other websites and will limit myself to 5 minutes.</b> I will set my timer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>5. I will compose all blog posts on paper first, so I can be more involved with my children as I write.</b> I will type out my blog posts during afternoon rest time, after bedtime, or first thing in the morning, before the children wake up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>6. Once rest time is over, I will shut down my computer until after the children are in bed for the night. </b><i>(*Note: My husband leaves for work insanely early in the morning, and therefore, is usually in bed before the children. If he happens to be awake, this time belongs to him.)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>7. Whenever possible, I will call a "real life" Titus 2 friend when I have a question before posting on a message board.</b> I will think three times before entering online conversations. "<i><b>Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger." James 1:19</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>8. When I am overwhelmed, I will take a deep breath, take my supplements, and take my anxieties to the LORD.</b> I will replace "escaping to the internet" with "prayer without ceasing".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>OUCH. That was hard.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, what does this mean to you?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, for one thing, it means you won't hear as much from me on Facebook. That's probably a good thing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully it means I will actually be a better blogger. Writing things out longhand, combined with limiting my time "in front of the box", might mean that I'll write more and better content. So often, I sit down at the computer to write and end up spending an hour doing <i>anything but writing</i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So that's where I'm at. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">These rules may need some tweaking over the next few weeks, as I bring this area of my life into obedience to Christ, but it's a beginning.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>By His Grace,</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiana</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">P.S.--Do you have any internet "rules" for yourself? If so, what are they? I'd love to hear about them.</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></i></b></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-61287432887539496442011-02-01T11:45:00.000-08:002011-02-01T11:45:16.207-08:00Snowed In!!--Molasses on Snow Candy<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.6em; padding-left: 0.6em; padding-right: 0.6em; padding-top: 0.6em;">We're snowed in, and if the weatherman is right, we'll be snowed in for the next few days.<br />
<br />
Little ones can get pretty stir crazy if they are cooped up indoors, so I've been busy coming up with ways to keep them busy...<br />
<br />
Today, we made Molasses on Snow Candy. You can find the recipe on page 192 of <span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="em" mce_style="font-style: italic;" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" mce_name="strong" mce_style="font-weight: bold;" style="font-weight: bold;">The Little House Cookbook</span></span> by Barbara M. Walker. We decided to make a half-batch because we didn't have enough molasses in the house to make more.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-pooring-molasses.jpg" mce_href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-pooring-molasses.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-785742" height="300" mce_src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-pooring-molasses-180x300.jpg" src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-pooring-molasses-180x300.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="asher pooring molasses" width="180" /></a><br />
Step one: Asher measured 1/2 cup dark molasses (i.e. all the molasses we had left in the house) into a liquid measuring cup.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/acacia-stirring.jpg" mce_href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/acacia-stirring.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-785743" height="286" mce_src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/acacia-stirring-300x286.jpg" src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/acacia-stirring-300x286.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="acacia stirring" width="300" /></a><br />
Step two: We combined the molasses with 1/4 dark brown sugar in a 2 quart saucepan. (Don't use a smaller pan, the mixture needs room to boil). Stir the molasses and sugar together over medium heat, until it comes to a boil.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/bubbling.jpg" mce_href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/bubbling.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-785744" height="245" mce_src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/bubbling-300x245.jpg" src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/bubbling-300x245.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bubbling" width="300" /></a><br />
Continue to cook and stir the bubbly mixture for 5 minutes. Mixture is ready when a small amount dropped in a glass of cold water turns solid, like this:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/candy-in-water-glass.jpg" mce_href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/candy-in-water-glass.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-785745" height="131" mce_src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/candy-in-water-glass-300x131.jpg" src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/candy-in-water-glass-300x131.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="candy in water glass" width="300" /></a><br />
This picture didn't turn out the greatest, but you get the idea...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-collecting-snow.jpg" mce_href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-collecting-snow.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-785746" height="300" mce_src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-collecting-snow-284x300.jpg" src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-collecting-snow-284x300.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="asher collecting snow" width="284" /></a><br />
Meanwhile, fill several cake pans with fresh, clean snow. This was Asher's favorite part!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-delivering-snow.jpg" mce_href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-delivering-snow.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-785747" height="300" mce_src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-delivering-snow-197x300.jpg" src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/asher-delivering-snow-197x300.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="asher delivering snow" width="197" /></a><br />
You can store the pans outside until you're ready to poor the candy. Bring the pans inside--being careful not to dump snow all over the kitchen floor!--and set them on the table. We chose to cover the table with an old towel to catch any melting snow.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/acacia-dropping-candy.jpg" mce_href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/acacia-dropping-candy.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-785748" height="282" mce_src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/acacia-dropping-candy-300x282.jpg" src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/acacia-dropping-candy-300x282.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="acacia dropping candy" width="300" /></a><br />
Drizzle the mixture into the snow, making whatever shapes you'd like!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/micah-watching.jpg" mce_href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/micah-watching.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-785751" height="148" mce_src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/micah-watching-300x148.jpg" src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/micah-watching-300x148.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="micah watching" width="300" /></a><br />
We learned that you need to do this part rather quickly. If the molasses mixture cools, it becomes hard and stringy, and difficult to pour. When it hits the snow, the molasses will harden almost instantly, and become candy! We enjoyed some of it right away, and put the rest in the fridge to save for when daddy gets home.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/sticky-fingers.jpg" mce_href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/sticky-fingers.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-785752" height="277" mce_src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/sticky-fingers-300x277.jpg" src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2011/02/sticky-fingers-300x277.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sticky fingers" width="300" /></a><br />
Be sure to keep a wet washcloth handy, for all those little, sticky fingers...<br />
<br />
HAVE FUN!!</div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-17943177062616106392011-01-21T11:10:00.000-08:002011-02-07T11:59:58.920-08:00Baby, It's Cold OutsideI got out of bed at 2:45 this morning, as I do most mornings, to pour my husband's coffee, pack his lunch, and send him off to work.<br />
<br />
The world outside was dark, and my kitchen floor was cold. I could feel the icy air breaking into the house through the leaky door frame.<br />
<br />
Chris joined me in the kitchen, and as he put on his coveralls, he called "the weather lady". He set the phone to "speaker", and put it on the counter.<br />
<br />
<i>"Good evening," she said (she never says "morning" until it is past the time at which reasonable people get out of bed), "the time is 3--05--temperature--negative--7".</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<b>Yikes. The coldest day of the season so far.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
He kissed me good-bye, and I handed him his cooler.<br />
<br />
<i>"Keep those kids inside today, and try to stay warm..."</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
I sat on the couch to have my quiet time with the LORD, and then, I crawled back into bed to snuggle my sleeping baby for another hour or two before the rest of the world woke up.<br />
<br />
As I drifted off to sleep, I got to thinking...<br />
<br />
There are folks who think that, by homeschooling my children, I am being over-protective.<br />
<br />
I've been told that my children <i>need </i>to be spending a great deal of time outside of my house, away from me, being exposed to people who think and believe differently than my husband and I do.<br />
