Question: How do you handle silliness at the dinner table and in the car. I want my kids to have fun but when they start saying thinks like poopie, underwear... etc. What do I do? I have scolded and given time outs. He is almost 4 years old. I have heard of people putting hot sauce on their tongue for offences of the mouth.What are your thoughts and ways? It seems inevitable that kids get silly with their words. Where do you draw the line?
Answer: I have never liked the thought of using hot sauce. I personally can't stand hot sauce- makes my mouth burn for hours. I don't want my punishments to hurt for hours.
I mostly don't expose my kids to people who says things like that- so they never learned it. That's my first line of defense.
A small child will hear things though- they are not in a bubble after all- So I will tell them that those are not words mommy likes. That gets rid of a lot. They want to please mommy and those words hurt mommies feelings.
A four year old can usually be stopped by telling them to stop. Then get them talking about something they like! If not, I personally would spank them. Spanking is not punishment in my house- it is a training tool. This behavior causes this sting on the backside. Everything else stops. Mom is not happy. It is not a joke. Again it is MOM'S attitude that is important. I spank with a plastic spoon- it has the koolaid smile on it. LOL! I spank through clothing. It is NOT the pain ( never leaves a mark). It is the situation. Mom is serious. You are bent over the couch and POP. One good swat makes the joke gone. You are now listening. You are turned around to face mom who is kneeling down to your height. "Now, honey, in our house we don't say that.I expect you to stop. Understand? Ok, give me a hug. I love you and want you to growup to be a person people like to be around- because you are so special!"
Mom's need to NEVER look or act harrassed. Nothing a kid does is to be taken PERSONALLY. instead remove the personal insult and think of it as your job to train them into PEOPLE that other people can stand! HAHA!If you THINK they can not be stopped- they can't. But if you KNOW children can be trained, then your job is easy. A DOG can be trained to do anything. Come on mom- dogs are dumb. I love dogs- have three myself- but they are not smart like a child! A child can LEARN how to act. They only need boundries. Set those and keep them. Hugs, Barbara
PS-Where to draw the line. Draw it where YOU are happy. You never should cringe in your own house/car. ;)
Question/ comment: I just want to say, "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!" I know you are just speaking about what you have learned and that the Lord wants to share the same things with all moms. Yet, I want to tell you that you sharing from you life, what you've learned has so encouraged me tonight. I have been able to look at my own relationship with my children and seen where I am doing things wrong. Also, I can see where God has been pointing me to do things better than I am doing and you have been used by Him this evening. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I will be looking into getting your book. Thank you for giving me this gift.
Answer: Thank you! It is so nice to hear that my words helped someone! When you put things out there on a computer- you never know how they are coming across!I hope you get and enjoy the book. I often get letters and emails from people who are just stunned by my story. They figure anyone with this many kids must live a fairy tale life. It is refreshing just to hear another mom say- yep, I have been where you are and really understand. And I really do because I am a REAL person, not a character in a made up book. :) Hugs, Barbara
I just wanted to thank each of you ladies for the questions and comments! This was great fun for me. I hope I did not miss any of the questions- I tried to answer each one! If I did miss one please remind me!! And of course you can still ask questions here!May you each be blessed as you go about your day today! Give yourself a great big hug from me! And hug those kids! They will grow-up faster than you can imagine. Trust me, I know. Hugs, Barbara
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Ask the mother of 14 continued
Question: I am just weeks from delivering our third child. The others are almost 4 and just turned 2. I don't have much help from others. To be honest I feel alittle bitter at the church because very few even ask if I could use help or a break. My father died 15 years ago and my mom has Alzheimer's, my father in law died 5 years ago and my mother in law is 82. We just don't have family around to help.Did you have help from family or church when you were starting out.... the first 4 or 5 kids?Another bit I would love from you is ..... a couple of recipe favorites.Oh.. what church do you go to?
Answer: I never had help either. My mom would come for the delivery ( I had c-sections remember) but would always leave before I was even out of the hospital. She did not live in the same state and worked then. My husband would take only the days off while I was in the hospital. I was on my own. We did have church friends, but since we live an hour away from where we went to church- no help there.( a non-denominational church) A few times the ladies would bring out a meal or two.
