Keeper at home: 2015

Monday, November 2, 2015

How we Homeschool: Fall Fun Day

Last Friday we had our very own fall fun day at home. My kids had mentioned several times that one of the school activities they missed the most from public school was their "Harvest Day," where they had a fall carnival, played games, and had fall snacks. So, this mama wanted to reward recent good behavior during school hours with a fall fun day. It was lots of work, exhausting, exhilarating, and totally worth the smiles and giggle from my kiddos and my little babysitting charge. :)

We started the day before the 3 year old got there with pumpkin patch math. They had to pick a pumpkin from the patch, solve the problem, and then find the answer in the patch. Then they glued their problems on the pages. Sometimes they got to solve their "own" pumpkins, and sometimes I made them switch so that one or the other didn't always pick the "easiest" problem. Not that my kids would EVER be lazy like that...hahahaha.

We finished picking from the patch and then played "Spooky math."

Each of the halloween pictures had a number on the back, 1 - 12. Each kid turned a card over and they had to race to add, subtract, or multiply them. Occasionally they would each turn over two and race to do their own problems. Sometimes they would each turn one over and I'd yell out add, subtract, or multiply, and they'd have to answer. A correct answer meant that kid kept the cards. Whoever had the most when the cards ran out won that round. My daughter beat my son soundly in multiplication, but he slaughtered her in addition. Every time I told them "last round," they begged for more. It was basically just flashcards, but I guess the halloween pictures made it more fun?

When our 3 year old guest arrived, we had breakfast...pumpkin spice pancakes and pumpkin spice homemade whipped cream. YUM!

Our first outdoor activity was "Boo Bombs." Basically, you crack an egg with a butter knife so that only the top part of the egg breaks and you pour the egg out through the opening. We saved the shells for about a week, washed them, and then filled them with baby powder. We topped them off with glued-on streamers to hold the powder in, and we drew ghost faces on the shells. At the count of 3, we would launch an egg in the air, watch the powder stream out of the "ghost," and then cheer as it smashed into the gravel and exploded. All 3 of the kids laughed long and loud and hard at this one! I originally got the idea here at Growing a Jeweled Rose This was messy and we had to be careful to throw so that the powder didn't blow in our mouths/noses, but we all had a blast!

Back inside for "body bingo." In an attempt to review from our previous unit on the human body, my kiddos had to write the "technical" names of bones on their bingo cards. The little one got a skeleton picture instead, and I called out the "normal" names. My kids had to match to their "technical" names, and the little one had to find it on the pictures. We played about 4 rounds before they decided they just wanted to eat the usually-banned colored candies. :)

Next up was "Ghost Mud," originally found here, again at Growing a Jeweled Rose (as well as multiple other sites!!). Following this, we played "Ghost Tag" and plopped the soap mixture all over each other. :) If you know me personally and want to see more pics of the soapy tag mess, feel free to ask.

Our final event before lunch was "pumpkin playdough spelling." We made pumpkin pie playdough and used cake lettering imprints to spell our weekly spelling words.

Later in the evening we did some other Halloween worksheets and played "eyeball bounce" with glow-in-the-dark green ping pong balls and a pumpkin candy container, but this summed up most of it. Near the end of the day, my son said, "Mommy, this is even BETTER than Harvest Day!" I felt a warm glow...briefly...at which point he clarified. "Not 'cause your games are cooler. Just 'cause I didn't have to go somewhere to play them." Bubble burst. But a fun day anyway!

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

You never know who's watching!

My daughter will be 10 next week, and she is as girly-girl as you can get. She has always had a fun birthday shirt with sparkles, princesses, or other such girly things to announce her special day. This year, she lamented that there were no shirts with birthday stuff on them for older girls who "still want to have fun on birthdays just like littler kids!"

I talked to my super-talented friend about it, and she assured me that she could make a cute, girly birthday shirt in time for the big occasion. After secret messages back and forth, my friend and I settled on the perfect design, and it came in the mail today.

At first, my daughter didn't know what to think that someone had made and sent her a present. I was afraid that maybe she didn't like it or I had suggested the wrong design. After she opened it, she asked to try it on.

She ran to her room to put it on before lunch, but didn't say much. A few minutes later, it was her turn to pray before lunch, and she started. She tends to be rather regimented/programmed in her prayers, as she is so afraid she might forget something. Often we talk about how prayers need to come from the heart, but she struggles and often just mentions a "list." Today, however, after only a few normal "routine" items, she shocked me!