<br />
And I wonder...<br />
<br />
<i>--What would those same people think if I chose to send my children outside today, in the bitter cold, without the proper clothing?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>--What if they weren't wearing a winter coat, and hat? No mittens? No snow pants? No heavy socks? No waterproof boots?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>--What if I sent them out after breakfast, and forbid them from coming inside until late afternoon?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>--And what if, when questioned, I said that I did all this because I believed that they <b>needed </b>to be exposed to lots of cold air? That <b>not </b>to do so would be overprotecting them?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Would they agree with my logic, or would they implore me to <i>shelter </i>them inside, where it is warm? Would they not admonish me to wrap them up snugly in winter attire before sending them out next time?<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<b>The truth is, we live in a world that is cold and uncaring toward our children.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Sending little, fragile souls out into it alone, for long periods of time, without first giving them the covering of a thorough understanding of the Word of God is just as irresponsible as sending them out to play in below zero weather wearing shorts and a t-shirt.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Mark 9:42</i></b></div><br />
The only real difference is one of <i>time</i>.<br />
<br />
We see the effects of <b>frostbite </b><i>almost immediately</i>.<br />
<br />
<i>...blue fingers, noses, and cheeks...Numb toes...that throbbing sensation...</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
When frostbite is severe, the results can be permanent. Some people feel pain in the affected areas of their bodies every time they are ever out in the cold again, for the rest of their lives. Some people even lose fingers and toes.<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
The effects of sending our children away from us, to secular caregivers, teachers, and institutions, are more subtle at first. We may not notice the results of the seeds of doubt that are planted in our children's hearts until much later in life, but we will see them. 75-88% of children raised in evangelical Christian homes walk away from Christianity by the time they reach their freshman year of college. Most of the time, permanently.<br />
<br />
<i>We reap what we sow.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
So today, I'll keep my little ones indoors. I'll dress them in warm clothes, keep the furnace blowing, and feed them nutritious foods to grow their bodies healthy and strong. Another day, I'll wrap them in their winter outerwear and take them outside. I'll bring them back in before it gets to be too much, and I'll give them warm milk, mixed with honey, and cinnamon, and nutmeg to drink.<br />
<br />
More importantly, I'll teach them the Bible. I'll teach them what we believe and why we believe it. I'll teach them about the issues of our day and age, at a level they can understand, and I'll teach them how to think critically about those issues. I'll teach them discernment.<br />
<br />
I'll take my responsibility to teach, train, and prepare my children in the ways of the LORD seriously.<br />
<br />
<i>And when the cold wind blows, and the wolf comes howling at our door, by God's mercy, they will fear no evil, for He is with them.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
And when they leave my house, and go out into the world, <b style="font-style: italic;">if I've done my job </b>they will be strong and faithful, equipped for whatever the World and the Enemy may throw their way.<br />
<br />
<b>By His Grace,</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiana</span></i></b>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-78817835210652913612011-01-18T12:28:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:00:28.644-08:00Praying for Little Ones<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Last week, I was encouraged by my friends <a href="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/project-2-prayers-for-our-husband/" style="color: #507aa5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">At The Well</a> to pray more specifically and intentionally for my husband.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This new way of thinking and praying made a huge difference–in me!–and it got me to thinking about how God has been teaching me to pray for my children.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Life with preschoolers can certainly drive us to our knees. The question is, what are we praying? Are they surface level prayers? Are we pleading to God to just get us through the next 10 minutes?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">One passage of Scripture that has helped me to pray for my children in a more focused way is <strong><em>Luke 2:52,</em></strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-style: italic;"><strong><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“And Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”</span></em></strong></span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">With that in mind, here is a <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/785612/">simple weekly plan for praying for our preschoolers</a>:</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Sunday–Their Salvation. </strong>We pray that our children would come to Jesus Christ as Savior through repentance and faith at the earliest possible age.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Monday–Their Education. </strong><em>“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and understanding.” Proverbs 1:7. </em>We pray that God would give us wisdom as we teach our children, and that they would eagerly receive instruction.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Tuesday–Their Physical Growth and Health. </strong>We pray that the LORD would continue to care for and protect our little one’s physical bodies, that they might be healthy and strong for His service.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Wednesday–Their Obedience. </strong>We pray that God would teach our children to obey and honor us, their parents, for His sake.<em> </em>(Ephesians 6:1)</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Thursday–Their Relationships. </strong>We pray that our little ones would learn to love their neighbors, including those in their own household, as they love themselves. We pray that He would bless them with close, loving relationships within their families and the Body of Christ, and that He would teach them to show His love to those who do not know Him.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Friday–Their Protection. </strong>We pray that God would place his hedge of protection around our children, and that He would keep the Evil One far away from them.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Saturday–Their Purpose.</strong> None of us know what our children will grow up to be. We pray that God would use our children mightily in His Kingdom–that the would be His faithful, lifelong servants–and that He would make His calling on their lives clear to them.</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>**I noticed this morning, as I went to post this, that this week’s project <a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/785612/www.titus2atthewell.com" style="color: #507aa5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">At the Well</a> is praying for our children! Their <a href="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/project-3-prayers-for-our-children/" style="color: #507aa5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">list </a>is different, and definitely worth considering.**</i></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">By His Grace,</span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Tiana</i></b></span></span></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-61716534282937462472011-01-12T05:41:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:01:02.992-08:00A New AdventureI am delighted to announce that, as of the beginning of this new year, I will be a regular contributor to <a href="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/">At The Well: In Pursuit of Titus 2</a>.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i499.photobucket.com/albums/rr354/ohiobobcatfans/-1-7.png" /></a></center><br />
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I really enjoyed writing a <a href="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/the-most-important-thing/">guest post</a> for them a while back. My first post as an official contributor debuted this morning:<br />
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<a href="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/prayer-for-a-tired-mom/">http://www.titus2atthewell.com/prayer-for-a-tired-mom/</a><br />
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Please hop over and pay them a visit!<br />
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One of the things I love so much about being "At The Well" is their commitment to encouraging and exhorting women in our roles as wives, mothers, and homemakers. I have been blessed and stretched by the series of weekly practical application projects they are doing each Monday in 2011:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/fixing-your-heart-on-titus-2/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week's challenge was to begin each day in the Word of God--a habit that, I confess, I fall in and out of routinely. It was a lot easier to do when I had only myself to care for. Now, there are six of us!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week's challenge, however, has inspired me on a different level:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/project-2-prayers-for-our-husband/">http://www.titus2atthewell.com/project-2-prayers-for-our-husband/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know I don't pray for my husband enough. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's not that I don't think of him or care about him throughout the day, but sometimes I have a hard time focusing. I know I should pray, but too often, I don't know <i>what </i>to pray.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I took the prayer calendar from this post and put it in my sidebar. It will serve as a reminder to me, as well as to anyone else who'd like to join me in praying more intentionally and specifically for our husbands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are so many habits that I'd like to change and improve on in myself. It's tempting for me to get down on myself...to dwell on my shortcomings and allow them to paralyze me--but I'm not really the one who makes the change, am I? Christ is working in me to make it happen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Philippians 2:13</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">I am so thankful that God is not finished with me yet.