Homeschool When No One is Around

Saturday night my motivation vanished. A few hours later it reappeared. I discovered it giving a pep talk to my white blood cells. I decided to go to bed and see who won the fight in the morning. When light streamed into my room and birds welcomed the day, it didn’t take long to realize who won. Headache, sore throat, and achy muscles moaned before I got out of my bed.

Sunshine, my five-year-old daughter, stayed home from church with me. As soon as everyone else left, I passed out on the couch. I woke in a panic wondering where Sunshine was. Thankfully, she was sitting nearby drawing castles and fairy princesses willing me to be better. She watched movies while I tried to keep my eyes open. And now it is Tuesday night, and I still feel woozy and tired.

This morning I felt better. The filthy house bothered me, so I scrubbed the sink and then gathered the children for morning worship. Dance and song and Bible reading. The girls scampered off to play. Bug grabbed his journal. I stretched out and closed my eyes for just a minute.

Two hours later my lethargy slipped away, and I heard the whistle of a toy train and the laughter of my children. My thoughts came into focus and rattled around. I couldn’t believe I had fallen asleep! I haven’t slept this much since the first week of summer break during high school. We had a list of things to do before lunch.

But my children used the opportunity to play together. All of them crowded in brother’s room, setting up the train tracks, watching the miniature locomotive circle around the tiny town. Imaginations soared. My fitful sleep allowed a dream to come true.

My children are making memories together. They are loving one another. That was not written in the lesson plans. It was not on the to do list, but I’m thankful the most important things are revealed in the day to day of living life together.

In Defense of Frugality

When I came home with a $50 white dress adorned with a pin of buttons and lace, my mother questioned but didn’t press. The dress paraded to church and a banquet then hung in the closet collecting dust for years, a reminder of ten hours work poured out for a button broach.

Trois Bijoux

I am not frugal because Oprah says I should be or because the economy is weak. I inherited the tendency, and my first impulse purchases completely converted me. Why work so hard for things that won’t last? Styles change. Things fade. I started shopping at garage sales and thrift stores. I became a scavenger.

It’s not as bad as it sounds. Our old house is nice by my standards. Our home will never grace the pages of a decorating magazine, but we are more than comfortable. In fact, we have an abundance of things. So many things that we crammed the station wagon with bags and boxes to haul away.

My husband still only works part-time. We do need to increase our income, but not so it can slip away in a quest for more stuff. The list of desires is long. We wait, and ideas come to bring resolution. Creativity seeps out, and we make do. Patience is stretched, and we grow…thankful.

Webster wrote,

Frugality is always a virtue. Without frugality none can become rich, and with it few would be poor.

Do we consider frugality a virtue? I think not. Else why would I struggle so to pull these words out? Why would I cringe to share my enjoyment of cast-offs? Why would I hesitate to share the ways God has blessed?

Living within our means is not a platitude. It must be done. Almost every day I hear someone fearful for their security. Others are struggling because they’ve been laid off. I hurt for them, with them. It is a difficult path. I walk trying to focus my eyes ahead and ignore the lure of silver buttons tempting me to buy, buy, buy.

Letting Go and Holding On

I’m pleased to introduce stargardener, a friend who encourages me with her thoughtfulness. I trust you will enjoy her post as much as I do. I need to hear this perspective often…

It has been said that life events occur in threes. Apparently that is the case for me regarding the crafting of family memory books. I am in the midst of organizing my photos as well as sending selected photos to my daughter as she compiles her scrapbooks and helping my mother sort through over 60 years of photographic memories as she and I create a visual and written history of our family.

photo credit: steepways

My own photo collection beckons me from a linen cabinet. Its size and scope seem a bit overwhelming at times — but alas, mere words cannot begin to describe the precious memories! Amid these boxes of years-in-pictures are trinkets and calendars, journals and fading handwritten notes of affection and discoveries from my three beloved children. The confines of that cabinet comfort me with evidence of the mother I wanted to be, but doubted too many times. It is visible reassurance that God was faithful to provide His Grace!

But for some reason, each time I take a run at sorting and (attempting organizing) this quasi-shrine of family memories, not much is accomplished. Oh, I pull out sections of photos and sort for a while, making notes regarding order and arrangement. Then, my mind wanders, lingering over the memories of family times, learning quests and so many special moments — and the presumed goal of the task loses its priority.

Another goal begins to surface, a much more important goal — beyond tangible organization. The desire to gather these memories in my heart for safe - keeping, enjoyment and encouragement for my children and grandchildren — and their children!

