Colourful Children

Educating the WholeHearted Child -- A Giveaway for the Best Book Ever!

2011-06-30T08:52:00.000+12:00

<i>Educating the WholeHearted Child</i> -- A Giveaway for the Best Book Ever!

Chiro Care for learning

2011-05-06T13:43:00.000+12:00

Have you considered Chiropractic care for your child who has learning disabilities? We are currently seeing a wonderful doctor who does cranial chiropractic care (as well as the usual). We are learning many things about the brain that can affect us and how we learn. You might like to read up about the topic here.

Around 3 to 10 percent of all school age children are affected with learning disabilities. These range from speech and language disorders to other areas such as dyslexia, ADD, ADHD etc.

It has been reported that parents who have undertaken chiropractic care for their children, they have noticed improved sleeping, improved attitude and behaviour and improved immune system function.

While Chiropractic care is not a cure for all, it can help combined with good diet, exercise, adjustments can make a difference.

Song for Those with Disabilities

2010-09-20T20:24:00.000+12:00

Within the womb I formed you

I fashioned and made each part

I thought of your fingers, your hands and your feet

Your mouth, your lungs, your heart

Though you might think that you're different

I made you the way that you are

So you could discover the God who made you

And find out all I am

And though you might think you have limitations

There are no limits with me

When you turn your eyes to my salvation

Finally you will see

In Me, you have all that you need

In Me, you have all that you need

In Me, you have all that you'll ever need.

And I've heard each prayer that you've called out

"Why did you make me this way?"

You may not completely understand now

But there will be a day

When I make everything known to you

And what you don't now understand

You will see that I'm wise and I'm mighty and good

Just like all my plans

And if you trust in the work of my Son

One day you will see

That I've made you the way you are

To draw your heart to me

To draw your heart to me.

By Bob Kauflin, Sovereign Grace Music

Finding Similar Blogs

2010-09-06T10:50:00.000+12:00

Have you wondered how to find blogs that are of a similar nature? I know I have and found it hard in the beginning to find exactly what I was looking for. Then I discovered Google Alerts. This is a great tool to have come straight to your inbox, loaded with sites that will be along the same vein as you are looking for. I have my own google alert page and have it set for quite a few topics. One that particularly interests me is Charlotte Mason. So I type in that, check the boxes of where I want these to be found (for instance the whole world wide web or just blogs etc. I usually tick only blogs because with the www you can get some links that aren't what you are looking for at all.
Anyway if this tool sounds helpful to you then visit GOOGLE ALERTS Hope it helps you as you search for likeminded blogs.

Charlotte Mason Made Easy

2010-09-04T18:57:00.000+12:00

Charlotte Mason Made Easy is a wonderful course available. This next intake is almost full so if you are interested in joining us, you won't be diasppointed.
This course has made a huge difference to me in discovering about Charlotte Mason and know you will find it so helpful too.
Visit today and find out more.
Just click on this link Charlotte Mason Made Easy

2010-09-01T22:58:00.000+12:00

Hi there I am back. For my first post I have an exciting program to share with you.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T15:02:00.001+13:00

A busy time of year for us all. I'm taking a wee break over our summer holiday and look forward to getting back sometime in the New Year.

Please have a safe and happy Christmas and may the Lord bless you all in 2010.

UNWANTED COMMENTS

2009-11-18T14:49:00.001+13:00

Recently I have been getting SPAM in my comments. Thankfully I moderate.
Is anyone else having this problem and what can we do about it? Most have been vulgar and another was advertising airline ticket buying.
I am saddened by this happeneing and am considering shutting down my blogs.

Miss Sandra

Struggling Colourful Mother Update

2009-10-30T09:19:00.003+13:00

My heart has been lifted so much with your caring, comforting comments. It's always a risk to share.....to be transparent, yet I know in my heart I must be real.

Last week I made an appointment to see my doctor. She is a Christian and someone who will lead a patient to healthy alternatives before recommending drugs. I am so pleased I went as I needed to get checked.