I learned to freeze meals before. So all we had to do was take it out in the morning to thaw. Then pop it in the oven to bake. I would freeze rolls ahead, and do the same thing. We might add a canned or frozen veggie some meals. That got me through the first few months. It was still home-made food and you can't tell the difference.
I know it is hard to not have help. It was hard for me too. But there was nothing I could do about it. Getting upset only made it worse for ME. So I just decided to make a way to get things done myself- and I did. It paid off. I love having all these kids! May you find a place of peace in your heart about your situation. And CONGRATULATIONS on expecting a new baby soon!! I am green with envy! Hugs, Barbara
Question: ok, its me again, forgive me if this was already asked. how do you keep your house clean???? I assume everyone has chores, but that in itself its work to supervise!
Answer: Yes, everyone has chores. They are on a chart. Each person knows what to do- and they do it. We do a quick pick up each evening too. The only thing I have to say is, "Time to do your chores children" and they go. If you do a LOT of training while they are small then you have to do little else once they are big. ;)They KNOW mama means what she says- so mama don't have to say much! LOL!
I hear a lot from mom's about kids not listening. Ladies- grow a spine! A marine sargent can take a huge group of 18 and 19 year olds and whip them into shape in a week! In a day they are "yes Sir" "No Sir", making beds, peeling potatoes, scubbing floors, doing anything asked of them. Are they beaten into submission? no. A drill instructor does not "ask" them to do things. He "tells" them and EXPECTS they will obey.
Most mom's figure they won't obey and so they get kids that don't.You don't have to yell like your in the Marines- you are a lady AND have God's authority. But you DO have to mean what you say! A kid knows the difference. They also know how far they can go before they hit your "This is final" order.Make the FIRST time the final order! Saves time and energy!! Hugs, Barbara
PS-One more thing on the house. Have things done right away. Dishes need washed after each meal. Don't let anything like that build up! Do laundry daily. It takes much less brain time to keep it done, than to have to do a huge mountain all in one day! And the house looks better all week!
Question: I do, I do!!! Did you ever try to select the sex of any of your babies? Meaning did you do anything to select for better odds of having a boy or girl by doing anything and DID it work? Thanks in advance!
Answer: We never did anything. We just took what God gave us! LOL! Mine are (remeber I did not give birth to the first):G,G,B,B,B,B,B,B,G,G,B,G,G ( and one we miscarried too small to tell- get to find out once we get to heaven!)I have heard there are things you can do to make girls or boys, but don't know what they are. HAHA! I DO know the twins were conceived at the same time ;) and they are one Boy, one Girl. Hugs, Barbara
Answer: I never had help either. My mom would come for the delivery ( I had c-sections remember) but would always leave before I was even out of the hospital. She did not live in the same state and worked then. My husband would take only the days off while I was in the hospital. I was on my own. We did have church friends, but since we live an hour away from where we went to church- no help there.( a non-denominational church) A few times the ladies would bring out a meal or two.
I learned to freeze meals before. So all we had to do was take it out in the morning to thaw. Then pop it in the oven to bake. I would freeze rolls ahead, and do the same thing. We might add a canned or frozen veggie some meals. That got me through the first few months. It was still home-made food and you can't tell the difference.
I know it is hard to not have help. It was hard for me too. But there was nothing I could do about it. Getting upset only made it worse for ME. So I just decided to make a way to get things done myself- and I did. It paid off. I love having all these kids! May you find a place of peace in your heart about your situation. And CONGRATULATIONS on expecting a new baby soon!! I am green with envy! Hugs, Barbara
Question: ok, its me again, forgive me if this was already asked. how do you keep your house clean???? I assume everyone has chores, but that in itself its work to supervise!
Answer: Yes, everyone has chores. They are on a chart. Each person knows what to do- and they do it. We do a quick pick up each evening too. The only thing I have to say is, "Time to do your chores children" and they go. If you do a LOT of training while they are small then you have to do little else once they are big. ;)They KNOW mama means what she says- so mama don't have to say much! LOL!
I hear a lot from mom's about kids not listening. Ladies- grow a spine! A marine sargent can take a huge group of 18 and 19 year olds and whip them into shape in a week! In a day they are "yes Sir" "No Sir", making beds, peeling potatoes, scubbing floors, doing anything asked of them. Are they beaten into submission? no. A drill instructor does not "ask" them to do things. He "tells" them and EXPECTS they will obey.
