Jackson has really been struggling with ELA. He hates grammar. He hates reading. He hates writing. Now that he is in the third grade the curriculum expects him to be doing much more of ALL of these things. Today we started out the day struggling. We took a break at the bowling alley! When we got home it was time to start up again. He saved Friends and Heroes for the end today. He had to write a mini-report. He was able to choose from 3 different things and today he chose Nile Crocodiles. We researched and then it was time to write. He was upset. But I decided to be merciful (something I couldn't do earlier) and told him as long as they were complete sentences written correctly he only had to write 3. I figure since we are still getting used to all of this this would be a reasonable amount of work. He was still a little discouraged until I told him I would not grade his spelling. Amazingly out of 3 sentences only 3 words were misspelled! He was so proud of his report when he was done.
baby steps...
For reading today I told him he could pick any book. He chose The Snake Dictionary. He has not been able to put it down. He is reading on his own without help. This is monumental people!
It just goes to show that when you let go of what YOU want to do and allow what really needs to, happen. Your day gets a whole lot better!!!!!! I am so glad our day ended this way! :)
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Monday, October 24, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
It doesn't seem like it could even be possible that we are struggling ALREADY this year, but we are. For the most part we are getting our assignments done. It just seems that the overall moral is a little down. I think part of that is the fact that I have been in a little funk lately.
Here are some things we are working on:
Hearts: I truly believe I have great kids. For the most part they are well-mannered and obedient. But we have been struggling lately with bad attitudes and disobedience. There are many different opinions from the masses on what I should be doing to correct these things. There are several different approaches that I have been trying. Some are working and some are not. What I do know is that I am starting to see a slight shift in their behavior which means it is all downhill from there...right?
School is boring: I had all of these ideas about school this year. I had planned out the curriculum and thought "okay this is going to be good". Well, it's not! The kids are bored. Yesterday after Ellie was finished with her assignments she asked if she could play a game. I pulled out the pack of Crazy Eight's cards that we got from the Dollar Store and she and I played. It was her first time and she WON! As we were playing I realized that we were practicing shapes, numbers and colors. She didn't even know that she was learning. Afterwards we put on some dance music and I let the kids get up on their desks and dance. We had so much fun! So I want to start doing more things like this. I don't want it to be monotonous for them. I want them to be glad they are homeschooled because of all of the fun things they get to do! I mean what kid in public school can say I played cards today for math and that was it!?
As you can see this is all a process. If you are willing and able to look at the big picture then it can become really fun. Making adjustments to your schedule and your lessons can lead to a whole lot more exciting times for you and your kids!
Here are some things we are working on:
Hearts: I truly believe I have great kids. For the most part they are well-mannered and obedient. But we have been struggling lately with bad attitudes and disobedience. There are many different opinions from the masses on what I should be doing to correct these things. There are several different approaches that I have been trying. Some are working and some are not. What I do know is that I am starting to see a slight shift in their behavior which means it is all downhill from there...right?
School is boring: I had all of these ideas about school this year. I had planned out the curriculum and thought "okay this is going to be good". Well, it's not! The kids are bored. Yesterday after Ellie was finished with her assignments she asked if she could play a game. I pulled out the pack of Crazy Eight's cards that we got from the Dollar Store and she and I played. It was her first time and she WON! As we were playing I realized that we were practicing shapes, numbers and colors. She didn't even know that she was learning. Afterwards we put on some dance music and I let the kids get up on their desks and dance. We had so much fun! So I want to start doing more things like this. I don't want it to be monotonous for them. I want them to be glad they are homeschooled because of all of the fun things they get to do! I mean what kid in public school can say I played cards today for math and that was it!?
As you can see this is all a process. If you are willing and able to look at the big picture then it can become really fun. Making adjustments to your schedule and your lessons can lead to a whole lot more exciting times for you and your kids!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Been Thinkin'
I have not been blogging because I don't know what I should be writing about. This blog has taken a whole other direction then what I had originally intended. Originally it was just a way for me to let my family see pictures and hear stories about the kids. Now it is more about my life and my walk with the Lord. Don't get me wrong. I don't think there is anything wrong with that.
I have been thinking about starting a new blog. Really a second one. One that is for me. Just about my journey. The kids are a part of my journey but I really want this blog (A Day in the Life of the Brown's) to be about the whole family. Not just me.
So these are some things that I have been thinkin' about. What do you all think?
I have been thinking about starting a new blog. Really a second one. One that is for me. Just about my journey. The kids are a part of my journey but I really want this blog (A Day in the Life of the Brown's) to be about the whole family. Not just me.
