#pdymconvention

Last week, I had the privilege of joining our youth group at youth convention.  Spending quality time with teens in a camp-style setting is something I haven't done in years.  But, there's something about teenagers.  Maybe it's because they're still becoming who they are.  Maybe it's because they have cool thoughts.  Maybe it's because they still like to have fun.  Maybe it's because being passionate and being different matters to them.

Blossom1 and Blossom2 were experiencing their first trip to youth convention.  They also performed their drama with two other friends.  After months of practices, they turned in their best performance yet, resulting in their drama advancing to Nationals. We were astounded and so excited for the four of them.  What a way to use your gifts for Jesus!  I'm excited to see what's next in that journey!

On Good Friday morning, we shared communion and a candlelight service with about 6,000 other teens.  What an experience ~ to revel in the shed blood of Christ, to rejoice in His miraculous Resurrection in the company of so many believers.

Watching teens stand and heed the call of God, whilst their peers watched, with no pomp and no hype, encouraged me in my own walk with God.

Yes, maybe I started a glow stick fight at the hotel, but it was a highlight in the week.  I didn't hear any teens complaining.

There were times of honesty and sharing.  These trips are memorable for moments of raw honesty.  I mentioned the phrase "Pray hard.  Play hard."  It's a phrase that has been important to me most of my life.  It embodies the passion, zeal and exuberance that I live my life by - for Jesus and consequently, in all that I do.  After sharing that, we had some time to kill at Hobby Lobby and my friend snagged this for me!

I'm thankful for all that Blossom1, Blossom2 and I saw and experienced last week.  

We're already looking forward to next year.  Don't worry, I'm bringing the glow sticks.

Dominique

Good Practice

This co-op session, I've had the pleasure of teaching an etiquette class with my friend, Elizabeth.  This has turned out to be one of my most favorite classes we've ever taught.  Perhaps the students had something to do with it.  Varying in age from 13 to 16 yrs of age, they listened attentively and jumped in to our class discussions.  They shared funny stories and astute observations, while respectfully soaking up our etiquette lessons.

After putting them through mock interviews that required dressing up and preparing for real interview questions, we decided that we should end the class on both a high and memorable note.  Elizabeth arranged for us to have a three course dinner at a fancy restaurant. 

I have to say, even I was a bit nervous.  Why?  I'm not really sure.  They were nervous too, but they dressed to the nines and went for it anyway.  They designated me as the hostess and together we navigated three courses of fancy silverware, yummy food and cloth napkins.  The best part though?  These kids aced the small talk part of our course.  We had engaging and enjoyable conversation around the dinner table throughout the entire meal.  I couldn't have been prouder of the young adults these kids are becoming. 

The funny thing is, they all enjoyed it so much, they mentioned doing it again!  Supper club, anyone?

Dominique

Spring Pushing

The signs of spring are pushing, pushing, pushing!*

It's easy for me to think that any new season just means more work, 

but I'm reminding myself to savor the joy in every task.  

It's a challenge, a reminder, that I need often.  

This is ALL unto the Lord.

Dominique

*If you haven't read Miracles on Maple Hill yet, you should.  It's been the perfect read-aloud for the season.  My opening line was a wink and a nod to it.

Photo Credit to Blossom2

On Pippi

We finished Pippi Longstocking!  The audio book was delightful; even more delightful than I remembered! 

Pippi is outlandish and yet, amidst her outlandish antics are bits of truth that made me think.  I like that!  Pippi had us laughing often on account of her high jinks.

We keep an audio book in our van at all times.  They begged to go along on every little errand, just so they could listen to Pippi.  

They were a little perturbed at the very abrupt ending, which I'm almost positive is meant to draw you into a sequel.  I can't wait to see what else Pippi gets into, but first, we're finishing Miracles on Maple Hill.  I think one of the girls mentioned another Trixie Belden book too.  

Dominique

Its Emergence

I'm thoroughly enamored with the emergence of spring.  You'd think I've never seen a spring before. 

I spontaneously pulled over to the side of the road to snap pics of the girls in front of these splendid Forsythia bushes. Their riot of color has been inspiring my soul for the past several days.

I took note earlier this week that it was the day the green made herself known.  In one day it seemed that the barren remnants of winter went away and spring exerted her happy verdure. 

The Blossoms have taken to scampering in the woods, especially in their "garden."  Yes, that's the garden inspired by the Vanderbeekers.  

My soul fairly leapt when I saw my lettuce seeds were sprouting today.  Every new bulb persistently bursting forth makes me grateful.

Thank God for another beautiful season.

Dominique

Photo credit to Blossom2 and Blossom3

How Do We Get Kids to Work?

With spring comes lots of outside work.  You don't gotta live on a micro farm to teach your little people to work.  All lifestyles can be conducive to teaching them to work.  Now that Blossom1 is thirteen, this is the path the Rugged Mountain Man and I have followed and are still following for teaching all the Blossoms to work ~

It's good to start young.  If you haven't started young, don't despair, but do start now.  

Start very matter-of-factly and cheerfully, with smaller jobs, with Mama or Daddy working too.  Mamas and Daddies, don't ask your kids to work.  Present it as a normal part of life.

