You Homeschool? You must be so patient!

If I had a dime for every time I have heard that...

Ask my husband, children, parents, siblings or friends if they think "patience" when they think "Jeanna." Patience is something I wish I had and I am growing (slowly) in as years pass and God shows me (OVER and OVER) that His timing is better than my own. And trust me, He is NEVER in a hurry.

The other day I was driving around with my sweet realtor/new friend and she said that to me again. She had already said it the first time we were together and I have heard it from countless others. I have even heard it used as a reason why some moms who want to homeschool don't. "I am not patient enough to homeschool. I'd love to do it, but I just can't imagine because I don't have the patience."

Trust me, I understand feeling that way. The thing is, I think it would take a lot more patience ((for me)) to send my kids to public school. **these aren't the reasons why we homeschool, but they certainly played into our decision.

I'd have to be patient with the pace at which my gifted daughter was being taught.
I'd have to exercise patience with the school schedule that would cut into, if not totally make impossible, lots of activities and family priorities.
I'd have to be patient every single morning while trying to race around and get everyone ready to go.
I'd struggle to be patient with the kids when they had homework and I had other plans for us that evening.
I'd have to exercise patience while undoing some of the philosophies that my kids were being taught.
I'd struggle with patience with their attitudes since whoever they spend the most time with becomes their biggest influence, and that wouldn't be our family.

One day, our kids may attend public or private school and at that time I will grow in patience in those areas. But for now, I am able to and totally love homeschooling. There are days that are hard and I wonder what it would be like to send them to school all day, but every time I have those thoughts I remember the calling that was placed on our family. I would never say that everyone is called to homeschool, but James and I know we are.

As for how I deal with my lack of patience and still stay sane while homeschooling with 4 kids 7 and under: We start and finish the part that looks like "school" early. We are back to starting seatwork right there at the breakfast table. We all rise early, enjoy our food and conversation together, pray for Daddy and send him off to work (at 7:15) and dive right in, still wearing our pajamas and all. The kids have to be done with seatwork before they leave the table...then do their chores before playing. Later in the day (sometimes several times a day) we come back together for art, extra reading, bible study, field trips, math drills, and more. We even do a lot of in the van on the road in the form of songs and games.

Kids who are on a schedule or at least know what to expect aren't behavior problems. Why do you think it is thought to be easier for teachers at school to keep them in line?

The schedule doesn't have to be rigid either. We are very structured for 2 hours in the morning, we have the same meal times, nap times and bed times every day. The rest of the time is flexible, but the kids know generally what to expect. After teaching in the public school I can tell you how much more obedient and receptive to learning kids are when they know what to expect. Kids do not feel safe in chaos (even if moms do).

So, do you have to be patient to homeschool? No, you just have to be willing.

(side note: I just did a mental inventory of all of the homeschooling moms I know and I can only think of 2 that I would consider to be patient people.)

Another cute video...

I know that I haven't been very wordy lately in my posts and I miss it. I have been super busy and I have many posts floating around in my head, but no time. That will probably pick up next week. In the past few weeks Lucy has really come out of her shell. I have to share this sweet video of her singing. We are finally able to understand most of what she says and she is a ham and a half!

Death by Love

This book by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears is a breath of fresh air (it is almost too deep to be described as a breath...but it is so nice to have some meat to read for once) compared to the fluffy pop psychology Christian books that have been flooding the market the past several years. The authors present and defend the cross as the only real solution to every issue we might face in this world while giving an in-depth explanation of why Jesus' death is important and central to our faith as well as the most significant event in the history of the world. With a perfect mix of theology and practical application, this is a book I highly recommend. Mark Driscoll tells true stories of real pain and suffering caused by sin and then he responds with a letter, much like Paul would have written to the church, to offer true healing and restoration through the cross. It is a must read for anyone longing to delve more deeply into the mysteries of the cross!

Proverbs 25:16

This week is the "I" Proverb and I am guessing it is the kids favorite so far. They made several videos, but this one was the most tame. Shelby makes up tunes to go with each scripture and we all sing them together each day while dancing around and being silly. No, I haven't finished the Proverbs ABC book yet. I have only received 1 story. Yes, I am still planning on doing it, but I need to give myself a little more time.

I gotta feeling today's gonna be a good day...

I rolled out of bed this morning at 7 am to find Shelby and Jesse bustling around the house getting their chores done. They were almost done by the time I came downstairs. Christmas time threw us all off schedule, especially me. I went from getting up every morning around 6 am and walking to sleeping until the kids wake me up around 7 or so. The kids get up between 6:30 and 7 every day, so they were coming downstairs and watching TV until I got up. While that was very sweet of them to not wake us up, there is just something wrong and a little scary about a 7, 5 and 2 year old having the run of the house while the parents sleep. So, now one of us gets up as soon as we hear the kids milling around. Starting tomorrow, I am up before them again...exercise, quiet time and I will be ready to start the day right again.