So these are some things that I have been thinkin' about. What do you all think?
Saturday, May 7, 2011
I am God
Last Sunday we had an awesome lesson on "doing good" (Galations 6:9-10). I walked away feeling refreshed by the Holy Spirit. Before I got to my car someone handed me an envelope with cash and a post-it. The post-it read: "Be still and know I am God" (with a smiley face). The amount of money was substantial and I was overwhelmed with the feeling that another believer was "doing good" for us out of obedience to His Word.
Monday, Troy had a job interview. It went really well. He felt like he was going to get it. They would call on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, we got a letter in the mail from the unemployment office. We have not received benefits from them for the entire month of April and in actuality he had only been paid $20 from Lowe's in April. So our total income for the month of April was $86 (only because I worked a couple of days at the church). In all of that every single bill was paid on time. We received the right amount of money from others (without asking) to pay for ALL of our bills. That is a substantial amount let me just tell you!
Also on Tuesday, I had to go to the ER, but first went to Urgent Care. I am fine but the total cost between the two places was the amount that was in the envelope on Sunday.
On Wednesday, Troy talked to the place he interviewed at and they said wait til Friday.
We have been receiving medical benefits for the kids (more of a safety net) while Troy has been unemployed. (Most of our debt is due to medical bills that occurred when he was unemployed before.) We also have been receiving food stamps. Not something that we are proud of but a necessity (especially when your mortgage is 85% of your income). On Thursday we received a letter that they were no longer going to allow us these benefits. Why you say? Well there is no good reason...
Friday has come and gone. We still don't know about the job. My children do not have insurance. I really don't know how we will pay for food. But what I do know is that I was told on Sunday to "Be still and know that I am God". This was no coincidence. That post-it is on my refrigerator door right now. All week whenever I have had a conversation or the phone has rang or I have felt overwhelmed with it all, I hear the words; "Be still and know I am God".
I wonderful lesson for me this week. The lesson is still not over. Who knows when it will be. But what I do know is that He is God-Redeemer, Maker, Healer, Provider, King of kings, Lord of lords, Hosanna, Messiah, Alpha and Omega. Without Him there would be no hope.
Monday, Troy had a job interview. It went really well. He felt like he was going to get it. They would call on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, we got a letter in the mail from the unemployment office. We have not received benefits from them for the entire month of April and in actuality he had only been paid $20 from Lowe's in April. So our total income for the month of April was $86 (only because I worked a couple of days at the church). In all of that every single bill was paid on time. We received the right amount of money from others (without asking) to pay for ALL of our bills. That is a substantial amount let me just tell you!
Also on Tuesday, I had to go to the ER, but first went to Urgent Care. I am fine but the total cost between the two places was the amount that was in the envelope on Sunday.
On Wednesday, Troy talked to the place he interviewed at and they said wait til Friday.
We have been receiving medical benefits for the kids (more of a safety net) while Troy has been unemployed. (Most of our debt is due to medical bills that occurred when he was unemployed before.) We also have been receiving food stamps. Not something that we are proud of but a necessity (especially when your mortgage is 85% of your income). On Thursday we received a letter that they were no longer going to allow us these benefits. Why you say? Well there is no good reason...
Friday has come and gone. We still don't know about the job. My children do not have insurance. I really don't know how we will pay for food. But what I do know is that I was told on Sunday to "Be still and know that I am God". This was no coincidence. That post-it is on my refrigerator door right now. All week whenever I have had a conversation or the phone has rang or I have felt overwhelmed with it all, I hear the words; "Be still and know I am God".
I wonderful lesson for me this week. The lesson is still not over. Who knows when it will be. But what I do know is that He is God-Redeemer, Maker, Healer, Provider, King of kings, Lord of lords, Hosanna, Messiah, Alpha and Omega. Without Him there would be no hope.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
God is so good!
I have been struggling with homeschooling and being a full time student myself. Especially since I want to work with special needs kids and my kids do not fall under that category. So what the heck is God doing? Why is He calling me to do all of this so? It doesn't make sense.
Then today in our ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship) we talked about Abram and his faith. We talked about how he was righteous in the sight of the Lord because of his faith. He was not perfect but he still believed. There were several questions from others and our fearless leader, Barry, did a great job leading the discussion. I was even able to share some of what I have been going through over the past several months. I left class feeling good about the valley that I have been in. The emotional, physical, financial, uncertain valley. Only because I was reminded of how good God is. He truly is!