With all my ups and downs I was having palpitations and chest pains, not sleeping, stomach pains, mood swings.........many of those things that can go with menopause.
I was hooked up to the ECG machine. It found no damage to my heart but did find I am beating around 97bpm which is a bit high when I am supposedly resting. With stress, the body takes on the flight or fight stance and basically my adrenal glands had me in this state all the time. This in turn affects the digestive system. I came away with a prescription for Vitamin B Complex, Multi-vitamin and Adrenal Support capsules. I am already taking magnesium and Omega 3 fishoil. I also had a series of blood tests which all came back normal, bar one liver enzyme which is slightly elevated. (Has been for years).

My plan of attack is to cut out more processed foods from my diet, exercise more, find ways of de-stressing, such as a trip to a friend for coffee, or to the library, or a hot bath, something that can give me a few moments to collect my energy levels.

It has been helpful to talk to other mothers who have shared that they experience similar things. It got me thinking about women and what we go through in life. We spend years going through having monthlies, child birth, menopause. A part of the legacy from Eve I suppose. But through it all, our Saviour is with us, loving us, guiding us and although we must endure the mountains and valleys of emotions and health, He is just and His grace and His mercies are new EVERY morning.

I want to press in deeper into Him when I struggle. I pray that I may encourage others to do so as well.
Thank you dear ones for being a part of blessing me~

From the Struggling Colourful Mother

2009-10-14T10:23:00.003+13:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while. I am struggling. With everything. Being a middle-aged menopausal mother who has a heart to homeschool but flesh that fights it to the enth degree.
One day I am fine......if the weather is fine (I can see bluse skies and warm sunshine and alls well with the world) but if its a dull day (like today) I struggle. My enthusiasm goes out the backdoor and I know my children pick up on this.

How can I be consistent?? I visit many blogs and read all these posts from such young, inspired enthusiastic mothers who seem to radiate perfection in many ways. I always love reading them but come away feeling more inadequate.

Are we all so different?? Am I the only one who could send her children on a oneway trip to Timbuktu occasionally?? Am I the only one who feels like I am making no difference?

Do other mothers going through menopause feel like they have lost the plot and finally lost all their marbles??? I don't seem to find other Mum's who are struggling........out there. The fruit of the Spirit seem to have evaded me and I'm desperately trying to make sense of all the tangle in my head.

Blogging is a cyber world type of contact. But when I don't hear from anyone.......out there, I feel rejected. Silly isn't it?? Does anyone else feel this way? We are all busy people with personal lives and blogging can give us a front we can create, trouble is I am transparent. I can't pretend to be someone I'm not. I cannot come on here and pretend I know how to do it?? I keep looking for that blogging person who HAS been where I am right now and can hold out their hand and show me how to get through.

I do pray, God is very real to me. But I know He is allowing me to go through this time.

I'm scared of failing my children. We seem to achieve so little. Yet I know the Lord has called me to this. If you read this post, please pray for me today? I need reassuring that I am heading in the right direction, even if we are only traveling at a snails pace.

Blessings to you..........

Auditory Processing Disorder

2009-10-01T19:38:00.003+13:00

We have a 9 year old daughter who was diagnosed with CAPD (central auditory processing disorder) a couple of years ago.

We didn't know she had problems with processing sounds until a teacher chased me about getting her checked medically as something was really wrong. Looking back now the teacher handled it all wrong but we did in fact find out our daughter did have *hearing* issues.

She had tubes (grommetts)inserted twice to help with her constant glue ear infections. Her speech wasn't too bad, and she could recite nursery rhymes easily although she had a really cute lisp!

When she started school, she made friends and made a good start. Her teacher didn't have any concerns. But this particular year she had no end of trouble with headlice. I was distraught as to how to get through this. Her hair was always clean, tied up, brushed, washed, bedding nice and clean etc etc. But someone in her class that she was friends with was obviously not being treated. I didn't know that the shampoos for treating lice, were basically insecticides. After many treatments I found out that children can get poisoned from these treatments. After so many, I decided to do things the old fashioned way and slowly but surely removed every single egg and louse.

