So Much To Do Saturday.....

* figure out the button hole setting on the new sewing machine - so I can

* finish those pajama bottoms

* get the new quilt top in the frame

* bake some cookies to restock the freezer

* stand in during the chores for teens who are at work

* bake some more bread

* set up Sunday dinner plans
* spend some time with my precious family

What's on your list today?

Working out the Weeds

   Every afternoon this week the farm kids and I have spent our time bent over the rows. With hoes in hand we are preparing the soil for spring planting. There is so much left to do.

   Gathering a bucket nearby, clumps of weeds and waste are hauled away from the garden space to make room for productive plants. These "greens" serve there purpose in the hen's yard providing nutrients for my sweet laying flock.

   It's achy and frustrating work weeding the garden; but no less than weeding the unproductive "weeds" in my life. I spend a lot of time pondering in the garden plots and today my heart wanders over to the unproductive "weeds" that have sprung up in my daily life.

   Being honest with ourselves is the first step in recognizing these undesirable plants. They leech vital nutrients from the soil and starve out the productive work in our live. As I fill the bucket with garden weeds, I made a list of personal "weeds".

*media; TV, Internet, magazines, papers, books, etc.

*social outlets; phone, text, Internet, email

*driving; wasted trips, unplanned shopping, unnecessary errands

*lack of routine; just plain not knowing what needs done and doing it

*poor stewardship; in diet, in activity, in time...huge energy drainers

   Not an exhaustive list by far, but a good start. For me the time in the garden was not only spent working the soil for my plants, but working the soil in my heart; my mind; my soul. Reflecting on these things gave me perspective of the countless ways to improve my daily activity. This does not mean I shut the door on all things on the list never to open it again; good grief. It means to use them wisely and make them count. Conversations that run too long often lead to gossip; too much media can lead to depression or discontent. The price of gas forces me to reconsider our trips here and there consolidating as much as possible. Being a good steward is respectful to my Lord and my husband who have graciously blessed me with the privilege of being at home, teaching our kids and maintaining our little farm.

   With one garden field clean and ready we must move on to the next; weeding is a never ending process- both in the garden and in our hearts. What are you weeding out this week?

simplychele

Way to Go!

   Our oldest teen has been taking duel credit classes at our local college for the past few years now. Recently she was accepted into the Honors program there. Her application was just accepted and her first class contract is now underway. What a way to finish her high school senior year; way to go!

Farmboy Shares ......

   Joining me today, our farmboy..and he has written today's post. Desiring the skills of self defense as well as structured discipline with strong mentors he began mixed martial art classes when the new year began. Training in the art of Muay Thai (one part of the mixed martial arts program) has become a passionate pursuit- and he has decided to share a little background on this sport with you. 

     Muay Thai is a martial art which uses the hands, feet, knees, and elbows; originating in Thailand and was used as a military combat; it was later used in ring fights. Before the 1930’s Muay Thai fighters used “rope wrappings” for their hands and a pillow for protective gear. A seashell was then used for a cup because it was legal to hit the groin, however after the police investigated the sport in the 1930’s, they banned the “rope wrappings” and also banned hitting in the groin. Now Muay Thai is a national sport that teaches self defense, national and international ring fighting, and self control. I enjoy Muay Thai for its exercise, the joy of sparring, and help encouraging the smaller children when they come. To me Muay Thai is a fun sport which allows me to have fun and learn new things which I can share with my friends and family.

~Farmboy

Educating....Teaching Multiple Levels

   As our children began to grow, school took on new challenges to demand our creativity. One such challenge was how to teach different levels together. Our children are each two years apart; their grade levels are also two years apart. My mind was racing with the possibility of teaching three different grades at one time and I found very few willing to offer guidance in how to get it all done.
   When I taught in a classroom, my goal had always been to teach the spectrum meaning every learning style and learning level in the classroom was reached in each subject. With this in mind I decided to develop a one room schoolhouse plan of teaching.
  
This means:
*all students in the same subject at the same time; all together around the table
*all students in class at the same time (seated and ready with supplies)
*the younger student's lessons will be a review for the older
*older student's lessons will be taught as the younger start their independant work (reading or independent assignment)
*we had to develop a plan for times when one must wait on my help
  - a younger could ask an available older for help
  - a student could simply move on in the lesson until someone is available
  - study sheets could be reviewed while they wait

   It isn't always easy and sometimes there just isn't enough of me to go around. One blessing to my husband's late shift job has been his ability to assist in some of our studies (especially higher math) that require plenty of one-on-one teaching. I now notice as they have become high school aged, they work more independently..my role seems more "tutor" than teacher...and it is good.
   In the one room setting we notice a mentor relationship developing in the siblings as well as the ability to encourage each other as well as discuss ideas together. Some subjects were done in unit study form; for example Literature lent well being taught to the group yet at individual levels. We all read the same books, but the assignments for each student were different yet shared together when completed.
   We are upper level educating these days with one graduating this year..so my classroom will take on more and more changes with each new year. As they start college courses my mind wanders back to the tough days; my heart ponders the paths we have trod together...I realize...there is no regret for the decision to home school; nor to use the one room school house style to teach multiple levels.

simplychele