Most mom's figure they won't obey and so they get kids that don't.You don't have to yell like your in the Marines- you are a lady AND have God's authority. But you DO have to mean what you say! A kid knows the difference. They also know how far they can go before they hit your "This is final" order.Make the FIRST time the final order! Saves time and energy!! Hugs, Barbara
PS-One more thing on the house. Have things done right away. Dishes need washed after each meal. Don't let anything like that build up! Do laundry daily. It takes much less brain time to keep it done, than to have to do a huge mountain all in one day! And the house looks better all week!
Question: I do, I do!!! Did you ever try to select the sex of any of your babies? Meaning did you do anything to select for better odds of having a boy or girl by doing anything and DID it work? Thanks in advance!
Answer: We never did anything. We just took what God gave us! LOL! Mine are (remeber I did not give birth to the first):G,G,B,B,B,B,B,B,G,G,B,G,G ( and one we miscarried too small to tell- get to find out once we get to heaven!)I have heard there are things you can do to make girls or boys, but don't know what they are. HAHA! I DO know the twins were conceived at the same time ;) and they are one Boy, one Girl. Hugs, Barbara
Ask a mother of 14 continued
Question: hi barbara,i have 8 children and i am really struggling with getting a schedule put in place. what is your advice?blessings
Answer: With 8 kids you need order. Does not have to be rigid but you do need a schedule. If you don't have things laid out in writing, you will spend all your time with every dodging work!
Sit down WITH the kids. make a list of all the daily chores that must be done.
Here is ours for an example:
Dishes- breakfast( lunch,dinner are scheduled also to different children).
Sweep and pick up livingroom
Sweep and pick up kitchen
Sweep, mop pink bathroom
Sweep, mop blue bathroom
Coats and shoes area picked-up
Hall swept and cat litter cleaned
Each of my children that are home all day, does one of these for a week at a time. (Except my 6 year old. She is not alone on the schedule yet- she is another childs "helper" each day)
They do it every morning after breakfast. The schedule rotates, so eventually everyone one does each job- then the schedule begins over again.
You have small children that won't be alone either. REALLY small kids are just to get dressed! LOL!But figure out what each child CAN do. At 7 my kids can clean any room in the house alone. :) Not DEEP clean like an adult, but enough that company can drop over and we wouldn't faint. Make yourself a schedule that is do-able.
You can put yourself on there if you want to, since you have fewer older kids. I am not on ours. I DEEP clean ONE room a day. I just rotate through them one by one, then begin again. That way the fact that I have little kids that miss things never shows up. :) I am the one who cleans toilets and tubs, washes out the dish drainer, cleans light fixtures, things like that
.I tend to be the one to start laundry as I putter around. All my kids can though, and if I am busy when the bell rings on the dryer I ask who-ever is in sight. ;) It goes into baskets all day. After school and before supper we fold. Each kid does a basket. Then it HAS to be put away before we eat- since we fold on the table. :)Making a schedule saves time. No fighting over who did- or did not do what. No having to remember who did the job last either. Anything not done is trace-able! Pare the work down so it is do-able on a schedule.
With 8 kids to take care of and school, you have to decide what is important. other things might be good, but not in THIS season of your life.
One more thing. Use that 15 year old as a helper, but don't make her carry too heavy a burden. It is easy to do. I have seen big families do that- and that older daughter tends to get a lot of head-aches. She is not mom. She IS old enough to carry her weight and a bit more. So let her do a bit more, but spoil her with a girls day out once in awhile too! Hugs, Barbara
Answer: With 8 kids you need order. Does not have to be rigid but you do need a schedule. If you don't have things laid out in writing, you will spend all your time with every dodging work!
Sit down WITH the kids. make a list of all the daily chores that must be done.
Here is ours for an example:
Dishes- breakfast( lunch,dinner are scheduled also to different children).
Sweep and pick up livingroom
Sweep and pick up kitchen
Sweep, mop pink bathroom
Sweep, mop blue bathroom
Coats and shoes area picked-up
Hall swept and cat litter cleaned
Each of my children that are home all day, does one of these for a week at a time. (Except my 6 year old. She is not alone on the schedule yet- she is another childs "helper" each day)
They do it every morning after breakfast. The schedule rotates, so eventually everyone one does each job- then the schedule begins over again.