</span></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.<span class="verse-num" id="v50003013-1" style="padding-left: 0.25em; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span>Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,<span class="verse-num" id="v50003014-1" style="padding-left: 0.25em; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span>I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"> Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you<span class="verse-num" id="v50003016-1" style="padding-left: 0.25em; padding-right: 0.15em; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span>Only let us hold true to what we have attained."</span></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Philippians 3:12-15</span></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span></i></b></span></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-11372579686275919812011-01-11T01:47:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:01:30.569-08:00Where to Start?--History with Preschoolers<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I dare you.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Ask your preschoolers how old you are. Then, ask them how old grandma and grandpa are.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The answers you get will probably be quite amusing!</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I remember when I was about three years old, asking my mother what life was like back when there was no color in the world. She gave me a perplexed look…and then, the light went on.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I had recently seen a old black-and-white movie on television. After we had discussed why there was no color in the movie, I had come to the ridiculous conclusion that the entire world was colorless when my mother was a child–and that God had only recently decided to paint our planet!</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I’m sure you can tell similar stories about your own childhood–young children tend to have a warped perspective when it comes to time.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So how do we change that? How do we teach history in a way that will at all make sense?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It all depends on where you start.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/785529/">Click here to read more...</a></span></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-26478569574012422542011-01-07T11:54:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:02:08.604-08:00Tax Breaks for Homeschooling Families--Carrot or Stick?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chatiryworld/2440555265/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFytRf9c98vdAYDyN29pDe7uiM0F9nVCyJWqkz-OOmEy4NYmScvZkanionZHpe1Ye7zuqfnfnfQrXFwt6nwBmWOPJb1CbPqacy0raVULEVhtFw5PYosUb_BgwIPvaVNMTpDQMqm6NJG3Y/s320/carrots.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of chatirygirl</td></tr>
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With the election over, and the new year begun, it's time to send our representatives to Washington.<br />
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Some of our newly elected representatives may think they are doing homeschoolers a favor by giving us tax breaks.<br />
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Now, don't get me wrong...I love tax breaks! Don't we all?<br />
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However, "favors" almost always come with strings attached...<br />
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Strings that homeschoolers would prefer to do without, such as:<br />
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<ul><li>State involvement in curriculum choice,</li>
<li>Standardized testing (based on government school curriculum, of course),</li>
<li>Mandating that students who perform poorly on standardized tests be enrolled in public school,</li>
<li>Piles of paperwork, phone interviews, or even school official visits, to "prove" that we are homeschooling,</li>
<li>A general attitude of distrust that says, "We (the state) have given you <i>so much</i>. Now we expect a few things in return."</li>
</ul><div>Would these kinds of things happen right away? Maybe, maybe not.</div><br />
However, this is the kind of thing that can give the government a proverbial foot-in-the-door into our lives. If we don't see "sticks" like these show up immediately in "carrot" proposals, that doesn't mean they won't come. Should the LORD tarry, we will have elections again, and the next batch of representatives may not be nearly as sympathetic to homeschooling.<br />
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While it would be nice to keep more of our own money, we don't need it in the form of targeted tax cuts that will impose more regulation on homeschoolers.<br />
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Finding a way to curb out-of-control, wasteful spending on government education--now that would save <b>everyone </b>money! I can figure out a way to give my children a superb education without spending $9,000 per child per year...why can't the state?<br />
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For further reading on this subject, please visit:<br />
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<a href="http://spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2011/01/homeschoolers-and-tax-break.html">SpunkyHomeSchool--Homeschoolers and Tax Breaks</a> --she has some critical words for the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). This is an organization I respect, but it needed to be said. If you're a member of HSLDA, you especially need to read this and let them know what you think about it.<br />
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<a href="http://wpa.typepad.com/files/wpa-106-open-ltr-to-legislators-copy.pdf">Wisconsin Parents Association (WPA): An Open Letter to Our Legislators</a> --This is very well-written letter from my state's homeschool advocacy group. If you're from Wisconsin, WPA encourages you to print as many copies as you need and send them to your state elected officials. If you aren't up here with me, enjoying 14 degree weather (that's before the wind), please consider using this letter as a template, and writing your own letter.<br />
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<b>By His Grace,</b><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiana</span></i></b>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-84168012508897551892011-01-05T06:39:00.001-08:002011-02-07T12:02:39.769-08:00Biblical Literacy for Preschoolers in 2011<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy New Year!!</i></b></span></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvICOyCVpv6u2MpYnRb5542Sll08bXSsnUJhI-4SKiAzSOTxYR3mGI1DRagchIJuYG6gF_DcwT8MOeSm2jexl7WdDxANy5kUxtFQs-ofMdGZY6l2Wl1-zgEnc_FCCLos2hdI2N5r_TU2M/s1600/Christmas+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvICOyCVpv6u2MpYnRb5542Sll08bXSsnUJhI-4SKiAzSOTxYR3mGI1DRagchIJuYG6gF_DcwT8MOeSm2jexl7WdDxANy5kUxtFQs-ofMdGZY6l2Wl1-zgEnc_FCCLos2hdI2N5r_TU2M/s400/Christmas+2010.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A photo taken by my sister, at Grandma and Grandpa's house, on Christmas Day. From left to right: Micah (2), Eliora (6 weeks), Tiana, Acacia (4), Christopher, Asher (6)</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In 2011, many Christians, including myself, have decided that they are going to read through the entire Bible at least once. If you’re looking for a Bible reading plan to help you make that happen, check out <a href="http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/all?page=1">YouVersion</a>.</span></div></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But, what about your preschoolers? Can you read the Bible, from cover to cover, to them?</span></div></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Probably not–for a whole host of reasons–not the least of which being that many parts of the Bible aren’t exactly “G-Rated”. <i>(Although, my friends<a href="http://www.titus2atthewell.com/leaving-out-difficult-words-when-reading-the-bible-to-children/"> At The Well</a> presented a slightly different opinion this morning that still has me thinking.)</i></span></div></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So what’s the solution? Allow me to introduce you to my favorite way to chronologically teach the Bible to young children.</span></div></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/785489/">Click <u>here </u>to read more...</a></span></div></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-17142492237747450672010-12-28T09:40:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:03:01.689-08:00Top Ten of 2010<b>You all know how much I like to fit in and follow the crowd...</b><br />
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</div><div>...and so, because it seems to me that all the cool people are doing it, I've decided to publish my own <b>"Top Ten"</b> posts list. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I didn't do any major statistical analysis. These are just some of my favorites. Consider them the "in crowd" of blog posts. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>10</b>. <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-kids-really-need.html">What Kids Really Need</a> -- in which Acacia points out the obvious, and I (as per usual) risk being misquoted.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>9</b>. <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/03/doing-school.html">"Doing School"</a> -- in which life is school, and not necessarily the other way around.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>8</b>. <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/08/10-pieces-of-good-advice-from.html">10 Pieces of Good Advice from Experienced Homeschool Moms</a> -- a "top ten" within a "top ten", in which I cheat and post other people's best stuff, rather than my own.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>7</b>. <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/12/whose-baby-is-it-really.html">Whose Baby is it Really?</a> -- in which an imaginative toddler reminds me of an important theological lesson.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>6</b>. <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/05/coming-out-of-closet.html">Coming Out of the Closet</a> -- in which I answer the dreaded question, "Haven't you guys figured out how that happens yet?"</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>5</b>. <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/08/world-is-not-enough.html">The World is Not Enough</a> --in which I discuss what's <i>really </i>missing from government run education, and it has nothing to do with test scores...</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>4</b>. <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/07/dont-be-afraid-have-faith.html">Don't Be Afraid, Have Faith</a> -- in which I admit I can't knit.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>3</b>. <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/06/am-i-really-content.html">Am I Really Content?</a> -- in which I admit I can't knit, or garden, or keep a clutter-free home...but I do know how to break the 10th commandment.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>2</b>. <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/04/enough-rope-to-hang-myself.html">Enough Rope to Hang Myself</a> -- in which I am reminded that I'll never actually be part of the "in crowd"...and I'm okay with that.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>1</b>. <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/01/decisions-or-disciples.html">Decisions or Disciples?</a> -- in which I ask an uncomfortable question that has been bothering me for a long time, and should bother you, too.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So, there you have it! Ten posts that have made me smile in 2010. Hopefully, they've made you smile...and think...too!</div><div><br />