We eventually brought our children out of public school to homeschool them. No more headlice. Our 9 year old had been through extensive testing at the audiology department at our local hospital and it was confirmed that she had CAPD.

I am now wondering if a combination of constant glue ear, and poisoning from headlice treatment shampoos have in fact caused our daughters difficulties in processing what she *hears*.

I know there are ways of helping such children but in most cases they cost an awful amount of money. I am still searching for ways in which to help our daughter as she gets so muddled with what she hears. I worry about how she will manange as an adult. I would like to learn more about strategies I can help put in place for her so that she can learn to get around her difficulties.

If you also have a child with this, or struggle with it yourself, please drop me a line. I would love to hear how you manage things.

Static Shocks

2009-09-24T10:16:00.005+12:00

Miss 11 has problems with being obsessed at times with little things. The latest thing is getting little static shocks. Shocks from the trampoline, the supermarket trolly and shelves, the car door, even people.

A trip to the shops are becoming a nightmare. She gets so upset when she gets a little shock that she is looking out for them the whole trip. Going back to the car, she gets me to open the door. Normally I quickly touch her arm and let her know she is ok and that she won't get a shock from me. It even stops her from giving someone a hug sometimes if she thinks about the possibility of getting a *zap*.

I know clothing, car seat material, trolley friction etc can all cause these to happen. I get little shocks frequently at the supermarket (it's a new one and they are aware of this happening and are trying to rectify it).

Does anyone else deal with this with a child?? How have you managed to help or encourage the child not to be fearful?

Freebie

2009-09-12T16:31:00.002+12:00

Check out my sidebar today. An absolutely free resourse for you to kick off your new school year.
All thanks to The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine.

Homeschooling ABCs

2009-09-01T12:55:00.003+12:00

I just want to promote a website that is run by Todd and Terri Johnson called Homeschooling ABC's.

They have set up a site that helps newbies to homeschooling, or perhaps you are a person like me who gets frustrated, tired and discouraged with homeschooling.

They have lessons that you can sign up for and I have been blessed to do 5 free lessons and they are GREAT!!

Please visit the website as I know you will be blessed.

How To Use Environmental Print To Encourage Reading at Home

2009-08-27T14:50:00.003+12:00

I came across this today and it's great. Teaching our children to recognise words.
Take a look at a fun way to learn words using post it notes. It's only just over a minute long.

Reading At Home: How To Use Environmental Print from The K5 on Vimeo.

No Measles Immunisation, No School

2009-08-20T16:58:00.002+12:00

I am so glad I homeschool but for my dear friends who do send their children to public school may face this. This news article appeared 20 August 2009 at Stuff - a news website in NZ.

Children who are not immunised against measles risk being sent home from school, the Ministry of Health says.

The warning comes amid fears of an epidemic, with the number of notified measles cases this year already seven times higher than the total number of cases last year.

There have been more than 100 measles cases in Canterbury, with 11 people needing hospital treatment.

The number of cases in Auckland is growing, and there are isolated cases in other regions.

The ministry said infected pupils and teachers would be excluded from school for seven days from the appearance of the rash.

Those who were not immunised and were exposed to infected people would be excluded from school for 14 days from their last contact, the ministry said.

Ministry chief adviser for child and youth Pat Tuohy said parents should get their children immunised.

"Measles is a highly infectious notifiable disease with serious complications, including ear infections, pneumonia and encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain," he said. "We are really concerned that the current low immunisation levels mean many children are vulnerable to measles and may get very sick from this disease."

Tuohy said if a child who was not immunised came into contact with someone who was infected, there was more than a 90 per cent chance they would catch measles.

The ministry can ask children to be excluded from school under health laws from the 1960s.

Immunisation Awareness Society spokeswoman Michelle Rudgley said it should be a parent's right, not the government's, to decide whether their child was exposed to infection.