Fast forward to picking up my child downstairs....I ran into someone that I have been talking to about a possible job opportunity. One that would allow me to use my schooling and still homeschool my kids. One that seems very cool yet it is still so far away (not until May 2012). As she was talking to me she started revealing some very cool stuff. HUGE plans that she has for me. Plans that she has prayed and prayed over and the Lord has put me in the forefront of her mind. Plans that are so cool and so huge that I am SURE they are from the Lord.
I can't give all details now but what I do know is that my faith is still strong, but it just got a huge boost. It feels renewed. As I was making lunch for the kids I said a prayer thanking Him for His goodness and His plan. I was also mindful that there are other aspects that I don't know yet and that is okay but what I do know is that He is in control and that my friends is so comforting!
We were challenged to memorize some scripture this week and honestly these verses were the first thing to pop in my head as I was praying today.
Then today in our ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship) we talked about Abram and his faith. We talked about how he was righteous in the sight of the Lord because of his faith. He was not perfect but he still believed. There were several questions from others and our fearless leader, Barry, did a great job leading the discussion. I was even able to share some of what I have been going through over the past several months. I left class feeling good about the valley that I have been in. The emotional, physical, financial, uncertain valley. Only because I was reminded of how good God is. He truly is!
Fast forward to picking up my child downstairs....I ran into someone that I have been talking to about a possible job opportunity. One that would allow me to use my schooling and still homeschool my kids. One that seems very cool yet it is still so far away (not until May 2012). As she was talking to me she started revealing some very cool stuff. HUGE plans that she has for me. Plans that she has prayed and prayed over and the Lord has put me in the forefront of her mind. Plans that are so cool and so huge that I am SURE they are from the Lord.
I can't give all details now but what I do know is that my faith is still strong, but it just got a huge boost. It feels renewed. As I was making lunch for the kids I said a prayer thanking Him for His goodness and His plan. I was also mindful that there are other aspects that I don't know yet and that is okay but what I do know is that He is in control and that my friends is so comforting!
We were challenged to memorize some scripture this week and honestly these verses were the first thing to pop in my head as I was praying today.
"Yet, with the respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform." Romans 4:20-21
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Body and Soul
I have been on a several month journey where I have really been working on me. This is a big deal for me because I have never felt as though it was okay to take care of myself. A lie many of us tell ourselves.
I have learned a lot about myself; the way I think, the way I respond, and why I do all of those things. I have decided to take this journey of the soul through Christian counseling and I have never made a better decision.
Lately I have realized that I am taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back every couple of weeks. I realized that although my soul was being healed my body was suffering. I have endometriosis and ovarian cysts and I live in pain and other horrible symptoms at least 2 1/2 weeks a month. I have started researching and have found some holistic ways of treating endometriosis. I have started them this last week and can already tell a huge difference.
So I have started a new part of my journey. I have started the process of healing my body. We will see how it goes and where it takes me.
I have learned a lot about myself; the way I think, the way I respond, and why I do all of those things. I have decided to take this journey of the soul through Christian counseling and I have never made a better decision.
Lately I have realized that I am taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back every couple of weeks. I realized that although my soul was being healed my body was suffering. I have endometriosis and ovarian cysts and I live in pain and other horrible symptoms at least 2 1/2 weeks a month. I have started researching and have found some holistic ways of treating endometriosis. I have started them this last week and can already tell a huge difference.
So I have started a new part of my journey. I have started the process of healing my body. We will see how it goes and where it takes me.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Discerment- A journey down a new path
So when you decide to go on a journey and allow the Lord to lead it, you may end up in places you don't want to be.
I am starting to realize that I have allowed myself to be manipulated by those that I thought cared for me the most. That makes me so angry! Don't get me wrong here..I allowed them to think it was okay. Of course I did, otherwise they would have never done it.
My relationships have been changing the last several months and a lot of that is because the Lord has shown me a spiritual gift that I did not realize I had, it is called discernment. I have always known that He has chosen to reveal certain things to me in situations that maybe others didn't get but I didn't realize that it was discernment. I have been praying, more recently, that He would show me how to use this gift. What is it that He wants me to do with the things that He shows me?
I know some feel as though they need to tell everyone what God is telling them but I have not felt the same way. At least not now. I really feel like He is using this gift to show me broken relationships. They all need to be healed. But they don't all need to be pursued. Does that make sense? I don't need broken relationships to be a block between me and the Lord, but just because we work out our differences doesn't mean we have to be friends.