</div><div>May He bless you and yours richly in the year to come! "See" you in 2011!</div><div><br />
</div><div><b><i>By His Grace,</i></b></div><div><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiana</span></i></b></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-69570959440615767072010-12-25T00:08:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:03:27.227-08:00Merry Christmas!!No long, eloquent, family Christmas letter this year...<br />
<br />
<b><i>Just a simple, heart-felt, prayer that Jesus Christ,</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
<b><i>The Babe in the Manger,</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
<b><i>The Savior on the Cross,</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
<b><i>The Resurrected Son of God,</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
<b><i>And Soon Coming King,</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
<b><i>Bring His Redemptive Grace to you and your family.</i></b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngiS_ct2RF6ULSxU37h0onGFjWiWiW98jcPZmGahrovhcJ99OI8dzQRgqAz3md2HLaq79JeR3JFnHddG7FzRV98fAHc5vQq-cGG1ObRM_nrrVRydcsw7mcpkRrasyiMFpJ4PtG6wrFgA/s1600/12-17-2010+My+4+Miracles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngiS_ct2RF6ULSxU37h0onGFjWiWiW98jcPZmGahrovhcJ99OI8dzQRgqAz3md2HLaq79JeR3JFnHddG7FzRV98fAHc5vQq-cGG1ObRM_nrrVRydcsw7mcpkRrasyiMFpJ4PtG6wrFgA/s400/12-17-2010+My+4+Miracles.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Micah, Acacia, Asher, and baby Eliora<br />
December 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
<b><i>With Love and Gratitude from Our Family,</i></b><br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiana</span></i></b><br />
<b><i>December 25, 2010</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
p.s.--Give your children the gift of <b>biblical literacy</b> in 2011:<br />
<a href="http://www.disciplelikejesus.com/blog/?p=525">Top Ten List: Practical Tips for Teaching Your Children About the Bible</a>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-45163394054107561312010-12-24T14:16:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:04:00.751-08:00Living Books to Read This Week<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Have you been running around like crazy, getting your family and home ready for Christmas?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">How about a time-out with your little ones?</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Here are a few great reads, perfect for snuggling on the couch on a cold winter’s night…</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tailor-Gloucester-Beatrix-Potter/dp/0723247722" style="color: #507aa5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Tailor of Gloucester</a> by Beatrix Potter– Most of us are familiar with Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and Tom Kitten, but many may have missed this fine gem, believed to be Ms. Potter’s own favorite among her books. It is a delightful tale, in the spirit of “The Elves and the Shoemaker”, of a poor old tailor, a bitter cat, and the little mice who give a grand Christmas gift.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winnie-Pooh-Milne/dp/B00375LM0W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293049424&sr=8-1" style="color: #507aa5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Winnie the Pooh</a> by A.A. Milne, Chapter 8, “In Which Christopher Robin Leads an Expotition to the North Pole” — Another classic (and far better than any modern re-telling), Winnie-the-Pooh’s discovery of the North Pole is adorable and entertaining for children and adults alike.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Katy-Big-Snow-Book-CD/dp/0547252641/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1293049677&sr=1-1" style="color: #507aa5; text-decoration: none;">Katie and the Big Snow</a> by Virginia Lee Burton– While you listen to the snow plows clatter down your street, read this fun little story of the BIG red crawler tractor that was just the right size for the job.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-House-Woods-Charming-Classics/dp/0060797509/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293050394&sr=1-1" style="color: #507aa5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Little House in the Big Woods</a> by Laura Ingalls Wilder, “Christmas”–Really, this entire book makes a wonderful winter read, but the chapter about Christmas is absolutely perfect for this week. Don’t let the fact that it’s a chapter book deter you. Mrs. Wilder wrote this book about her young childhood specifically with young children in mind.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Very-First-Christmas-Paul-Maier/dp/0758606168/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1293050480&sr=1-1" style="color: #507aa5; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">The Very First Christmas</a> by Paul L. Maier– This book will help you communicate with your little ones that the real, true, story of Christmas is fact, not fantasy. It may be a little long for younger preschoolers, so try breaking it up into smaller chunks if you have squirmy ones without a lot of “sit” in them. The illustrations are beautiful, and your children will likely relate to the little boy who is full of questions!</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, what about you? What are you reading this week?</span></strong></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-39469865567626398532010-12-20T11:54:00.000-08:002010-12-20T11:58:17.782-08:00Pray for Micah Andrews--Micah and Family Featured on Good Morning America!Hello friends!<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've given you an update about Micah Andrews.<br />
<br />
The results of his surgery and subsequent therapy have been nothing short of miraculous!<br />
<br />
Watch this video featuring Micah, his parents, and the medical team that cared for him, from Good Morning America:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Health/boy-suffers-internal-decapitation/story?id=12035541&tqkw=&tqshow=GMA">http://abcnews.go.com/Health/boy-suffers-internal-decapitation/story?id=12035541&tqkw=&tqshow=GMA</a><br />
<br />
George Stephanopoulos talks about the importance of car seats, and immobilizing the spine after a neck injury.<br />
<br />
True. But you and I both know that Micah had <i><b>a lot</b></i> of people praying for him. We serve an amazing God who does miracles every day!<br />
<br />
I am so overjoyed for my friends Heather and John and their family! What a wonderful Christmas present they've received this year!<br />
<br />
Please take a minute to hop over to Micah's blog, and send a note of congratulations and rejoicing to them!<br />
<br />
<b>By His Grace,</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tiana</span></i></b>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-85565938483336832132010-12-20T03:11:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:04:41.889-08:00Jesus Has Better News for You<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5aKEkzh0Inw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5aKEkzh0Inw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"Santa Claus is coming to town, so get your act together! That is not good news for me. That's bad news...I've got better news for you...way better for sinners...and everyone is walking into the holidays sinning." John Piper</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last year, at about this time, I wrote a <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2009/12/real-or-pretend.html">post </a>about why we believe it is unwise for Christian parents to tell little children that Santa Claus is "real":</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2009/12/real-or-pretend.html">Real or Pretend?</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have to confess, though, that I missed this one...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And, wow, is it ever important!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>The Gospel...God, coming to earth, as a human baby...</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>To live the perfect life we cannot live...</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>And die in our place, taking the punishment we deserve for our sins...</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>That we might be forgiven...</b></i><br />
<i><b><br />
</b></i><br />
<i><b>and, through repentance and faith, be righteous before God...</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>This is the true message of Christmas.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br />