She said parents who decided against vaccinating their children did so after weighing up the risks and benefits.

They often decided that if their children were exposed to viruses they would acquire lifelong immunity, compared with vaccinations that provided limited immunity, Rudgley said.

The Ministry of Education said it encouraged parents and schools to take the Health Ministry's advice.

Inspiration

2009-08-12T15:30:00.003+12:00

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement, nothing can be done without hope and confidence." -- Helen Keller

"Once children learn how to learn, nothing is going to narrow their mind. The essence of teaching is to make learning contagious, to have one idea spark another." -- Marva Collins

"They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel." - Carol Buchner

"I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." -- Christopher Reeve

"There are two kinds of people; those who do the work and those who take the credit. Try to be in the first group; there is less competition there." -- Indira Gandhi

Taking a Blogging Break

2009-06-22T07:46:00.001+12:00

Taking a break.
This time of year has gotten extremely busy for us so I am going to take a blogging break for the next 6 weeks or so. I may not get to visit with you but I will be back.
May the Lord bless you

Which Pandemic

2009-06-16T15:22:00.003+12:00

I have been reading the latest news on the Swine Flu and have become rather concerned about how much media attention this has been given. Now WHO has declared a worldwide pandemic. If you want to see the stats for outbreaks, with lists of cases, in which country and where any deaths have occured click here to view chart

Another news item that is current is about ADHD medicine that is now recognised as potentially fatal.
You can watch a small video clip on this at youtube
Researchers have collected data on stimulant use among 564 children and teenagers who died unexpectedly of unknown causes. New studies show that ADHD children on medications such as Ritalin have an increased risk of cardiac death, but the FDA says the study has major limitations and should not change the way the drugs are used.

Is this not a pandemic also?? There appears to have been more unexplained deaths for children on stimulants than there has been with Swine Flu yet where is the race to save these victims?for further reading/research do visit Fight For Kids .

Kids and Obsessions

2009-06-11T09:05:00.004+12:00

Miss 10, my daughter has some obsessions and frankly I am perplexed what to do.
She has little rituals she must keep. Simple things like when her Daddy leaves for work in the morning, she simply MUST get out of bed and either run downstairs to the front door and call goodbye and wave, or do it from the upstairs window. My husband leaves before 7.30am so usually the girls are still in bed asleep but when Miss 10 hears the garage door go up she runs. You might say its just sentimentality but it's more than that. It's impulse. She has to. If Daddy is distracted and doesn't know she is there, or doesn't hear her calling when the motor of the car starts, she gets so upset that he didn't look back.

The other thing is bedtime rituals. She is the last one to sleep every night. No matter what time she goes to bed, she is the last.........(well it is really me because I need to know she is asleep then I can sleep). Her room is right next to mine and hubbies room. She insists the hallway door is closed. She cries if we close our door. It's not whiney...... it's terror. She told us last night she feels alone if everyones door is shut. I prefer my door open anyway but often my husband and I don't get a chance to talk privately until last thing at night and this daughter has acute hearing, so if it involves discussing the girls and their day, one little girl can pipe up and add to conversation.
She will lie there and you might just be nodding off to sleep and she will ask, "Is the front door locked?", then a little while later,
"Is the ranch slider locked?" or
"Have you shut all the windows?".
She also insists on waking me at night to let me know she is going to the bathroom.

Miss 10 has these routines and I am wondering if they are part of the autistic spectrum? She has a really short wick, so flies off the handle easily. Can be calmed down relatively quickly though. But when calm will try and manipulate, such as, (wimper wimper), "Mummy can we go out and buy and ice cream please?? I'll be good and I'm sorry I got mad, but can we go and buy something at the shop?" that sort of thing.

Does anyone relate to this?? I am worried about my daughters upcoming puberty years and already my hair is turning grayer by the day!!! I am thankful for prayer. My faith in the Lord helps me get through each day.