School has also been way off schedule. We haven't been finishing seatwork until lunchtime or even later. We were smooth before break, getting chores and seatwork done by 10:30 or 11 every day at the latest. When we start at 6:30 or 7 it is easy to do that. When Mom rolls out of bed at 7 or 7:30 still in her PJs and isn't even awake enough to do school until 9 or so it isn't possible. I have been telling them for a week or so that they should try getting all of their chores done right when they get up and then they can play or watch TV until I am ready for school. This morning they did it. They had already marked off each of their chores on their daily duties sheet.

Here is a section of Shelby's daily duty sheet. These babies are working wonders for keeping us organized. The kids color in each box when they are done. The items with * are things they can do to earn tallies. When they collect 50 tallies they get to do or buy something special. I even have a duty sheet for myself that includes exercises and supplements, activities I want to do with the kids and even flossing. I get a weird sense of satisfaction when I can check off something on my sheet. Being a mom of four can be chaotic. I can get to the end of a day and wonder if I accomplished anything at all since the house is still cluttered and there are still meals to prepare and baths to give. Looking at those lovely check marks helps me to see that I actually did get something done. James is too rebellious. I offered to make him one and he said it would make him feel trapped. Funny thing is that I feel like I am pretty rebellious too, yet schedules always make me feel sane. Speaking of schedules...I have to get moving!

Goofies and a cutie...

Lucy looks like a cartoon character here. She always looks like a pixie with her huge eyes and other tiny features. Her crazy hair takes the cake. The sweet thing is that her personality matches her unique look. There is no one like Lucy!



Jesse loves to ham it up for the camera too. We can rarely get a photo that actually captures him just as he is. He sure is cute though!



Who knows what James was thinking on this morning with is pj bottoms all Urkeled! He walked around all morning like that. He'll do anything to get a laugh from the kids.



This little cutie is trying to sit up. She loves this toy Jeka and the Matts got her when she can steal it away from Lucy. She also loves a Leap Frog piano that Gigi and Papa got her.

Quite Possibly the Best Gift Ever, besides a child, of course!

My blog has been my only scrapbook for the past 2 and a half years. I don't have the patience for all of the cutting, stamping, gluing and stressing...of scrapbooking. I absolutely love looking at the artistic scrapbooks my friends create and as I have said many times, I'd love to be able to pay someone to crop for me one day, but for now, I BLOG. I was indescribably excited when I found out about blog2print, because I was trying to just print my blog out on copy paper and keep it in a notebook...not a very nice option. This site prints your blog as a book! For Christmas this year, my mom and dad got me 1 book for 2007-08 and 1 book for 2009. My Blog in print!!! How could I ask for more? I know that sounds crazy, but my blog is my record of our family life for the past couple of years. As I look back over the pages of pictures, thoughts, dreams, memories, and miracles I can't hold back the tears...tears of joy as well as pain. I have captured our lives (as much as possible) in these pages. These are better than any pretty scrapbooks I could have put together myself. Thank You Blogger!!

Precious Little Preslie

Preslie is such a precious baby girl. She is full of peace and joy. When one of her siblings walk into the room she grins from ear to ear and bounces up and down. At church, she kicks her legs to the beat and sits peacefully on one of our laps. She sometimes feels like one of my appendages because it is tempting to just carry her around all of the time, but she is becoming independent too.

Carrie's Visit

It was a wonderful weekend! Carrie arrived Friday evening and left early this morning. We only really had 2 days to spend together, but late night talks made it seem a little longer. I can't remember when we have gotten to spend so much quality time together...Maybe a crop weekend a few years back. When we taught together we spent about 12 hours a day with one another all school year long between walking each morning, teaching at Project Choices and teaching night school. Those were such sweet times. I miss them so much!



The kids loved having her here too. The only thing better fr them would have been for her to bring the kids. Maybe next time.

James' first wedding

Last month, James had the incredible honor of officiating his first wedding. Erin was one of our youth coaches and a dear friend. He and James have been close ever since he started serving with us at Cedar Ridge. We have enjoyed watching Erin and Jen's relationship blossom over the past few years. Erin called him several months ago and asked him to marry him and Jennifer. James reminded him that he had never officiated a wedding before and it would be his first. Still they wanted him to do it. He had weekly pre-marital counseling sessions with them over the phone that he always looked forward to. When he was preparing for those sessions he was in his "element." It was so great to see that twinkle in his eyes again.

The wedding was beautiful. The bride and groom were so adorable, so excited to finally be man and wife. The love in their eyes when they gazed upon each other was incredibly touching.

And, James was incredibly nervous...probably almost as nervous as the groom. He knew how important this day was for them and he didn't want to do anything to mess it up. He did a fabulous job of preparing even with many last minute changes. I was so proud of him. Even with all of the nerves he did a really good job. And, the best part is that at the end of the day they were man and wife...the main goal was accomplished.