</b></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"<b><i>For we ourselves </i></b>were once foolish, <b><i>disobedient</i></b>, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But when the goodness and loving kindness of <b><i>God our Savior</i></b> appeared, <b><i>he saved us</i></b>, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><b>not because of works done by us</b> </i>in righteousness, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">but according to his own <i><b>mercy</b></i>, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">whom he poured out on us richly through <i><b>Jesus Christ our Savior</b></i>, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">so that being <i><b>justified by his grace</b></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> we might become heirs according to the <b><i>hope of eternal life</i></b>."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Titus 3:4-7</span></span></div></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-1811866123264988702010-12-14T16:12:00.000-08:002011-02-10T11:09:41.993-08:00Eliora Grace's Birth Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <b><i>(Yeah! I finally finished it! This is a "real" birth story...so if that's not your thing, you have been warned...)</i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFuiNA2MmxedX27YhRVBhtcOLt362ggcNQIeTm84DEqDINtEYmdYxLQoX7UUaKlHRlXkOWPSwgvLL2Ra4oAo0SXLXcuE3OEvfb1cYAl83NswraR-5mC8kLBBTbvz02YYAlFpHURREiRg/s1600/Eliora+Grace+11-21-10+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFuiNA2MmxedX27YhRVBhtcOLt362ggcNQIeTm84DEqDINtEYmdYxLQoX7UUaKlHRlXkOWPSwgvLL2Ra4oAo0SXLXcuE3OEvfb1cYAl83NswraR-5mC8kLBBTbvz02YYAlFpHURREiRg/s320/Eliora+Grace+11-21-10+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Friday, November 19<sup>th</sup>, was the day after my husband’s birthday. We went out to our favorite little Italian restaurant with my mom, my sister, and the kids to celebrate. While we were there, I had several attention-grabbing contractions. My mom and sister were curious—is this “it”?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Who knows??” was my response. I had been having contractions off and on for several days already. Some people call it prodromal labor. I just call it “the-way-things-happen-for-me”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was six days “overdue” according to ultrasound—more than two weeks past my highly-unreliable LMP due date. I took this all in stride, though. All three of my other babies had come late. With Asher, I was induced at 10 days “late”. Acacia came on her own at 11 days “late”, and Micah on his own at 12. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I told everyone I knew not to get too excited. If things held true to pattern, I’d be birthing this baby on Thanksgiving Day.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We went home, tucked the kids in bed, and everyone had a good night’s sleep. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Micah, my 2-year-old, got me out of bed at <st1:time hour="7" minute="0">7am</st1:time>. I vaguely remember having a few contractions wake me in the middle of the night, but nothing earth shattering. As I worked to fix breakfast, however, I noticed that my contractions started to become more regular. They weren’t particularly painful, but they were stronger and coming more frequently. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I made a delicious pot of oatmeal with raisins for breakfast for the little ones and myself. I had learned from my past births that it is important for me to eat and drink as well as I can during early labor. For whatever reason, I happen to throw up a lot during active labor. At this early stage, I felt well and had a lot of energy, so I set to work to clean the house and see the bottom of the laundry pile, in preparations to birth my baby at home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This was to be my third homebirth. My eldest was born via emergency c-section, after my body overreacted to an induction drug, Cytotech, causing contractions that were too strong and too close together for my baby to tolerate. Having been thoroughly unsatisfied with the care I received during his birth (this is an understatement, but that’s all I want too say about it now), and after much research and prayer, we decided that HBAC—Home Birth After Cesarean—was the right choice for me and our babies. (To read the story of my 1<sup>st</sup> HBAC, <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/04/remembering-acacias-birth.html">click here</a>. I never got around to finishing my 2<sup>nd</sup> HBAC story. Perhaps another day…).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Although it was Saturday, my husband was out of town, about an hour away, at a very important, mandatory meeting for work. We had never really considered having him skip it, since I had never gone into labor earlier than 41.5 weeks before—and this was 41 weeks exactly. It was only to last about an hour and a half, which would have him home by early afternoon. While I was pretty certain that baby was not actually going to wait until Thanksgiving, I wasn’t too concerned about his leaving the house. I was doing well, and he had plenty of time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And so, I went about the house, up and down the stairs with baskets of laundry, tidying and straightening, all the while tending to my children and their needs. I was happy to have things starting so early in the day. My labor with Micah had begun in the early evening, and I was thoroughly exhausted by the time he came at <st1:time hour="10" minute="21">10:21am</st1:time> the next day. I was determined to not have that happen to me again, so I moved through the contractions. I lifted my knees high as I went up the stairs, and squatted down low when I needed to pick things up off the floor. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">About half way through the morning I decided to call my sister and ask her to come over. Yes, I was fine…yes, things were still early…but I wanted some company, and it would be easier to keep the children happy and out of mischief with an extra set of hands. Auntie gladly came over and spent the next several hours with us. She not only played with the children, but also folded and put away several baskets of clothes. With the laundry pile dissipated, the dishes done, the bathroom scrubbed, the floors vacuumed, and the bed made, I felt at peace about baby coming. I took a nice, long shower and washed my hair.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We all ate lunch together and shortly thereafter, Chris came home. We all decided that it would be the better part of wisdom for the children to go with Auntie to Grandma’s house at this point. We packed a small suitcase, I gave them all big hugs and kisses, and Chris loaded them into the van. It was around <st1:time hour="14" minute="0">2pm</st1:time>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Alone in the house, and with contractions becoming more attention grabbing, I decided to call Ginnie, my midwife, to give her the “head’s up”. I did this more as a courtesy than anything else. I knew that it was still early, and that early labor tends to take a long time for me, but I wanted her to know that I might be waking her in the middle of the night, so that she could go to bed early.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With the kids gone, I thought I should really take a nap…but I couldn’t do it. I was too wide awake. So, I took a bubble bath. Chris came home just as I was finishing up, and he helped me out of the tub. Still, I wasn’t tired enough to sleep. So, I made almond poppy-seed muffins instead, and loaded the dishwasher again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ginnie called at around <st1:time hour="17" minute="0">5pm</st1:time> to ask for an update. Things hadn’t changed much, and I had stopped timing contractions altogether. She encouraged us to have an early dinner and an early bedtime. I should call again in the morning, unless I had to call sooner.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chris and I enjoyed a quiet evening together. He made himself a sandwich, and I re-warmed some leftover rice and vegetables. I wasn’t feeling that much like eating, but since I could, I knew I should. We went to bed at <st1:time hour="19" minute="0">7pm</st1:time>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As hard as I tried, I couldn’t sleep. The contractions were getting more painful. Every time one would wake me up, I started having anxious thoughts. Chris tried talking me through some of the relaxation exercises we had learned in our Bradley classes way-back-when, but I wasn’t hearing it. I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hated</i> lying down. By <st1:time hour="21" minute="0">9pm</st1:time>, I gave up and got out of bed. I let Chris continue to sleep. I could still handle things alone, and I knew I would need him later.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If I couldn’t sleep, I needed to at least rest. I decided to lay on the couch with a favorite movie that I never get to watch—<i>Sense and Sensibility</i>—all by myself! This was very relaxing, and I really enjoyed myself. When it was over (three hours later) I got in the shower again. Once I got out, I was starting to feel nauseas, and threw up once or twice. Thankfully, I had been drinking to thirst all day long, so I was well hydrated.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I spent the next several hours getting in and out of bed, trying to sleep, and going across the hall to the bathroom as necessary. At around <st1:time hour="3" minute="45">3:45am</st1:time>, I finally relaxed enough to fall asleep between contractions, and got two hours of much needed sleep.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At <st1:time hour="17" minute="45">quarter to six</st1:time>, I woke up Chris. This was starting to feel “real”, and I needed help. I was so happy that I allowed him a good night’s sleep! He was well-rested and ready to help me! He did such a great job of rubbing my back and talking me through the contractions. I guess, with this being our fourth baby, he was becoming a “pro”!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was definitely time to call Ginnie! When I felt comfortable enough to have a conversation, I got on the phone and told her that I thought it was time for her to come. As we were discussing how my labor had progressed through the night, I had a particularly strong contraction and dropped the phone on the bed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><b>This is where the story starts to get interesting…</b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chris picked up the phone—and Ginnie had hung up! This was not typical of her, so I tried calling her back, but the phone was busy! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I thought that perhaps she was calling Anneke, her assistant, to let her know that she was getting ready to go. I breathed and concentrated through another contraction, and then tried calling her again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>I was NOT prepared for what I was going to hear next.</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Tiana, I have another mom in labor right now. She went into labor early. She just called me, and her contractions are already 2 minutes apart. She has very fast labors.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was all I could do just to process this information. Ginnie continued,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“So, here are our options. I can call another midwife from down in <st1:city><st1:place>Milwaukee</st1:place></st1:city> to come and be with you until I can get there. Or, the other mother has already agreed that she would come here, if you’d like to come here, too.