You have small children that won't be alone either. REALLY small kids are just to get dressed! LOL!But figure out what each child CAN do. At 7 my kids can clean any room in the house alone. :) Not DEEP clean like an adult, but enough that company can drop over and we wouldn't faint. Make yourself a schedule that is do-able.
You can put yourself on there if you want to, since you have fewer older kids. I am not on ours. I DEEP clean ONE room a day. I just rotate through them one by one, then begin again. That way the fact that I have little kids that miss things never shows up. :) I am the one who cleans toilets and tubs, washes out the dish drainer, cleans light fixtures, things like that
.I tend to be the one to start laundry as I putter around. All my kids can though, and if I am busy when the bell rings on the dryer I ask who-ever is in sight. ;) It goes into baskets all day. After school and before supper we fold. Each kid does a basket. Then it HAS to be put away before we eat- since we fold on the table. :)Making a schedule saves time. No fighting over who did- or did not do what. No having to remember who did the job last either. Anything not done is trace-able! Pare the work down so it is do-able on a schedule.
With 8 kids to take care of and school, you have to decide what is important. other things might be good, but not in THIS season of your life.
One more thing. Use that 15 year old as a helper, but don't make her carry too heavy a burden. It is easy to do. I have seen big families do that- and that older daughter tends to get a lot of head-aches. She is not mom. She IS old enough to carry her weight and a bit more. So let her do a bit more, but spoil her with a girls day out once in awhile too! Hugs, Barbara
Ask a mother of 14 continued
Question: I love this thread also. I have 5 small kids ages 9 to 4. How do you handle the stress when several kids are having a bad day at the same time. Such as when, in my case, the oldest is whining because he has too much school work and he'll never get it done. The 6 year old is running around the house and jumping off the couch when he should be doing his school work. One 5 year old is screaming because life isn't fair (and her meds aren't working well). One 5 year old is in the pantry eating marshmallows (She climbed on a bucket which she pulled to the door so that she could unlock the pantry). The 4 year old won't put the puppy down and change her clothes which she has pottied in for the 3rd time that day. Obviously, this is just one of my examples, but how do you handle the stress and get everyone back on track?
Answer: Your answer lies in your first line:"I have 5 small kids" That is TRUE.
Do you allow yourself to function in that truth?
I often see moms with these huge, high expectations of what their life should be like. We watched to much "Leave it to Beaver" and "The Brady Bunch" growing up!! The mom was perfect. The kids -even when in trouble- were perfect. The house was perfect (Kids lived there?? there was no sign of them!)Well, Beavers mom had her kids in school all day. They were not there long enough to mess things up! And the Bradys were not only in school- but had a full time, live-in maid!!
Have we even had a bad day? Duh.
I think it is the moon. It pulls the tides and maybe our brains?? LOL!
My advice? First get your house in order. A cluttered house adds to the recipe for disaster.
Second, find a way to do school that is not so labor intensive for you. Keep school short and sweet. You will actually get more real learning in.
Third, when THOSE days happen- go with it. Have the 5 year old dump the marshmallows in a big pot for you. Having the climbing 6 year old climp up and get a box of cereal. Have the other 5 year old get a spoon. Tell the 4 year old to change so he can help cook- AND WASH HIS HANDS! Have the 9 year old measure out butter and cereal (math for the day) Then make rice crispy treats together.Take them to a blanket spread on the livingroom floor. Take turns reading with the 9 year old outloud while everyone eats treats and listens. Make your voices funny as you read to keep them entertained. Then get out paper and colors. Have everyone draw a picture of you making treats today to give to daddy when he come in. Then everyone go into the kitchen and make a game of making a special supper for dad. The 9 year old can stir. The others can fetch supplies and dump things in. Let them set the table fancy. Go find pretty flowers (weeds? leaves?) to put on the table. Count (math) out plates, forks, glasses. Put on music while you are working! (art appreciation) Then go outside while supper is in the oven. Make welcome home daddy pictures with chalk on the driveway or porch (writing AND art)
Learn to look at life with fun in mind. School is really a fake thing. It is the name we gave to learning how to LIVE. Real learning can take on many forms. ;) Be sure to tell dad what a great school day you had! Hugs, Barbara
Answer: Your answer lies in your first line:"I have 5 small kids" That is TRUE.
Do you allow yourself to function in that truth?