Show them that when Mama or Daddy says it, it's non-negotiable.  It's so fun when the toddler and preschooler want to help unload the dishwasher, but when Mama assigns that they must put the silverware away by themselves every day, it eventually loses its shiny fun.  That's the time to keep at it.  That's the time to assign more chores, more jobs.

Be persistent.  Be diligent.  It could take you five times as long to __________, but when they learn to work, it will be worth it.  The obedience learned in the process is also a big deal.  Little obedience eventually leads to big obedience. The work ethic and obedience are the point of the process; moreso than the dishes, raking, folding or whatever it may be.

Don't give up and do it yourself.  Go get them, bring them back many, many, multiple times, if necessary and make them help you finish.  Remember the big picture: "I'm teaching my children to work."

Eventually, after a few victories, you can assign small jobs for them to do on their own.  You may have to go get them, bring them back and make them finish, but again, it will be worth it.

Talk about working with a happy heart.  Talk about working for Jesus.  Talk about accomplishing things that help the family.

Openly praise the children's work in front of Daddy.  Talk about all "your team" accomplished that day around the supper table.

Keep on working.  Our children can do more than we think they can.  Keep on assigning.  Keep on making them finish.  Keep on expecting more.  Keep on working as a family.  Keep on expecting help.

I'm cheering for you, Mamas and Daddies!

Dominique

PS - Blossom2 and Blossom3 are in to nature photography right now.  They've been running off into the woods with my phone.  I think the results are inspiring!

On the Hardest, Most Tiring Days...

"What are the best parts of our days, even when we are tired, 

the progress is slow and the morale is down?"

I asked myself this question this afternoon.  A few things instantly came to mind. 

Listening to audio books ranks at the top of the list!

I ALWAYS have an audio book going in the van.  Always. 

I get recommendations from all my super star homeschooling mama friends and my awesome librarian friends.  These ladies are treasure troves of information. 

Recently, we finished The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street.  It was tale of a family of children, coming together to convince their reclusive and grieving landlord to let them stay.  It was full of mischief, kindness, lessons and humor. 

We moved on to The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden.  It was reminiscent of the Secret Garden.  The story was heartfelt and so inspiring that the little Blossoms have since started a "garden" in the front woods.  I love books that inspire the girls to go, play and try new things. 

Yesterday, I picked up Pippi Longstocking.  I remember reading her escapades as a girl, but none of the girls have really gotten into her adventures yet.  Now, her high jinks and unabashed antics have the Blossoms completely enamored.  We're finding ourselves laughing out loud.  Inwardly, I'm marveling at the lessons entwined in the pages.

On the hardest, most tiring days, when the schedule is full, it is comforting to know that I'm filling their minds and hearts with solid literature. 

“When you read a book as a child, 

it becomes a part of your identity 

in a way that no other reading in your whole life does."

Meg Ryan as Kathleen Kelly,

from "You've Got Mail"

Tips for Tidyness

Do you have trouble keeping your house tidy?  Stop in and check out this old post on an easy to remember cleaning rotation.  I've long held to that same cleaning rotation.  It's still going strong!  It keeps our house in a constant state of general tidiness instead of all of the sudden, everything needing to be cleaned on the same day.  That would be overwhelming!

This idea originally came from Caroline Ingalls of the Little House series.  She had a task for every day.  I found this so inspiring and logical. 

Wash on Mondays
Iron on Tuesdays
Mend on Wednesdays
Churn on Thursdays
Clean on Fridays
Bake on Saturdays
Rest on Sundays

Recently when I was perusing some of my favorite blogs, Jamie Erickson wrote about another little productivity tip over on Simple Homeschool, jumping off of that same idea of Caroline's.  It's a great little read if you're a mama that wants to get a wee bit more organized with a simple tip or two.  While you're at it, why not follow the Simple Homeschool blog?  Jamie Martin always has some great things to share!

Happy Reading!

Dominique

What's "Normal" Around here

Today I:

~ "interrupted" school work to go pick up Bantam chicks for 4-H show animals.

~ trusted the girls to pick chicks based on their markings because the hatchery mixed all the black chicks together.

~ helped the girls sell handmade catnip sachets to a repeat customer we saw when we were out and about.

~ watched Blossom3 do schoolwork with a two week old chick perched on a tissue on her desk.

~ observed Blossom1 soothe said chick with her piano arrangement she's practicing for an upcoming performance.  Apparently, "Sparkle" prefers "The Last Rost of Summer."  I can hardly blame her.

~ tried two new kinds of black tea, including a Christmas blend.  I know it's April, but why does that matter?

~ gave my very honest opinion on chick and baby bunny names.  I love naming things, almost as much as they do!  If any of them turn out to be males, I'm pulling for "Mr. Rochester."

~ was explaining a high school concept to Blossom1, only to turn back to assisting Blossom4 with her schoolwork.  She sat there, calmly waiting, with a pencil hanging out of her nose.