I am finally coming to that realization and honestly it is freeing. I always felt I had to be friends with everyone and that everyone had to like me but that is not what the Lord wants for me at this time. I really believe that He wants to pursue me and have a relationship with me and that is the most important thing. That is what really matters.
So what I do with this? I keep praying. I keep asking the Lord to lead my path. I learn to forgive those that have wronged me, even if I led them into thinking it was okay. I go to those I have wronged and I say "I am sorry". I am not perfect but what I do know is that I am loved by Jesus just like you are. And that has got to be worth something.
I am starting to realize that I have allowed myself to be manipulated by those that I thought cared for me the most. That makes me so angry! Don't get me wrong here..I allowed them to think it was okay. Of course I did, otherwise they would have never done it.
My relationships have been changing the last several months and a lot of that is because the Lord has shown me a spiritual gift that I did not realize I had, it is called discernment. I have always known that He has chosen to reveal certain things to me in situations that maybe others didn't get but I didn't realize that it was discernment. I have been praying, more recently, that He would show me how to use this gift. What is it that He wants me to do with the things that He shows me?
I know some feel as though they need to tell everyone what God is telling them but I have not felt the same way. At least not now. I really feel like He is using this gift to show me broken relationships. They all need to be healed. But they don't all need to be pursued. Does that make sense? I don't need broken relationships to be a block between me and the Lord, but just because we work out our differences doesn't mean we have to be friends.
I am finally coming to that realization and honestly it is freeing. I always felt I had to be friends with everyone and that everyone had to like me but that is not what the Lord wants for me at this time. I really believe that He wants to pursue me and have a relationship with me and that is the most important thing. That is what really matters.
So what I do with this? I keep praying. I keep asking the Lord to lead my path. I learn to forgive those that have wronged me, even if I led them into thinking it was okay. I go to those I have wronged and I say "I am sorry". I am not perfect but what I do know is that I am loved by Jesus just like you are. And that has got to be worth something.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Refining
I have been journaling and thought that I would type this out and share with you. It has been a very rough few months.
I started thinking about life. Something that is real and going on right now came to mind:
Charlotte has really been testing Troy and I lately. We have had to discipline her more and more often over the last few months. Last week was the worst. I noticed that in the midst of it all she began to cry out and want to be held. At first I played it off as a distraction, she didn't want to be punished, and then it hit me-she wants to know that she is still loved. In the chaos of the yelling, spankings, time-outs and frustration; she wants to know that I still love her.
At that moment I grabbed her up and held her close. I sang to her and rubbed her back. She was making that sound you do when you have been crying uncontrollably for an extended amount of time. I rocked her to sleep that day, she was at peace knowing that she was in her mother's arms and that I loved her so much.
Today when I thought about that scenario I realized that I was having the same feelings with God. As I have been going about life I have made mistakes and have been disobedient. He disciplines me. Lately it feels like more often than not I have been in a lot of trouble. He is punishing me over and over. I am worn down, I just want to know He loves me. He has shown me over and over that He loves me; I was just too hysterical to see it.
The words discipline and punishment are running through my mind. Over and over. And then a gentle voice says a new word. REFINING. I can't get the word out of my head. I am no longer consumed with thoughts of discipline and punishment. I am not stuck on this word. REFINING.
I came home and looked it up. The definition is: to bring to a fine or pure state; free from impurities; to improve by inserting superior elements.
I am seeking counseling and she has been telling me for a while that all of this mess, these emotions, this stuff in my life is God working on me. He is growing me. I didn't know what that meant. Do any of us? It is hard to think that way. How long will it take?
Today the Lord showed me that He does discipline when necessary but really He is refining me. He wants to get rid of all of my imperfections and make me pure. The 'superior elements' are only things that He can add.
I know that I will never be able to achieve perfection. That will only happen when I am with my Father in Heaven. But for now I am learning to rest in the fact that He is sanctifying me to Him. And how cool is that. The Lord cares so much for me that He would work this hard!
I praise Him for that.
I started thinking about life. Something that is real and going on right now came to mind:
Charlotte has really been testing Troy and I lately. We have had to discipline her more and more often over the last few months. Last week was the worst. I noticed that in the midst of it all she began to cry out and want to be held. At first I played it off as a distraction, she didn't want to be punished, and then it hit me-she wants to know that she is still loved. In the chaos of the yelling, spankings, time-outs and frustration; she wants to know that I still love her.
At that moment I grabbed her up and held her close. I sang to her and rubbed her back. She was making that sound you do when you have been crying uncontrollably for an extended amount of time. I rocked her to sleep that day, she was at peace knowing that she was in her mother's arms and that I loved her so much.