Phillip Day on Psychiatry

2009-05-22T09:53:00.002+12:00

I really respect Phillip Day and have a few of his books. You can learn more from his website www.credence.org or www.credencegroup.co.uk. He takes a natural view to health and promotes clean living.

Fish Oil Boosts Teenage Boys

2009-05-01T15:55:00.002+12:00

(NaturalNews) Teenage boys who eat fish regularly score higher on intelligence tests than those who eat fish less often, according to a study conducted by researchers from Goteborg University in Sweden and published in the journal Ars Pediatrica.

"A number of studies have already shown that fish can help neurodevelopment in infants, reduce the risk of impaired cognitive function from middle age onwards and benefit babies born to women who ate fish during pregnancy" researcher Kjell Toren said. "However, we believe that this is the first large-scale study to explore the effect on adolescents."

Researchers collected detailed dietary questionnaires from 4,792 15-year old boys, then compared this information with intelligence scores from tests that all the participants took three years later, upon registering with the Swedish military.

On average, those who ate fish once per week had combined intelligence scores 7 percent higher than those who ate fish less than once a week, while those who ate fish twice or more a week scored 12 percent higher. Those in the once-a-week group also scored 7 percent higher on visuospatial intelligence and 4 percent higher on verbal intelligence, while those who ate fish more than once a week scored 11 percent and 9 percent higher, respectively.

The average increase in all scores was 6 percent for those who ate fish once a week and 11 percent for those who ate it more frequently.

According to lead researcher Maria Aberg, the current study is particularly important because it focuses on the effect of fish consumption during adolescence, when the brain is developing much of its plasticity, or its ability to adapt to everything from new experiences to injuries.

While it may be too early to make specific dietary recommendations, she said, "for the time being it appears that including fish in a diet can make a valuable contribution to cognitive performance in male teenagers."

Sources for this story include: www.reuters.com; www.sciencedaily.com.

Swedish Drill Teacher

2009-04-22T20:01:00.004+12:00

I recently came across a free ebook which was written in 1910.
It is called Swedish Drill Teacher and you can get it from Simply Charlotte Mason website.
It contains comprehensive how-to instructions on exercise for children. Although a lot has changed since then, it will give you some basic things you can do from home.

Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-12T16:47:00.002+12:00

He is Risen!

Blessed Resurrection Sunday to you all.

Understanding Boredom

2009-03-30T08:31:00.002+13:00

Some Trivia for you today!

UNDERSTANDING BOREDOM

DEFINING BOREDOM...
1. According to self-proclaimed boredom expert, Garfield the Cat
offers these tips on how to tell if you are really bored:
a. You paint little faces on your nails, and pretend each
finger is a person
b. You spend hours watching bread mold
c. You braid your eyebrows
d. You watch a 3-hour documentary on sewage treatment
e. You start playing the spoons
f. You wonder if you're really bored
2. More seriously, boredom is: "a condition of mental weariness,
listlessness, and discontent" (American Heritage Dictionary)
3. What is of interest is the statement that "the word did not
even enter the English vocabulary until the Enlightenment of
the 18th century, the beginning of the modern era." (Gene
Edward Veith, Boredom and the Law of Diminishing Returns)

Back On Board

2009-03-25T12:59:00.000+13:00

Hi there dear ones.I have so much to be thankful for.
I have had a break due to family circumstances and all is well that I can resume some postings on my blogs. Yay!!!
I look forward to getting back to reading your blogs, so do drop by again and say hi when you have time.
hugs

Changes

2009-02-09T13:48:00.001+13:00

Due to unforseen family circumstances I will be withdrawing from blogging until further notice. I won't take down my blogs as I do hope to return to them oneday.
I am sorry that I have been so sporadic of late but unfortunately it is something I have to do.
I do ask the Lord bless each of you who have befriended me and visited. Please pray if I come to mind.
Thanks!
hugs

A Fresh Start

2009-02-01T20:32:00.003+13:00

I homeschool Miss 10 and Miss (almost) 9.
Due to them having some learning difficulties we have tried various curriculums. some work some don't. It's a bit of trial and error. And what works for one daughter may not work for the other. Can make for a bit of a headache somedays.