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I said I would talk it over with Chris and get back to her.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I explained the situation to Chris, and he said, with certainty, “It looks like we’re going to Ginnie’s house.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I wasn’t nearly as certain. <i>Every bone in my body wanted to stay home.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe I could ask Ginnie to call Pam (her former assistant, now a midwife with her own practice, who had been at both Acacia and Micah’s births)?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Tiana, I think you want Ginnie to attend this birth. Let’s get ready to go.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, it was decided. I called Ginnie and said we’d be there as soon as we could. But I was not at peace.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was sweaty, and smelly, and in my nightgown.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I had never taken a car ride in labor and didn’t want to start now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And…I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">embarrassed</i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How was I, a woman who goes waaay overdue, has ridiculously long labors, and throws up the whole time, going to be able to handle being in the same house with a woman who has 3 hour labors 3 weeks early?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, I was more than embarrassed. I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jealous</i>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How could this be happening to me? This was so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unfair</i>! Why, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">why</i>, WHY???</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I got dressed and packed my things together, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bawled</i>. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Actually, I had a full-on temper tantrum.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“LORD, this is not what I wanted! This is not the birth I planned. I want to be at HOME! Why are you allowing this to happen? I don’t understand!”<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I must have gone on like this for at least 20 minutes. Finally, I realized that I was being pretty faithless.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“LORD, I believe you are working all things together for my good. Help me to see the good in this.”<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I took a deep breath, and “got my head right”, as Chris would say. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alright. Let’s go.</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Our birth kit was already neatly packed into a large plastic tote and a wash basket, so all we really needed to pack was a bag of clothes and personal items for me and a car seat for the baby.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I felt incredibly awkward leaving the house. It was <st1:time hour="7" minute="0">7am</st1:time> Sunday morning, and our neighbors would be leaving for church soon. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What if I have a contraction in public?<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once we got into the car, I calmed down considerably. Having contractions in a car is not fun—and one of my favorite reasons to homebirth!—but the drive to Ginnie’s house has always been beautiful and pleasant. She lives out in the country, in a lovely, secluded, wooded area filled with hills and valleys. As we pulled into the driveway, Chris said,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>“Well, honey, if you had to pick a freestanding birthing center, I think this would be it.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>I smiled.</i></b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As we walked in the door, we heard the unmistakable sound of a fresh infant crying. We knew the other baby had been born.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Right in the entryway, I collapsed into Chris’s arms with a very strong contraction. Almost immediately, I heard Anneke’s voice behind me. When I was ready, she said they had a bed waiting for me. I said that I’d better use a bathroom first.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We walked into the living room, and there was a mattress set up on the floor waiting for me. It was pleasant and comfortable, and I knew instantly that this was going to be okay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was a good thing, too, because I had started to feel “pushy” in the car, and felt certain that baby was coming soon!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ginnie was still busy in some other part of the house with the other mother and her newborn baby (I never did see them, so my worries about laboring with an “audience” were completely unfounded). Anneke asked me how I was feeling.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>“I really didn’t want to come, but I’m fine now that I’m here. I think I’m pretty close to pushing, though. I think you’d better check me.”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, she did, and she had a rather uncertain look on her face.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I’m not sure,” she said, “but I think you still have some more to go. I’ll have Ginnie come check in a little bit.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the meantime, she and Chris worked to get me comfortable and relaxed. They set up my birth kit, helped me change into my nightgown, and gave me something to drink. Chris continued to rub my back and talk me through my contractions. I was working hard, but in surprisingly good spirits. I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sure</i> the end was in sight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There was a flurry of activity in the nearby kitchen, to which I did my best not to pay attention. Coffee and breakfast were being made for the other couple by Ginnie’s housemate. Soon, I heard Ginnie’s voice as well. She and Anneke had a discussion in rather hushed tones.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anneke came back and set up a few more things. She asked if I’d like her to take some pictures. I was delighted that she offered, and I happily said, “yes”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQtlqPaWGd9AhOr3obCPF92f96lKU8ISPxJ-GbhJ6wsgMqVPQvayauIG_czahVrCVmScuUDdxg-XZGk5-xsg6FU8zX_5O_QcTaA9T8pJImqr2wuXAwOk94im2895V8l5DbkiLtugCSlk/s1600/Eliora%2527s+birth+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQtlqPaWGd9AhOr3obCPF92f96lKU8ISPxJ-GbhJ6wsgMqVPQvayauIG_czahVrCVmScuUDdxg-XZGk5-xsg6FU8zX_5O_QcTaA9T8pJImqr2wuXAwOk94im2895V8l5DbkiLtugCSlk/s320/Eliora%2527s+birth+1.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dear husband, Christopher, loving me through my labor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In a little while, Ginnie came into the room. The other mother, with her husband and baby, were resting comfortably in a closed room on the other side of the house. She could now devote her attention to me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Anneke says you think you’re ready to push. Do you want me to see where you’re at?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Yes, let’s do it.”<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I was at 2 and a half. Maybe 3.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Oh, no…”</i> I sighed, dejectedly, burying my head in Chris’ shoulder. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I had been laboring for over 24 hours. How could I possibly still have so far to go???<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I can’t be dishonest with you…”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Of course, not…”<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“You’re going to have to refocus.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Yeah…”<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“We’re going to take this one contraction at a time. You can do this.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m so tired…”<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“I know you are. Refocus your energy. You can do this.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Okay…”</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They left Chris and I alone for a couple of minutes. If he was discouraged, he didn’t let me know it. He told me that he believed in me…that I was strong. I cried.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I don’t feel strong,” I said.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“But you are,” he insisted.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Soon Ginnie and Anneke were back. They wanted to know if I’d like to get in the shower. That sounded like a very good idea.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They had gotten everything set up for me already, and left Chris and I alone. Have I mentioned how wonderful Chris was through all of this? He helped me take my hair down, and stood right outside the shower, talking to me the whole time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The shower did me a world of good. I was still tired—still unsure of how much more I could handle—but in a better place physically and mentally. I did a lot of praying at this point in my labor.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus, help me…be with me…sustain me…<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Recognizing that I wasn’t really in control of my body—that, as much as I wanted to, I couldn’t just stop this labor and take a nap—once again made me realize my great need for Him.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I got back into bed and did my best to rest. Ginnie did a fabulous job of coaching me through each contraction, helping me to relax as much as possible. She wasn’t freaked out by my painfully slow progress, or by my vomiting every third contraction or so. Once again, Chris was right. I wanted her there—not some stranger who doesn’t know me or my labor patterns.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“This is just Tiana’s way,” she said to Anneke at one point.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pretty much.<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another thing that is “just Tiana’s way”, that maybe I should have thought about earlier, is how quickly I can go from “very little progress” to “yep, you’re done”!