Making History Personal

Studying history with the Blossoms has been a joy with the Time Travelers curriculum, produced by Homeschool in the Woods.  This is our third year using the curriculum and the Rugged Mountain Man and I have been very pleased with what the girls are learning.  Even in late winter, when most of the homeschooling world is ready to abandon the great ship of curriculum, I find this history to be like a breath of fresh air for us.

We are currently knee deep in a study of World War II and specifically, the role of women in that time period.  I love being involved in teaching the girls about history, especially when I can talk about how our families and relatives factor into that big picture. 

It seems that history becomes so much more personable when you can talk about what your own relatives were doing during that particular time period.  In this instance, Blossom3 emailed her great aunt to find out what part her great grandmother played.  It turns out that she had worked in a factory which went from producing pots and pans to producing munitions.  Her great grandma was eventually employed by the Navy!

The excitement that this generated in Blossom3 about history was truly amazing to watch.  It becomes real when we can help our children know their family's part in history.  This is definitely one of my favorite perks of homeschooling!

Like it, Share it

My policy is that if you love a good book, get the word out!  Even Blossom1 commented that I was encouraging everybody to read "Beauty," a book I recently shared with you.  For that reason, I'm relaying a few more of my recent favorites.

~ The Starling & Swift series
by Mary Jane Hathaway or M.J. Mandrake or Virginia Carmichael
This author has never disappointed me.  Her writing is clean, full of excellent literary and poetic references and well-written.  I was so excited when I found out she recently released a set of cozy mysteries.  The main character is an interpreter for the deaf on a cruise ship, so the six books are set in various Caribbean type locations.  Bonus points for the service dog who plays a huge role in the books!  I also could enjoy all the fun canine references for a dog lover like myself.  I continue to heartily recommend anything written by this homeschool mama under any of her three pen names.  (The first book in the series is called Murder at the Mayan Temple.)

~ Trixie Belden and the Happy Valley Mystery #9
by Kathryn Kenny
We're slowly working our way through the Trixie Belden mysteries.  I read them as a girl and they certainly have not lost their appeal to the girls in this house.  It holds all of their attention well, so this is the ninth one I've read aloud to them.  Trixie and her friends are fun, hard-working and respect their parents and each other.  This is the first book that had the barest hints of romantic boy-girl relationship dynamics in it and I really used it to stop and talk about our family's thoughts on the matter.  Overall, another great classic from my girlhood that I enjoyed sharing with the Blossoms.

~ The Princess Bride
by William Goldman
The movie is one of my favorites, so I really wanted to get around to reading this book.  I am firmly in the "Book is better than the Movie" camp and this book reinforced my stance there.  I found the characters to be highly entertaining.  In fact, I felt that I got to know the characters quite a bit better.  Even if you've never seen the movie, you'll enjoy the quirkiness of this timeless story.

If you have a good book recommendation, feel free to email me!

Dominique

White Boards and Forgiveness

You've seen our school room.  We have huge white boards that have aged pretty well for $6 each.  At three years old and under heavy use, I think it's time to replace them. 

I write lists and reminders and lessons there daily, only to erase them to no avail. 

I can still see it all.  

I'm so glad God doesn't forgive like my white boards erase.  

Dominique

PS - A session with a magic eraser fixes it, but I'll be replacing them whenever I get around to another trip to Lowe's.

What I've Been Reading Lately

I love the way a good book is restful.  I enjoy how a good book can reinforce good morals.  I savor the way carefully chosen literature is the best kind of wholesome entertainment.  Here's a glimpse into what I've enjoyed reading lately.

~ Beauty: A Retelling of the story of Beauty and the Beast
by Robin McKinley
What caught my eye when I stumbled on this gem was that it was lauded to be a "squeaky clean" fairy tale retelling.  Sign. me. up.   It did not disappoint!  The writing was exquisite and the descriptions were superb, painting Thomas Kinkade like pictures in my minds' eye.  If you saw the Disney movie as a child, I'd put this on your list for sure.  Blossom1 and Blossom2 read it multiple times too.  You know it was clean if I let them read it.

~ The Cherokee Trail
by Louis L'amour
I've never read anything by this author, despite his fame and reputation for Western classics.  As kids, we watched an old movie series called "Five Mile Creek."  It was about a woman trying to make a go of a way station beside a stage coach line.  That series was based on this book and once I knew that, I HAD to read it.  It was a strong female character, working against the odds to provide for her daughter.  I found it believable and humorous.  I enjoyed the Western setting, the diverse set of characters and the entertaining situations she finds herself in.  What an entertaining read!

~ Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Bronte
I'd never read this classic and decided to give it a go, despite negative preconceived ideas I had about it.  It's a story of a girl who did not have a loving home or family her whole life.  Her story is told in language and writing that was deserving of "classic status."  She finds love, but chooses to make a hard decision, based on principle.  Throughout the book, her steps seem directed by Providence.  Her life looks a bit like a tapestry - knotty and tangled up close, but in hindsight, the beautiful weaving takes masterful shape.  I feel like my 19 year old self would not have appreciated this classic, like my 38 year old self does.  Jane inspired me.  I'll definitely be flipping back through to reread my highlights for days to come.  And I'll have to convince the girls to name a rabbit Mr. Rochester.

Dominique