It just may be that the lingering part is the goal! Especially since the days of motherhood are brimming with activity, chores and pure adventure. Thus, once the full-time aspect of that role begins to diminish, a mother can revisit and savor days gone by. Just in time to make new and special memories as she celebrates her grandchildren! ;-)

Motherhood is a unique calling. Unique because even as we embrace our children — the memories and the opportunities to nurture them — we are also letting them go just a little bit at a time. Releasing them to the LORD according to the plans He has for them. (And sorting, lingering and organizing the memories within our hearts!)

stargardener currently enjoys semi-retirement from full-time motherhood and 18+ eclectic years of learning-at-home with her three children (and anxiously awaits the birth of her first grandbaby in July!). She delights in the country life with her husband as they feather their empty nest and make sure their three dogs (and one very independent cat!) get plenty of attention.

She blogs her “recipes” for sweet inspiration, treats of creative planning and pieces of dark-chocolate humor as she savors her Dessert Years!

The Children’s Hour

My husband calls it the ritual.

Ever since my son could babble we’ve ended the day with a story. The tradition started with a a picture book based on Psalms, a gift from a friend. Every poem memorized. Cover worn and pages battered.

Now my son’s stories are biographies, mysteries, or historical fiction. But before I share a book with Bug, his sisters squeeze close to hear and see the favorite from years ago. Familiar words inspired by David soak into their hearts. Eventually the pages must close.

Sweet Pea rides on my back. I fall onto her bed and pretend she is my pillow. Her favorite pink blanket turns her into a squeezable teddy bear, and I don’t want to leave. Laughter precedes little hands pushing me off the bed.

I trek back to the living room to grab Sunshine. She is never tired. She never wants to go to bed, but she obeys. Sometimes she even lets me carry her. Precious Faith, her doll, is tucked in first. Then I throw blankets created by grandmother and aunt upon a wiggly 5-year-old.

Please cuddle me.

How can I resist even if cuddle time means chat time to Sunshine? She usually asks questions. Tonight she made statements.

Mom, the Bible ends, but God’s love doesn’t. It goes on and on. It’s like your love, Mom.

Oh, my Sunshine, how I wish my love was like his; his love is so much greater than my own.

Our night time ritual lasts at least an hour. Two stories, three conversations, three prayers, three glasses of water, two trips to the bathroom. Patience often stretched, I grumble trying to end the process quickly. Cuddling next to a little one, I realize hearts need time to unfold.

If we get home late, children plop in bed with a quick hug and cover and kiss. They beg for a story. They crave the peaceful moment. I do too. For it is then, I realize anew the love the Father has for me. He is looking for my heart. Listening to my prayers.

Still and quiet is the night,
Not a fear alarms.
Still and quiet now am I
In my mother’s arms.
Not to worry, not to fret,
Even though I’m small.
God is up in heaven
Watching over all.

(Poem from When Stars Come Out, Bedtime Psalms for Little Ones)

More Simple Ideas for Storing Memories

After reviewing Kelli Crowe’s video about scrapbooking children’s art, I started thinking of other ways to store memories. Any system I choose needs to be fast, simple, and concise.

Here are a few ideas my brain churned out.

1. Scan your children’s art and compile it into a photo book.

I have used Picaboo and Walmart to make gift books for family.

Both companies produced beautiful results. Picaboo uses free software and has lots of options for backgrounds and layouts. Walmart’s books are less expensive, but options are restricted.

2. Purchase a plastic file box for each child.

Keep only what will fit in the box. Let children choose their favorites. Use colorful file folders and slip in photos and souvenirs too. As they grow, their box will become even more of a treasure. And one they can take with them wherever they go.

3. Keep a blog and turn it into a book.

I did a quick test of Blurb and Blog2Print. Neither worked for me, but I want to try again. Have you used a service like this successfully? (If so, please let me know in the comments.) A good place to start a blog is Homeschool Journal.

4. Take pictures and slip them into a photo album.

2-up albums are easy to use. Cut scrapbook paper to fit the pockets and intersperse notes or handwriting samples among the photographs.

5. Use creative containers.

Slip old suitcases underneath a bed or stack them in the corner. Decorative boxes can add color and interest. Think outside the filing cabinet.

What are your ideas? Anna-Marie shared hers in the post Art Preservation Made Easy and Fun. Please write a post of your own or leave a comment. I’d enjoy hearing what creative things you are doing (or plan to do).