"And dear God, thank you so much for people like my friend Denise, who use the blessings of talent that You have given them to bless other people and to make them feel special. Thank you that she made ME feel special."

My heart stopped as I heard this genuine and unexpected appreciation come from her, and I, too, thanked God for such a friend! So, next time you downplay your own talents or abilities to bless someone, remember that you never know who is watching and/or how it will impact others. Even something as "simple" as making a t-shirt (which is NOT simple, but you get the point) can make a huge difference and allow someone to see God working.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Halloween on our Eating Plan, Year 2

We have now been on our more natural "real food" eating plan for almost 2 years. We are still reaping huge benefits from it, and I don't see us ever going back to the way we ate before. As a matter of fact, we are gradually and constantly adjusting to make things even healthier for us.

I am reposting information from last year about how we handle Halloween on this plan. It worked GREAT last year, so we plan to repeat the process this year. Hope it helps any of you struggling with what to do with all that candy!!

We are going to let the kids trick or treat as normal, getting candy and other goodies as they knock on neighbors' doors and hold out their plastic pumpkins. When we are finished for the evening, they can each pick one piece of candy of their choice. ANYTHING, even if it's not on plan (provided, of course, that it looks safely wrapped!). Then, my husband and I are going to "buy back" any non-plan candy from them. Last year they got a lump sum for their candy of about $20. Next, the kids can use that money to buy themselves one type of candy or treat that they CAN have. Any remaining money will be used to purchase goods for our church pantry. The kids were excited about shopping for the pantry, so they are completely on board with this idea. Some of the candy we "buy back" will be saved for our annual gingerbread houses in December. We are hopeful that, in addition to making sure we stay on plan, it will help the kids learn to think of others and to learn to use their money in ways that is helpful to others as well. This year we are currently studying budgeting and grocery shopping in ways that maximize what we get for our money, so we are planning to incorporate that into shopping for the pantry as well!

Job, Who Never Knew Why

A group of us at my local congregation are doing the Digging Deep in God's Word study by Cindy Colley, found here: Persecution for Righteousness' Sake. It was my month to "facilitate" our discussion, so I actually have typed notes for the list of questions asked in the book. :) I am copying them below for anyone who might benefit. For what it's worth, I strongly recommend using Cindy's studies as a way to stay accountable to studying God's word and as a way to grow in how we think about Scripture and about God's plan for man. While I may see some things differently than she does from time to time, it is a wonderful guide for my study and helps to keep me focused when things get crazy. :) You can jump into the study at any time, whether or not you have been participating previously. She also has other years' studies on her site at thecolleyhouse.org, and each has a different focus. If you have questions or would like to participate, please let me know!