I often see moms with these huge, high expectations of what their life should be like. We watched to much "Leave it to Beaver" and "The Brady Bunch" growing up!! The mom was perfect. The kids -even when in trouble- were perfect. The house was perfect (Kids lived there?? there was no sign of them!)Well, Beavers mom had her kids in school all day. They were not there long enough to mess things up! And the Bradys were not only in school- but had a full time, live-in maid!!
Have we even had a bad day? Duh.
I think it is the moon. It pulls the tides and maybe our brains?? LOL!
My advice? First get your house in order. A cluttered house adds to the recipe for disaster.
Second, find a way to do school that is not so labor intensive for you. Keep school short and sweet. You will actually get more real learning in.
Third, when THOSE days happen- go with it. Have the 5 year old dump the marshmallows in a big pot for you. Having the climbing 6 year old climp up and get a box of cereal. Have the other 5 year old get a spoon. Tell the 4 year old to change so he can help cook- AND WASH HIS HANDS! Have the 9 year old measure out butter and cereal (math for the day) Then make rice crispy treats together.Take them to a blanket spread on the livingroom floor. Take turns reading with the 9 year old outloud while everyone eats treats and listens. Make your voices funny as you read to keep them entertained. Then get out paper and colors. Have everyone draw a picture of you making treats today to give to daddy when he come in. Then everyone go into the kitchen and make a game of making a special supper for dad. The 9 year old can stir. The others can fetch supplies and dump things in. Let them set the table fancy. Go find pretty flowers (weeds? leaves?) to put on the table. Count (math) out plates, forks, glasses. Put on music while you are working! (art appreciation) Then go outside while supper is in the oven. Make welcome home daddy pictures with chalk on the driveway or porch (writing AND art)
Learn to look at life with fun in mind. School is really a fake thing. It is the name we gave to learning how to LIVE. Real learning can take on many forms. ;) Be sure to tell dad what a great school day you had! Hugs, Barbara
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ask a mother of 14 continued
Question: What great advice you give. I really enjoyed this thread. It makes me feel like I could go and have a bunch more kids and be just fine. If only the hubby would agree to it... I also love your humor! Thanks:)
Answer: Keep in mind MY husband said TWO kids.... LOL! Our 14 kids love to remind him of that!!!! Hugs, Barbara
Question: I'm having a hard time managing my almost 3 yo dd while my boys, 2nd & 5th grade are doing their lessons. Any advice?
Answer: Delete
A 3 year old needs a lot of attention. I know it can be hard to juggle so many things. It helps if you can cement in your mind that the 3 year old is just being NORMAL. When your oldest was 3, they needed the same amount of attention, you just did not have anyone else taking up YOUR attention.
That said, it helps to involve little ones as much as you can. When the older ones are working, have "school" things for the 3 year old. Things he ONLY gets during "school" time. Like a puzzle, playdough, blocks, water painting books, certain coloring books, even a video- things like that. If he ONLY gets them when the other two are working on school, they will keep him more entertained than if they are things he gets to play with all the time.
Also, a 3 year old should be napping daily. I always did math with my older ones during nap time- since that is usually the most one on one subject.And for heaven sake- teach your kids to do school work alone! Once they can read well, let them see what they can do with-out you. I am a resource for my kids. They come to me when they are stuck! Encourage them to work alone. That frees you to play with your 3 year old! (workboxes are great for helping them gain this independance) Hugs, Barbara
Answer: Keep in mind MY husband said TWO kids.... LOL! Our 14 kids love to remind him of that!!!! Hugs, Barbara
Question: I'm having a hard time managing my almost 3 yo dd while my boys, 2nd & 5th grade are doing their lessons. Any advice?
Answer: Delete
A 3 year old needs a lot of attention. I know it can be hard to juggle so many things. It helps if you can cement in your mind that the 3 year old is just being NORMAL. When your oldest was 3, they needed the same amount of attention, you just did not have anyone else taking up YOUR attention.
That said, it helps to involve little ones as much as you can. When the older ones are working, have "school" things for the 3 year old. Things he ONLY gets during "school" time. Like a puzzle, playdough, blocks, water painting books, certain coloring books, even a video- things like that. If he ONLY gets them when the other two are working on school, they will keep him more entertained than if they are things he gets to play with all the time.