This year we have registered with ACE. Accelerated Christian Education. My husband and I have done all the necessary studying of the curriculum and are actually greatly encouraged at how much input this curriculum has into the lives of the students who use it. Sadly I have also had some negative comments about being a *fill in the blanks* sort of curriculum but we have been pleasantly surprised at how the girls really enjoyed trying the diagnostic tests and seeing how colourful the PACES were.

If you are using ACE, please leave a comment as I would love to hear from you.

Hello!!

2009-01-30T09:22:00.001+13:00

Hi there,
I am back again from my holiday mode and am looking forward to blogging again. Please stop by and tell me how you all are and I am looking forward to visiting with you as well.
Hugs Sandra nz

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-02T14:52:00.000+13:00

Happy New Year to you all.
I will be on vacation until mid January and will resume my blogging then.
See you soon.
hug, Sandra

Busy Busy

2008-12-13T21:40:00.002+13:00

Reindeer Treat Holders

2008-12-07T21:27:00.002+13:00

Children love making things, well at least my children do.

Here is a great idea for using terracotta pots to give away some goodies.

Take a look at Amazing Moms and have a look around and see what other neat ideas they have there.

Gift Boxes

2008-12-02T18:40:00.003+13:00

I decided my girls needed a break from formal schooling for a bit so we decided to make gift boxes. What fun we had!

We have a large box of old birthday and Christmas cards.

Such a simple craft, simply delightful to make. Pop some small gifts inside.

A treasure for anyone!
For instructions please visit Mini Christmas Card Box

Blog Rest

2008-10-28T11:45:00.001+13:00

I am needing to take a break from blogging for a while. I am struggling with a few things and it is right that I take this break. Please forgive me if I don't visit with you for a while.........it's not personal, just something I have to work through.
God Bless
Sandra

The Things Kids Say

2008-10-19T21:01:00.002+13:00

I am trying to teach my colourful children to speak nicely to each other. Being close in age they are always at logger heads with each other. This causes me no end of mental fatigue!!

Just yesterday Miss 8 says to Miss 10, "If you don't stop being mean I will hit you so hard it will make your ancestors dizzy!!"

Apparently she had picked up this line from a movie at some stage. Although I didn't approve of the attitude, I certainly had to contain my giggles.

Update on Shepherding a Childs Heart

2008-10-15T07:57:00.004+13:00

Oh dear.......I fear I am losing my marbles!
I bought the Parenting Handbook for Shepherding a Child's Heart but I don't have the book! I didn't realise it was not the same.
So the next book I get will need to be the actual book so I can use the handbook. If you have been waiting for me to post a review, I am sorry I won't be for sometime yet!!
Meanwhile I search for the missing marble :-)

Shepherding A Childs Heart by Tedd Tripp

2008-10-10T13:41:00.002+13:00

I just received this book as I have heard so much about it and it's all been positive. I was reminded while reading a post recently that this parent handbook has some wonderful tips on children who are..........colourful! I look forward to sharing with you what I glean. If you have found this book to be helpful, please leave a comment and tell us what you liked, or disliked about the book.

Taking a Blog Break

2008-09-26T22:19:00.000+12:00

Just to let you know I am taking a blog break for a few days. Be back soon.
Bless you all,
hugs Sandra nz

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE KIDS WHO WERE BORN IN THE

2008-09-24T11:59:00.003+12:00

1920's, 30's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's !!

First, we survived being born to mothers who may have smoked and/or drank while they carried us and lived in houses made of asbestos.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes or cervical cancer.

Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets or shoes, not to mention, the risks some of us took hitchhiking.

As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.

Riding in the back of a Ute/truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

Take away food was limited to fish and chips, no pizza shops, McDonalds, KFC, Subway or Red Rooster.