2:10 – Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?
3:11-12 – Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb? Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breasts, that I should nurse?
3:16 – Or why was I not hidden like a stillborn child, Like infants who never saw light?
3:20 – Why is light given to him who is in misery?
3:23 – Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, And whom God has hedged in?
6:5-6 – Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass, or does the ox low over its fodder? Can flavorless food be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
6:11-13 – What strength do I have, that I should hope? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life? Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh bronze? Is my help not within me? And is success driven from me?
6:22-23- Did I ever say, “Bring something to me? Or, Offer a bribe for me from your wealth? Or, Deliver me from the enemy’s hand? Or, Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?”
6:25 (b)- 26 – But what does your arguing prove? Do you intend to rebuke my words, and the speeches of a desperate one, which are as wind?
6:30 – Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern the unsavory?
7:1 – Is there not a time of hard service for man on earth? Are not his days also like the days of a hired man?
7:4 (b) When shall I arise, and the night be ended?
7:12 – Am I a sea, or a sea serpent, that You set a guard over me?
7:17-21 (a) – What is man, that You should exalt him, That you should set Your heart on him, That You should visit him every morning, And test him every moment? How long? Will You not look away from me, And let me alone till I swallow my saliva? Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, So that I am a burden to myself? Why then do You not pardon my transgression, And take away my iniquity?
9:2 – But how can a man be righteous before God?
9:4 – Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered?
9:12 – If He takes away, who can hinder Him? Who can say to Him, ‘What are you doing?’
9:14 – How then can I answer Him, And choose my words to reason with Him?
9:19-…who will appoint my day in court?
9:24- …if it is not He, who else could it be?
9:29 – If I am condemned, Why then do I labor in vain?
10:3 – 7 0 Does it seem good to You that You should oppress, That You should despise the work of Your hands, And smile on the counsel of the wicked? Do You have eyes of flesh? Or do You see as man sees? Are Your days like the days of a mortal man? Are Your years like the days of a might man, That You should seek for my iniquity and search out my sin, Although You knowt hat I am not wicked, And there is no one who can deliver from Your hand?
10:9 …And will You turn me into dust again?
10:10-11 – Did you not pour me out like milk, And curdle me like cheese, Clothe me with skin and flesh, And knit me together with bones and sinews?
10:18 – Why then have You brought me out of the womb?
10:20 – Are not my days few?
12:11 – Does not the ear test words And the mouth taste its food?
13:7 – 9 (to his “friends”) – Will you speak wickedly for God, And talk deceitfully for Him? Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God? Will it be well when He searches you out? Or can you mock Him as one mocks a man?
13: 11 – (to his “friends”) – Will not His excellence make you afraid, And the dread of Him fall upon you?
13:14 – (to his “friends”) – Why do I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hands?
13:19 – Who is he who will contend with me?
13:23-25- How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. Why do you hide Your face, And regard me as Your enemy? Will You frighten a leaf driven to and fro? And will You pursue dry stubble?
14:3-4 – And do You open Your eyes on such a one, And bring me to judgment with Yourself? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?
14:10 – But man dies and is laid away; Indeed he breathes his last, and where is he?
14:14 – If a man dies, shall he live again?
17:2 - Are not mockers with me? And does not my eye dwell on their provocation? …Who is he who will shake hands with me?
17:15-16 – Where then is my hope? As for my hope, who can see it? Will they go down to the gates of Sheol? Shall we have rest together in the dust?
19:2 – How long will you torment my soul, And break me in pieces with words?
19:22 – Why do you persecute me as God does, And are not satisfied with my flesh?
21:4 – As for me, is my complaint against man? And if it were, why should I not be impatient?
21:7 – Why do the wicked live and become old, Yes, become mighty in power?
21:15 - Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?
21:17 – How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? How often does their destruction come upon them, The sorrows God distributes in his anger?
21:21 – For what does he care about his household after him, When the number of his months is cut in half?
21:22 – Can anyone teach God knowledge, Since He judges those on high?
21:29 – Have you not asked those who travel the road? And do you not know their signs?
21:34 – How then can you comfort me with your empty words, since falsehood remains in your answers?
23:6 – Would He contend with me in His great power?
23:13 – But He is unique, and who can make Him change?
24:1 – Since times are not hidden from the Almighty, Why do those who know Him see not His days?
24:25 – Now if it is not so, who will prove me a liar, And make my speech worth nothing?
26:2 (to friends) – How have you helped him who is without power? How have you saved the arm that has no strength?
26:3 (to Bildad) – How have you counseled one who has no wisdom, and how have you declared sound advice to many?
26:14 ( to Bildad) - …the thunder of His power who can understand?
27:8 – For what is the hope of the hypocrite, Though he may gain much, if God takes away his life?
27:9-10 – Will God hear his cry When trouble comes upon him? Will he delight himself in the Almighty? Will he always call on God?
27:12 – Why then do you behave with complete nonsense?
28:12 – But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?
28:20 – From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding?
30:2 – Indeed what profit is the strength of their hands to me?
30:25 – Have I not wept for him who was in trouble? Has not my sould grieved for the poor?
31:1 - 4 – Why then should I look upon a young woman? For what is the allotment of God from above, And the inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is it not destruction for the wicked, and disaster for the workers of iniquity? Does He not see my ways, and count all my steps?
31:14-15 – What then shall I do when God rises up? When He punishes, how shall I answer Him? Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One fashion us in the womb?
31:31 – Who is there that has not been satisfied with his meat?
40:4 – Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You?

Friday, October 23, 2015

In the beginning, God... Our Visit to the Creation Museum

²⁰For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the earth. Gen 1:1

Psalm 89:11 The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours, the world in all its fullness, You have founded them.

For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Exodus 20:11

Last week, my family and I visited the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky. We have been studying apologetics and evidence for God and Creation in our homeschool, so it was the perfect fit! We spent two half-days there, and for kids the age of mine, that was about perfect. The museum wasn't QUITE what we expected (there was not much science involved), and there was some false doctrine in a few parts of it (like original sin), but other than that, it was a good experience! It was fun to visualize parts of Creation and the early part of Genesis, and the kids enjoyed it and learned quite a bit. Here is a glimpse of a few things we saw!