Next to our own, of course, I think this might be the most beautiful wedding I have ever been to. It was simple, elegant, fantastically intimate and gorgeous. The small crowd and intimate setting created a magical mood and all of the guests felt like they had an honored place in the ceremony. We sat at round tables in this sweet upstairs room of this very hip artsy tiny little Italian restaurant. It was a perfect setting for a couple who truly wanted to share this day with only the most important people in their lives.
The bride and groom danced their first dance right after being announced man and wife. They had been taking ballroom dancing lessons and they were amazing. Afterward, we feasted! The food was delicious and the atmosphere was warm and comfortable. DELIGHTFUL!!

Oh, and the beautiful pictures were taken by my dear friend Allyson who is an AMAZING photographer in KC. She did my maternity, birth and newborn photos for Lucy and they are my most treasured photos. Her website is http://www.blinkphotoblog.com

Welcome 2010!

I am so excited for this new year! New beginnings, new mercies, fresh starts, adventures, challenges, resolutions, blessings and more...

2009 was a challenging year for us to say the least, but I think I can honestly say I am thankful for it, today, as I look back at all of the blessings received and lessons learned.

There is nothing like moving across the country to a whole different climate, landscape and culture to put your little life into perspective. Not having a super-busy schedule and friends who you can hang out with at a moments notice gives one much more time to reflect...pray...think...think...and think. At times all of the thinking could be overwhelming and there were many times a day sometimes that I had to (have to) take every thought captive and make them behave. Even in the midst of financial difficulties and adjusting to a 4th baby, feeling alone was the most difficult thing. There were days in the beginning when the loneliness was so thick I thought I'd suffocate from all of my thoughts with no one to share them with. I had my amazing husband, of course, and we did talk about most things, but it would have been hard to maintain a positive outlook and have hope if I was always telling him how lonely I was and wondering if we made a mistake. I also had my wonderful parents here, and to be close to them for the first time in 5 years has been a HUGE blessing. Still, I couldn't talk with them about all of my feelings for the same reason. They too just moved across the country and are experiencing many of the same feelings.

I thank God for my dear soul sisters in Kansas who have stuck by me even across the miles and listened to me ramble on about my new life in AZ. I have even grown closer to a few of them since I left than I was when I was there because we have become very intentional about having our time weekly or monthly to catch up on each other's lives. We still call each other first with every new joy or heartache. They make me want to move back so badly sometimes! Thankfully some of them have been able to visit me. 4 friends visited me in the past year and Carrie is coming next week!! I am so grateful to have friends who love me that much.
I know AZ is a beautiful place to visit, so I am sure that helps...especially in the winter, but I am still amazed.

I also thank God for bringing some amazing women into my life here in AZ. I have met women who inspire me and women who intrigue me, women who I click with and some I never want to see again. (People here are weird, in general. I am weird, so I know weird, but many of them are a different weird that I can't quite put my finger on.) Still, God has given me friends here. He filled up some of the lonely places in my heart and gave me one precious friend in particular who I love and whose kids my kids adore. The only heartbreaking thing is that she is moving in a few months. It will be very hard to send her off.

I think the most important thing I have learned over the past year is that everything in life pales in comparison to relationships. Our relationship with God first, and then our relationships with family and friends. I already knew this, but this year cemented the reality of this fact into my little heart. Living close to my parents has been so nice. We have been each other's support and safety net. We have driven each other crazy and had some growing pains, but it is worth it when I look back over the past year at all of the priceless times we shared. Yes, my parents took the kids to Disney Land and the Polar Express...experiences they will never forget, but I am mostly talking about Sunday dinners, swimming in their pool, cooking with Noni, picking up pea pods in the yard to earn a penny a pod from Papa, praying, laughing, crying, and just being together. My heart is full just thinking about it.

Having my brother return from India in July and spend a great deal of time with me walking and talking and sharing life has been such a gift. I love that kid. He is always reading and studying theology. He enjoys debating and talking about politics, Dave Ramsey, and even parenting. We have had countless really good and often deep talks. I was longing for deeper relationships with my family and God has answered my prayers.

The number one high point of the year has to be the birth of Preslie Janell, our surprise miracle baby. We found out we were expecting her right after we had decided to move. Once again, God showed us that His timing and plans are better than our own. She fits right in with our family and it really was very little impact, except for loading and unloading the car...which I still do not enjoy. Also,school has been a bit of a challenge with a toddler and a newborn, but the kids are still ahead of where they should be, so we must be doing something right.

I have been walking around all BA humbug saying, "2009 was the 2nd hardest year of our lives! I am so glad it is over," but as I reflect on the year, I see that God was so good to us. How can I complain? 2009 wasn't so bad after all! Still, we are hoping 2010 will be the best yet! Just found out Jeka is getting married this year, so that makes 1 happy event to look forward to!