Also, a 3 year old should be napping daily. I always did math with my older ones during nap time- since that is usually the most one on one subject.And for heaven sake- teach your kids to do school work alone! Once they can read well, let them see what they can do with-out you. I am a resource for my kids. They come to me when they are stuck! Encourage them to work alone. That frees you to play with your 3 year old! (workboxes are great for helping them gain this independance) Hugs, Barbara
Ask a mother of 14 continued
Question: Hi Barbara ! I think your book will be a great read and hope to order it soon! It has been soooo nice to hear your words of wisdom and to be able to hear how "real" you are!I have 5 children. I have been homeschooling for 4 years now, and I am STILL struggling to do it right! Of course I know that what is right for one family may not be right for another...but I still haven't found the right curriculum...and been able to stay consistent with it. I really believe in homeschooling, but have been struggling this week..thinking I want to call it quits.FIRST, thanks so much for this post. It has reminded me, ONCE AGAIN, of what's really important, Loving my kids. I know that I can do this...that God has given me these children for a reason. He will help me!SECOND, how did you, or do you, school your kids?? I am trying to teach my 5, but it's not getting done to my satisfaction. Also, do you go by the public schools year? or do you teach all year long? Off and on??Thanks so much for your help! God bless! and Hugs back to you!!!
Answer: Thank you for asking about this! I think you summed up what a LOT of mom's feel! We are all "struggling to get it right". We are convinced the "right" curriculum will make everything smooth- if we could just find that magic curriculum!
Well, I HAVE FOUND IT! Wanna know which one it is????
Well, there is a rule. You can't tell anyone once you know. Each mom must go on her own quest. You have to find a high mountain. You must crawl up it on your hands and knees. There is a dragon up there. You must either give it the perfect gift, or kill it. Then....Naw, just kidding.
The truth is that any curriculum is the perfect one- if you like using it. :) The perfect one will be different for each mom and each child. Really. Stop your magic quest. Instead think about what you like to do. How does your child learn best- things other than "school"? Then match yourself with those kind of things. I had friends who ooohh'ed and aaaah'ed over a certain kind of math books. So our first year we bought those. After a few weeks, each time it was math time- I began to hope a bus would crash into the house and put me out of my misery. ( Ok, it was not QUITE that bad). But guess what? Now we like math. (well, reasonably well!) Why? because I pitched those books and tried something different!
Sharing exactly what I do in my house might muck you up. It might not fit your kids or you. If you want to risk it ask again. :)But I do want to tell you this! Join the WORKBOX group here on THL! No matter what curriculum you use- or don't use (that is a hint about my school) it will help you. I host that group now. :) I have homeschooled over 18 years now, and always loved homeschooling....and using workboxes has made this our best year ever!!I do school all my kids. I have graduated several. I have 8 more to go! We school all year. We do a short schedule in the summer. We love school around here! Hugs, Barbara
Answer: Thank you for asking about this! I think you summed up what a LOT of mom's feel! We are all "struggling to get it right". We are convinced the "right" curriculum will make everything smooth- if we could just find that magic curriculum!
Well, I HAVE FOUND IT! Wanna know which one it is????
Well, there is a rule. You can't tell anyone once you know. Each mom must go on her own quest. You have to find a high mountain. You must crawl up it on your hands and knees. There is a dragon up there. You must either give it the perfect gift, or kill it. Then....Naw, just kidding.
The truth is that any curriculum is the perfect one- if you like using it. :) The perfect one will be different for each mom and each child. Really. Stop your magic quest. Instead think about what you like to do. How does your child learn best- things other than "school"? Then match yourself with those kind of things. I had friends who ooohh'ed and aaaah'ed over a certain kind of math books. So our first year we bought those. After a few weeks, each time it was math time- I began to hope a bus would crash into the house and put me out of my misery. ( Ok, it was not QUITE that bad). But guess what? Now we like math. (well, reasonably well!) Why? because I pitched those books and tried something different!