Even though all the shops closed at 6.00pm and didn't open on the weekends, somehow we didn't starve to death!

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We could collect old drink bottles and cash them in at the corner store and buy Fruit Tingles and some fire crackers to blow up frogs and lizards with.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because........

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. We built tree houses and cubby houses and played in creek beds with matchbox cars.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape or DVD movies, no surround sound, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms............WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no Lawsuits from these accidents.

Only girls had pierced ears!

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

You could only buy Easter Eggs and Hot Cross buns at Easter time.......no really!

We were given BB guns and sling shots for our 10th birthdays,

We drank milk laced with Strontium 90 from cows that had eaten grass covered in nuclear fallout from the atomic testing at Maralinga in 1956.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them!

Mum didn't have to go to work to help dad make ends meet!

Football had tryouts and not everyone made the team... Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

Our teachers used to belt us with big sticks and leather straps and bully's always ruled the playground at school.

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

Our parents got married before they had children and didn't invent stupid names for their kids like 'Peaches' and 'Blade'.....

This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!

The past 70 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned

HOW TO

DEAL WITH IT ALL!

And YOU are one of them!

CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good.

And while you are at it, share this with your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!

PS -The big type is because your eyes are shot at your age

Why I homeschool

2008-09-17T08:54:00.004+12:00

I am a mother of six children all of whom I love dearly. Our three oldest children all attended public school. Our three youngest have been homeschooled - except one who is currently back in high school where her Daddy teaches.

Our 16 year old pleaded with us to let her go to school after 4 years homeschooled. She wanted to get into the science labs. Because my husband teaches at a Christian College we decided it would be ok. Four years on I am now wishing I had not let her go. Our daughter is a sweetheart and such a blessing to us but I have noticed subtle little things and just know that she has been *taught* these things outside of home.

I really enjoyed listening to Voddie Baucham speaking on homeschooling . I didn't always think like this but as I have struggled and fought with the issue, the more the Lord has called me into it.

My two youngest are really hard work. I have all the child raising books, read dozens of articles on children, done courses on children with learning difficulties. I have joined groups, blogs and lists trying to find answers to how to best help my little ones.

I've read the magazines that come out that have the large homeschooling families interviewed. Some have country homes with big houses and the children look immaculate and so well behaved. Their lives seem..............dare I say it.........perfect??

So how do I figure in the big scheme of things? I don't want to covet what others have (their homes with enough rooms for the children, their big back yards for nature walks and journalling, their stock of canned/bottled goods. I don't want to put the magazine down and feel like a failure because I haven't got there yet. I have colourful children who swim against the tide. I have feisty youngsters who want to challenge life at every turn. I have girls who don't want to learn a certain way. They really are unique. Or are they???

Through all my trials of living on a postage stamp sized section with a small home where our living room is also our school room and office and playroom. We have a small patch of grass which isn't big enough to plant a garden. Yet..........I know my Redeemer lives. I want to always look up when I feel down. I want to thank God for what I do have.......for what I can do. So what if I don't have the huge backyard. So what if I don't have the huge house filled with rooms to accomodate all our needs. So what if I don't have completely compliant children. What I do have is our Saviour who is teaching me through homeschooling my huge need of Him. My children need to see how much I need Him. Our Saviour is colourful, as you can see by the picture his beautiful handiwork. He is so precious, He is so gracious and merciful. He is so patient and loving and kind, and generous and...............oh, I could go on and on.

Why I homeschool? Because I want to train up my daughters to be godly wives, mothers and citizens in the community. I didn't realise when I took this on that the most taught person would be me. Yes it's hard but we weren't promised it would be easy walking the narrow road. Some days it's a smooth walk, others it all uphill, steep and rocky. Sometimes I stop and sit on a sharp rock and I am in pain. I will continue to run this race, slow as I might be, crippled as I am somedays. Because I know He is there before me and beside me.

In the blink of an eye it will be over and I will be an old woman with these years behind me. May I press on to honour Him and thank Him in all that I do.