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I had been lying on my side, taking one contraction at a time, in a surprisingly relaxed state. It had only been about 2 hours since the dreaded “two-and-a-half” conversation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Suddenly, I didn’t want to be lying down anymore.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I got up on my hands and knees.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Baby’s coming!” I blurted out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And she was.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Three pushes…less than three minutes…and she was out! It was <st1:time hour="10" minute="57">10:57am</st1:time>, <st1:date day="21" month="11" year="2010">Sunday, November 21, 2010</st1:date>.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chris and Anneke helped me to turn around and sit down on the bed, and Ginnie handed me a squalling baby!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjzkjUfAD1TAeG_ic0dq_4DJJSZZWevG2I_oSfF1S_lZBUsNAh5mnmPoVeThhjLzPLdhuKpDjlIhhmQspyLN77400g0StbILLVR8m2HajLGOkrMxtFGfqmV_ucBaHyY4n3-OHS9Q86uc/s1600/Eliora%2527s+birth+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUjzkjUfAD1TAeG_ic0dq_4DJJSZZWevG2I_oSfF1S_lZBUsNAh5mnmPoVeThhjLzPLdhuKpDjlIhhmQspyLN77400g0StbILLVR8m2HajLGOkrMxtFGfqmV_ucBaHyY4n3-OHS9Q86uc/s320/Eliora%2527s+birth+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eliora Grace and Mommy, moments after birth</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She was tiny, too. <b><i>Really little. </i></b>We didn’t measure her until much later, but she was 6 lbs. 3 oz. and 18.5 inches long—my smallest baby yet. Although, this didn’t surprise me too much, seeing as she was my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">earliest</i> baby yet as well—only 8 days past her ultrasound due date, as opposed to 10, 11, and 12 days “late”, respectively.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Once again, I proved that the standard medical birth routine would not have been good for me and my baby. Most mothers with previous cesareans in my area are scheduled for a repeat c-section at 39 weeks. This would have been dangerous for my tiny girl. Even if I had been “allowed” to go into labor on my own (which is unlikely), had I presented at the hospital “ready to push” at 2.5cm, I’m certain I would not have been left to labor peacefully and progress naturally.)<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I took my little baby to my breast. She latched on well and had a strong suck. Her eyes were wide open, alert, and looking at me. It was at this point that I lifted the little blanket to “check”, being careful not to be confused by an umbilical cord this time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“It’s a girl!” I exclaimed! God had answered Acacia’s prayers. She had her baby sister!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We named her Eliora Grace. “Eliora” is a Hebrew name meaning “The LORD is my light.” We gave her the middle name “Grace” to finish the verse “…and my salvation.” Psalm 27:1.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chris led a prayer of blessing over our new baby and our family. I was sweaty, exhausted, teary-eyed, and overjoyed.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1VuUP3OoiklXAfVnQ_VIBlelbBkwzxYZY8g8j7vVMTdSC6E87X5qtMwEY1YOEP68WbqbamEAYCrj_uQiU9aEzAboL6Tb9SaaqSvD2BPMT3CzaMgZ7OzGpuBIw4ByQ8hWLHuQMT_SGA4/s1600/Eliora%2527s+birth+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1VuUP3OoiklXAfVnQ_VIBlelbBkwzxYZY8g8j7vVMTdSC6E87X5qtMwEY1YOEP68WbqbamEAYCrj_uQiU9aEzAboL6Tb9SaaqSvD2BPMT3CzaMgZ7OzGpuBIw4ByQ8hWLHuQMT_SGA4/s320/Eliora%2527s+birth+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Baby Eliora, in Daddy's Arms</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Afterward, Ginnie and Anneke gave me the royal treatment! They made me a delicious lunch of grilled chicken and stir-fried vegetables. I don’t think I remember the last time anything tasted so good! And they did all my laundry, too. I went home to a thoroughly clean house and two wire racks full of homemade muffins, with nothing to do but relax and enjoy my baby. It was a good thing, too, because I really needed the rest!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01aqC-oJ57dtY-YEioiQXMWhgwgG4RC4LMszdm4xAoYVRw9aegaw5iGkWCBS7EbsCldyWn59FEdVZpmuhQwzoj0jrlibwQnN4t11v5LJf9Vp5_NWMKe0SjTxDspq9tAEEPslxjjTnyAM/s1600/Ellie+wrapped+in+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01aqC-oJ57dtY-YEioiQXMWhgwgG4RC4LMszdm4xAoYVRw9aegaw5iGkWCBS7EbsCldyWn59FEdVZpmuhQwzoj0jrlibwQnN4t11v5LJf9Vp5_NWMKe0SjTxDspq9tAEEPslxjjTnyAM/s320/Ellie+wrapped+in+blanket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, that’s the story of how Eliora Grace came into the world. Her birth was long and tiring…and certainly different then I had planned…but it was a good birth. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A very good birth.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am so blessed.</div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-89407728204554650772010-12-14T01:53:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:06:42.766-08:00My Advent Bible Study--We Have a Winner!<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And the winner is...</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(drum roll please)</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzXz3Ia8BhhV850ZbGKLUrEUpZ0DczIrQnZLNeby88N7LRcop2BB5XUnMi_5REllU1S3UzmBIMRo6MlS_p3tQCS_f8YwUsDCh-Nq1BiPak_UiPAMC09VsYVd_-h5RTdVoXZMvwESUvwE/s1600/QTK_eBookCV_Advent3D_L2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzXz3Ia8BhhV850ZbGKLUrEUpZ0DczIrQnZLNeby88N7LRcop2BB5XUnMi_5REllU1S3UzmBIMRo6MlS_p3tQCS_f8YwUsDCh-Nq1BiPak_UiPAMC09VsYVd_-h5RTdVoXZMvwESUvwE/s1600/QTK_eBookCV_Advent3D_L2.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Peggy G. (Comment #11)</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank-you to all who entered! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You can still get your own copy at <a href="http://www.quiettimesforkids.com/">www.quiettimesforkids.com</a>. Be sure to watch the video on the home page for a great coupon code!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Blessings!!</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Tiana</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-25071489816207690812010-12-07T07:16:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:07:36.418-08:00"My Advent Bible Study"--Review and Giveaway!!As you probably know, I am constantly looking for ways to get my children's minds <b>off </b>of their "wish lists" and <b>on </b>the <i><b>real meaning of Christmas.</b></i><br />
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Having grown up in a faith tradition that didn't spend much time talking about Advent, I've always felt a little at a loss as to how to share this important time with my children. I would read the passages in Matthew and Luke about Christ's birth, and get out the CD's of Christmas music...and that was pretty much it.<br />
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This year, however, I've really had the desire to take things a bit deeper.<br />
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I want to teach my kids about the Old Testament prophecies that foretold the coming of the Messiah, and how the LORD Jesus is the fulfillment of those prophecies.<br />
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I want to help them to memorize some of these important passages of Scripture.<br />
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Most importantly, I want them to understand <b>why </b>Jesus came to Earth as a human baby--how His coming was a crucially important part of redemptive history.<br />
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So, I was really excited when I had a chance to talk to Andie Davidson of <a href="http://www.quiettimesforkids.com/">Quiet Time for Kids</a> about her newest product--<a href="http://www.quiettimesforkids.com/Products">My Advent Bible Study</a>. She generously agreed to give me a copy to try with my own children, and also <b>give my blog readers a chance to win their own copy!</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzXz3Ia8BhhV850ZbGKLUrEUpZ0DczIrQnZLNeby88N7LRcop2BB5XUnMi_5REllU1S3UzmBIMRo6MlS_p3tQCS_f8YwUsDCh-Nq1BiPak_UiPAMC09VsYVd_-h5RTdVoXZMvwESUvwE/s1600/QTK_eBookCV_Advent3D_L2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzXz3Ia8BhhV850ZbGKLUrEUpZ0DczIrQnZLNeby88N7LRcop2BB5XUnMi_5REllU1S3UzmBIMRo6MlS_p3tQCS_f8YwUsDCh-Nq1BiPak_UiPAMC09VsYVd_-h5RTdVoXZMvwESUvwE/s200/QTK_eBookCV_Advent3D_L2.JPG" width="178" /></a></div><b><br />
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<a href="http://www.quiettimesforkids.com/Products">My Advent Bible Study</a> is a great tool you can use to help prepare your children's hearts for the coming King. It includes Scripture readings and copywork, questions for your child's reflection, picture drawing assignments (my kids' favorite part), and special projects that can be done individually or as a family.<br />
<br />
Like the rest of the <a href="http://www.quiettimesforkids.com/">Quiet Time for Kids</a> Bible Studies, it is designed for children who are old enough to read and write on their own, to introduce them to the joys of personal Bible study. Since my children are still a bit young to do some of the activities on their own, we've decided to do it together, in place of our morning catechism over the next few weeks. This is a 25 day program, with one study page for every day from December 1st-25th. Don't worry about getting a late start, though. None of the studies are particularly date-specific, and there's no reason your child can't continue the study past Christmas Day and into the new year.<br />
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To make things even more easy, My Advent Bible Study is an e-book! One simple download, no paying for shipping, and no waiting! You can get started with your own study today! Just go to <b>www.quiettimeforkids.com</b>. Be sure to watch the video on the homepage for a special <i><b>coupon code</b></i>. While you're at it, be sure to download their free five-day Bible Study, "Animals of the Bible".<br />
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I'm really enjoying doing this study with my little ones--I think you will, too!<br />
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<b>And now, for your chance to win your own download of My Advent Bible Study!</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>To enter, simply leave a comment below</b>. If you'd like, you can tell us what you think your favorite part of this Bible study would be, or something that you're doing with your kids to celebrate the coming of Christ.<br />
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</b><br />
<b>For additional entries, do any of the following:</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>1. Blog about this giveaway and post a link here (2 entries, leave 2 comments).</b><br />
