It ain't easy being green

Ok, I am not Kermit the Frog, but I still kind of feel that way sometimes. It seems as if so many things that I believe in and hold dear are outside the realm of "normalcy" whatever that is.
Most people assume that the best place for a birth to take place is a hospital. I believe otherwise. Most people believe that kids need the socialization and mom needs a break , so you should send the kids off to public school. I believe God gave me these kids for a reason and it wasn't to send them off for someone else to raise. Most people believe that kids "need" fashionable clothes and the latest electronic gadgets. I believe kids can entertain themselves by playing in the yard and consignment sales are wonderful ways to get inexpensive clothes. Most people think that letting kids watch several hours of tv a day is ok, after all its gets them out of moms hair so she can make dinner. Though I do allow my kids to watch certain tv shows on the Internet, I am very picky about what they are allowed to watch. My eventual goal is to wean them off of the internet tv shows. Most people assume that if your child has a minor illness you cart them off to the ER or drs office for some medicine. I would rather try natural things like fresh fruit, herbal remedies, and aromatherapy. Most people see nothing wrong with frozen dinners, occassional fast food, and processed meals. I dream of going completely organic, though I am still a long ways from getting there.
I honestly never set out to be so unconventional. Its just seems that this is the lifestyle that suits my family. Its the style of parenting that makes sense to me. Though it is difficult when it seems as if you are constantly going against the "norm" , I know that it is what God has called me to. I know that this is the right thing for my family. I love my family and I am constantly striving to find ways to be a better wife and mom. Though I am a long way from reaching my goals, I will striving toward the mark that has been set before me. I know God is right there helping me and cheering me on.
Thankfully, in the last few years He has given me a strong support network of people with similar ideals and values about childbirth and parenting issues. People who consider it "normal" to breastfeed, baby wear, and co sleep with a toddler. People who believe that kids are a blessing and debt is a burden not the other way around. People who see nothing wrong with having 4 or 5 kids, who adopt kids with special needs and kids of different races. Its still frustrating to constantly see so much negative media attention given to these parenting practices which are out of the mainstream. Yet I know God has allowed me to have the experiences I have had for a reason and I intend to learn and grow from them. Even if many people treat me like I am a purple polka dotted monster with two heads,, oh well so be it. There is only one name that someone can call me that will get a response from me. That name is "mommy", and I count it pure joy to be entrusted with their problems, dreams, worries, goals, and achievements. It ain't easy being green , but it is so worth it.

I have been feeling so overwhelmed lately with all the things that are required of me. Its a typical situation for any mom, and especially for those of us who choose to homeschool our kids. There are always dishes to wash, laundry to do, bill to pay, scrapes to kiss, meals to cook, and the list goes on. I have always felt my calling to homeschool was one of the most important duties I undertake. Yet when do I have the time to decide curriculum , make lessons plans, do the worksheets, crafts, projects etc that go along with the lessons, and let us not forget actually teaching the lesson.

It seemed I was only achieving a fraction of the things I needed to finish. What was I supposed to do? Well , I was reading on a homeschool yahoo group about a friend who was looking into http://www.time4learning.com/ . She wanted something to use with her kindergarten child that he could do with limited supervision during the period right after she had her baby. Several people recommended it very highly and my friend ended up signing up for it.

I started thinking of how difficult it was meeting the needs of a baby, toddler, kindergartner and two elementary age kids. So I talked to my husband , and we decided to sign the older two up. The demo lessons were great because it allowed us to see what kind of program was offered and how to navigate the activities.

We have been using http://www.time4learning.com/ now for about 4 months and we love it. My third grader can awaken early and do his work first thing in the morning. My 4th grader usually does his work late at night. If we have a lot of "extracurricular activities" in a week, they can work ahead on the weekend. The program keeps track of the scores and what lessons are finished, and all the parent has to do is print them off. The lessons are fun , interactive, and there are quizzes and tests to make sure the information has been understood. Its a big weight off of my mind. Its worked so well that my 5 yr old is now begging for me to sign him up as well!


Now if I could just find a program that does laundry and washes the dishes, I would be perfectly happy.

Homeschooling, unschooling, schooling, schooling, schooling

I am not sure what type of schoolers you would call my family, but whatever it is, we have fun. Monday we took a field trip to the interpretive center in South Charleston. My 9 yr old learned all about the Native Americans, how to make glass, and a little bit about the local history of mining. It was very interesting. I was really proud of him as he sat and listened for almost an hour to the tour guide explain the significance of the exhibits and artifacts. I love that I can take him to a place like and let him learn history by experiencing it first hand. ( not just through a book).
We then went to a nearby park and did fill in the blank Bible Verses and addition facts with sidewalk chalk. I love that God has granted me the knowledge about learning styles and the ability to put it into practice with a variety of ways.

Tuesday we went to a homeschool co op. The boys were able to hear a devotion, discuss the frogs in the story of Moses and the 10 plagues, dissect a handmade edible frog, receive a cool packet of info on frogs, and dissect a real frog. It was so cool and informative. Again my 9 yr old had a great time, and even shared some of his new found knowledge related to frog anatomy. He wants to do more frog dissections at home with his dad and me, so he can tell us more about the various frog organs he encountered.

Today we went to the local science and technology kids museum. They watched a movie about the fighter pilot and my 8 yr old was enthralled with this. They were also able to play with the Lego movie making exhibit, the hydro power / water erosion exhibit, and see some of their friends.

Its such a cool thing to know how your kids learn best and find ways to incorporate that knowledge into daily lesson plans. Its a heart warming experience to see their eyes light up when they learn something new or when their mind is finding ways to incorporate their new found knowledge into some practical technology. I feel so blessed to be a part of this, and all the conversations that pop up just because I am with them and willing to listen. Maybe this is how God feels when we come to HIM in prayer?