Sharing exactly what I do in my house might muck you up. It might not fit your kids or you. If you want to risk it ask again. :)But I do want to tell you this! Join the WORKBOX group here on THL! No matter what curriculum you use- or don't use (that is a hint about my school) it will help you. I host that group now. :) I have homeschooled over 18 years now, and always loved homeschooling....and using workboxes has made this our best year ever!!I do school all my kids. I have graduated several. I have 8 more to go! We school all year. We do a short schedule in the summer. We love school around here! Hugs, Barbara
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ask a mother of 14 continued
Question/ comment: Tiany said:
This post is such a HUGE gift!! This very post ... "our seasoned moms sharing all that they have learned" is exactly what THL is all about! Thank you so much Barbara!!!Ladies the wisdom Barbara has to share is endless. :-)She did not ask me to share this but I want everyone to be aware and take advantage of this generous offer...She has offered her book to all the moms on THL at a reduced rate of $15 (this includes shipping)Thank you Barbara!!!
Answer: Delete
Thank you Tiany for sharing about the book!
I so enjoy sharing with mom's, but I think each mom has to find her own deep well of joy, if she wants to be a successful homeschooling mom. We can not give what we do not have- so each mom needs to have a solid foundation of joy in her own life.Many mom's have a heart full of love, a pocketfull of school ideas, and a real lack of happiness. We search for the perfect books or ideas that will make our homeschools a place of peace and joy. We try our best, and feel like we are failing.
It really has nothing to do with books or grades. It really is our heart condition- we are not connected in a real tangible way to our Creator. We are trying to get through the days on our own. We are left feeling empty and sad.
And sadly, many mom's look to that big yellow bus to solve the problem.No problem is ever solved by shipping it off though.
The truth is it is not our kids or books. It is us. We have been taught about salvation and we believe. Yet the power we should have is not there. Why?Because we only got the beginning of the journey! No one ever took the time to show us the rest of the path! The Bible seems hard to understand- because we have always been told it is hard! The Bible seems like a rule book, instead of the love letter it really is!
In my book I walk you verse by verse into a new world of joy! Into a joy that can not be shaken! I show you joy where you least expect it! You will never read the Bible the same way again! Bible study will never seem dry or difficult again! Joy will pop out of the pages and into your heart!I truly wish I had a ton of money- so I could give the book to each mom I meet! I hope this $15 special will help get the books into the hands of more women who need to hear my message of joy! If you can ladies, please buy a copy- read it- and then pass it on!We all carry so much baggage and guilt around with us. It keeps us stuck in the past. God wants us moving forward in joy! Loved, forgiven, and happy! I hope in my small way I can help you find your way. Hugs, Barbara
This post is such a HUGE gift!! This very post ... "our seasoned moms sharing all that they have learned" is exactly what THL is all about! Thank you so much Barbara!!!Ladies the wisdom Barbara has to share is endless. :-)She did not ask me to share this but I want everyone to be aware and take advantage of this generous offer...She has offered her book to all the moms on THL at a reduced rate of $15 (this includes shipping)Thank you Barbara!!!
Answer: Delete
Thank you Tiany for sharing about the book!
I so enjoy sharing with mom's, but I think each mom has to find her own deep well of joy, if she wants to be a successful homeschooling mom. We can not give what we do not have- so each mom needs to have a solid foundation of joy in her own life.Many mom's have a heart full of love, a pocketfull of school ideas, and a real lack of happiness. We search for the perfect books or ideas that will make our homeschools a place of peace and joy. We try our best, and feel like we are failing.
It really has nothing to do with books or grades. It really is our heart condition- we are not connected in a real tangible way to our Creator. We are trying to get through the days on our own. We are left feeling empty and sad.
And sadly, many mom's look to that big yellow bus to solve the problem.No problem is ever solved by shipping it off though.
The truth is it is not our kids or books. It is us. We have been taught about salvation and we believe. Yet the power we should have is not there. Why?Because we only got the beginning of the journey! No one ever took the time to show us the rest of the path! The Bible seems hard to understand- because we have always been told it is hard! The Bible seems like a rule book, instead of the love letter it really is!
In my book I walk you verse by verse into a new world of joy! Into a joy that can not be shaken! I show you joy where you least expect it! You will never read the Bible the same way again! Bible study will never seem dry or difficult again! Joy will pop out of the pages and into your heart!I truly wish I had a ton of money- so I could give the book to each mom I meet! I hope this $15 special will help get the books into the hands of more women who need to hear my message of joy! If you can ladies, please buy a copy- read it- and then pass it on!We all carry so much baggage and guilt around with us. It keeps us stuck in the past. God wants us moving forward in joy! Loved, forgiven, and happy! I hope in my small way I can help you find your way. Hugs, Barbara
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