<b>2. Post a link to this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter (1 entry each).</b><br />
<b>3. Subscribe to this blog via email.</b><br />
<b>4. Follow this blog on Twitter, Networked Blogs, or Google (1 entry each).</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Be sure to leave one comment for each additional entry!<br />
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Contest ends Monday, December 13th at midnight (central time). Winner will be announced Tuesday morning.<br />
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</b><br />
<b>By His Grace,</b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Tiana</i></span></b><br />
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</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 1px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">**The fine print. This is not a paid post, and the view expressed here are my own, honest opinions. Thank-you to Andie Davidson of Quiet Time for Kids for providing the two copies of the study for review and giveaway.**</span></i></span>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-14384647729745972802010-12-03T03:22:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:08:38.033-08:00Whose Baby is it Really?<b>Micah (age 2): There's a baby in my belly!</b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>Me: Oh, really? Where?</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Micah: Right here (lifts shirt and points to belly button).</b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>Me: Is it a boy baby or a girl baby?</b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>Micah: Baby.</b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>Me: Are you sure the baby isn't in <i>my </i>belly?</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Micah: No. Baby in <i>my </i>belly!</b><br />
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</b><br />
Micah and I had many conversations that sounded like this in the weeks leading up to Eliora's birth. The funny thing is that, while mama's baby may be "out", according to Micah, his "baby" is still very much "in".<br />
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As I ponder the innocent absurdity of a two-year-old boy taking ownership of a baby that he has no capacity to carry, much less care for, I am reminded that I am not that unlike him myself.<br />
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I am foolish to believe that I can truly care for these little ones on my own--or that they really belong to me...</div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI-HzM0u0aWBKFlpdYPuxcEk9r0ovE9s3BTCKyhES4I879RDjMLboEaDJEPmDRVTaCSSziPHOfDi0KJLkKtikk-INlCyU83P1snCtzrvxReNpAVpO6fjComhqlvEGek6lWBAJawXqBbI/s1600/Micah+November+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI-HzM0u0aWBKFlpdYPuxcEk9r0ovE9s3BTCKyhES4I879RDjMLboEaDJEPmDRVTaCSSziPHOfDi0KJLkKtikk-INlCyU83P1snCtzrvxReNpAVpO6fjComhqlvEGek6lWBAJawXqBbI/s320/Micah+November+2010.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I'll never forget her words,<br />
<br />
<i>"I always knew he wasn't really mine. He belongs to God, and God gave him to me. I never knew how long I would have him."</i><br />
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I sat in the middle of the crowded church, just across the street from the park where, only a few days previous, we had walked down the hill and across the stage to receive our diplomas. And now, here we were, a group of recently liberated young people--not really teenagers, not really adults--with our "whole lives ahead of us".<br />
<br />
Or so we thought.<br />
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He had been a classmate of mine since Kindergarten. A brain aneurysm took him, and he was gone.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Naked I came from my mother's womb and naked I shall return.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Blessed by the name of the LORD."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Job 1:21</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The faith-filled words of his grieving mother had a profound impact on my 18-year-old self, and I find myself reflecting upon them to this day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Not really mine.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">God has given me four children. Fearfully and wonderfully made, amazing little children. And they are not really mine. They are His.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He has entrusted them to my care for a season. I don't know how long that season will be, or even what this very day holds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01aqC-oJ57dtY-YEioiQXMWhgwgG4RC4LMszdm4xAoYVRw9aegaw5iGkWCBS7EbsCldyWn59FEdVZpmuhQwzoj0jrlibwQnN4t11v5LJf9Vp5_NWMKe0SjTxDspq9tAEEPslxjjTnyAM/s1600/Ellie+wrapped+in+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01aqC-oJ57dtY-YEioiQXMWhgwgG4RC4LMszdm4xAoYVRw9aegaw5iGkWCBS7EbsCldyWn59FEdVZpmuhQwzoj0jrlibwQnN4t11v5LJf9Vp5_NWMKe0SjTxDspq9tAEEPslxjjTnyAM/s320/Ellie+wrapped+in+blanket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As I hold this little newborn girl in my arms, I recognize that she is not really mine, and I confess that I am afraid.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">She's so <i>tiny</i>, and <i>fragile</i>, and <i>helpless</i>...and God have her...(gulp)...<i>to me???</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am certainly not entitled to question the wisdom of God, but why me?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am afraid I won't do right by her. I am afraid that I won't be a good steward of this little blessing God has given me. And tears come.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>I don't deserve her. Father, help me!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then, I remember, that there was a baby that truly belonged to me...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>and the government shall be upon his shoulder,</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>and his name shall be called </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Wonderful Counselor,</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Mighty God, </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Everlasting Father.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Prince of Peace."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Isaiah 9:6</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Given.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sacrificially. Selflessly. Completely Undeserved.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>To be mine forever.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is in Him, and through Him, and by Him that I care for, train, teach, and love these little ones.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">One day at a time. For as long as He should see fit to give them to me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and excellence."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>2 Peter 1:3</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>By His Grace,</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Tiana</i></span></b></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3429829204803687958.post-57471259825485726632010-11-30T07:46:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:26:33.182-08:00Homeschooling with a Newborn<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111; font-family: verdana, 'Lucida Grande', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.5385em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A week ago, our family welcomed our newest little blessing into the world–baby <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-girl.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0070c5; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Eliora Grace">Eliora Grace</a>.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.5385em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2010/11/Eliora-Grace.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0070c5; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-785304" height="300" src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2010/11/Eliora-Grace-238x300.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 13px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 1.5385em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="238" /></a></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.5385em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I hope to write a full birth story in the near future, but for now, you can read her birth announcement here:</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.5385em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-girl.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0070c5; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/11/its-girl.html</a><br />
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UPDATE: Here's her <a href="http://godmadehomegrown.blogspot.com/2010/12/eliora-graces-birth-story.html">birth story!</a></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.5385em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Here she is again, with big sister Acacia, who prayed her into existence:</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.5385em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2010/11/Eliora-and-Acacia.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0070c5; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-785305" height="300" src="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/files/2010/11/Eliora-and-Acacia-203x300.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 13px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 1.5385em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" width="203" /></a><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“I prayed for a baby sister, and God answered my prayers!” ~Acacia</em></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.5385em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">As we have prepared for the arrival of baby #4, some folks have wondered aloud (or, under their breath) as to how I would manage homeschooling with a tiny one in the house.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.5385em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">It’s a good question, the answer to which can be summarized in two points:<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">careful planning</strong>, and <strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">realistic expectations.</strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 1.5385em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><a href="http://homeschoolblogger.com/hsbcompanyblog/785294/">Click here to read more...</a></b></div>Tianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126848166358162075noreply@blogger.com5