Today when I thought about that scenario I realized that I was having the same feelings with God. As I have been going about life I have made mistakes and have been disobedient. He disciplines me. Lately it feels like more often than not I have been in a lot of trouble. He is punishing me over and over. I am worn down, I just want to know He loves me. He has shown me over and over that He loves me; I was just too hysterical to see it.
The words discipline and punishment are running through my mind. Over and over. And then a gentle voice says a new word. REFINING. I can't get the word out of my head. I am no longer consumed with thoughts of discipline and punishment. I am not stuck on this word. REFINING.
I came home and looked it up. The definition is: to bring to a fine or pure state; free from impurities; to improve by inserting superior elements.
I am seeking counseling and she has been telling me for a while that all of this mess, these emotions, this stuff in my life is God working on me. He is growing me. I didn't know what that meant. Do any of us? It is hard to think that way. How long will it take?
Today the Lord showed me that He does discipline when necessary but really He is refining me. He wants to get rid of all of my imperfections and make me pure. The 'superior elements' are only things that He can add.
I know that I will never be able to achieve perfection. That will only happen when I am with my Father in Heaven. But for now I am learning to rest in the fact that He is sanctifying me to Him. And how cool is that. The Lord cares so much for me that He would work this hard!
I praise Him for that.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
I'm in the mood...
I have not been in the mood to blog. I have signed on several times and have even started a post a few times. I have been journaling and that has been good for me. I think that it has kept me from the blog. Lots of stuff has been happening here. Troy is still out of work and to say it is tight around here is an understatement. This has been hard for me the control freak, the planner. I have been writhing over this. Some interesting things have happened in my life in the last couple of weeks that have really freed me.
- I have been to two different women events at my church where the message talked about circumstance and how the things that we are going through are not all about US. Sure we are a part of that circumstance but it is not about me it is not about how it is affecting me, it is about the bigger picture and that is bringing others into the kingdom of heaven. Telling others how much Jesus loves them. And if that means that I have to go through something hard then that is what I have to do.
- In that I have realized that I have no control over this thing we call life. Because of that I am free from worry. I don't have to be anxious because it doesn't help anyway.
- Someone said that "God doesn't waste a second of [your life]." How true that is! To know that not one second of this crap that I am in now is not for nothing is encouraging
- Today I also heard someone say that God is not frantic. He is not running around trying to figure our stuff out. He is Sovereign and powerful and in complete control! Isn't that awesome?
- The other thing is that in my own struggle God put someone in my path that I was able to love on. It was totally random and when I walked away from the stranger he was fighting back tears. We all know I am a crier so I couldn't say what I was supposed to say but I did write a note. And I think that is what brought the tears. The note just read "Just so you know...God loves you! Have a blessed day". The fact that He used me in this situation really gave me a boost. I am relevant in growing His kingdom and no matter what the circumstance He will provide a way.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Letting Go
A few weeks ago I blogged about getting rid of all of the excess. Today I finally had a garage sale that I would say was pretty successful. The thing is that I felt very sad and even though I liked counting the dollar bills I felt like I was getting rid of something that I really should be holding on to.
I am a big purger. I always throw away more then I should. My house doesn't always reflect that because to be quite honest...I LIVE HERE! But for the most part I like to throw things away. Never in my life have I experienced something like this whole clothes thing. I can't get rid of my kids clothes. I don't know why. Jackson was 5 before I finally got rid of all of his clothes. FIVE YEARS of holding on to that crap. Even when I was ready to do it I still felt bad after. The same thing today. There was still a lot of stuff left over but I could not bring myself to take to Goodwill. I needed to hold on to it.
It is all still sitting in my car. No one other then the driver can get into the car because of all of the clothes. Little pieces of cloth that represent memories over that last 5 years. It is hard. I am sure I will get over it soon. Just not today.
I am a big purger. I always throw away more then I should. My house doesn't always reflect that because to be quite honest...I LIVE HERE! But for the most part I like to throw things away. Never in my life have I experienced something like this whole clothes thing. I can't get rid of my kids clothes. I don't know why. Jackson was 5 before I finally got rid of all of his clothes. FIVE YEARS of holding on to that crap. Even when I was ready to do it I still felt bad after. The same thing today. There was still a lot of stuff left over but I could not bring myself to take to Goodwill. I needed to hold on to it.
It is all still sitting in my car. No one other then the driver can get into the car because of all of the clothes. Little pieces of cloth that represent memories over that last 5 years. It is hard. I am sure I will get over it soon. Just not today.
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