Hugs Sandra

If Only.........

2008-09-09T13:22:00.004+12:00

I don't know about you but I often feel that if I could only get this one thing right in my life, I would be well on the road to being righteous. I never quite get there........
Today my 10 yo colourful daughter exasperated me. I find it takes everything within me to remain calm and not lose it. This dear child puts up walls and battles everywhere I turn. I know God made her who she is and I love her so dearly. I feel like I am missing something. Some lesson He wants me to learn. I would so love to get her to be a soft speaking, calm girl. She speaks before thinking. She hits her younger sister, blames her younger sister for everything. I keep thinking, if only I could get Miss 10 to be quiet, to help her stay calm, if only we had a bigger home she and Miss 8 wouldn't have to share a bedroom. If only, we had a section where they could potter in the garden and grow something, if only, if only, if only!!!

God I pray today that you would help me to see what it is that I am missing in the bigger picture. You created our children and made them in Your image. Help me to look past the here and now, to the end of the race, help me to keep my focus on You and not on my circumstances. Lord forgive me for coveting those things which I think will make my life easier. Lord help me to be a light to my family, to train my children up in Your ways.

Bless me this day I pray O Lord, and thank you for your mercy and grace that is new every morning.
Amen

The Will of God

2008-09-01T09:19:00.002+12:00

The will of God will never take you,

Where the grace of God cannot keep you,

Where the arms of God cannot support you,

Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,

Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,

Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,

Where the army of God cannot protect you,

Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the love of God cannot enfold you,

Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,

Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,

Where the authority of God cannot overrule you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,

Where the Word of God cannot feed you,

Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,

Where to omnipresence of God cannot find you.

"Everything happens for a purpose. We may not see the wisdom of it all now,
but trust and believe in the Lord that everything is for the best."

Freebies

2008-08-27T08:04:00.003+12:00

I have deleted my previous post as I read that they were shutting down, but I am not sure it's a permanent thing - just for this week.

Homeschool Freebies

2008-08-20T09:16:00.005+12:00

I subscribe to this website and five days a week you can visit the site and collect amazing free resources. These are really good and I look forward to each day.
Visit www.homeschoolfreebieOfTheDay.com and join up. You won't be disappointed.

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

2008-08-16T20:36:00.003+12:00

Sir Ken Robinson is an educational specialist. He discusses creativity in children. This talk encourages an educational system what will nurture creativity in our children.
It is worth listening to the whole lecture. Sir Ken Robinson is quite entertaining yet this is a very serious and enlightening message.

2008-08-12T20:55:00.002+12:00

Epsom salts is magnesium sulphate.
A great way to calm down colourful children especially ADHD children is to give them a bath with a few cups of epsom salts thrown in. It helps reduce hyperactivity and also helps in aiding natural sleep.

When they shout and yell

2008-08-08T08:33:00.003+12:00

I don't know about you but I really get tired when my colourful children have a spat with each other. Miss 10 has a very short wick. Miss 8 is a whiner. When I am trying to sort them out they are still cross with each other so I just sit with arms folded until they realise I am quiet.

I do hope this is something they grow out of as it drives me bananas.

What things do you have in place when siblings yell and shout at each other, or needle each other when sitting by each other??

Relying on Him

2008-08-05T14:34:00.004+12:00

I have an uncle who always answers you the same way when you ask him if he's having a good day. He says, "Every day is a good day. Just some days are better than others".
What a wonderful attitude to have. Today I need that attitude. Somedays I get out of bed just feeling like it is going to be "one of those days..."
Instead of getting out of bed and thinking, 'Good Lord, it's morning!!', I should get out saying bed saying, "Good morning, Lord!!
When homeschooling my colourful children I find it so easy to get discouraged. I need to ask the Lord for His help the moment I awaken............and not wait until the middle of a storm.
Psalm 46
1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; KJV.

God bless you today as you serve Him, in your home, raising up your colourful children for Him.

I Am The Child

2008-07-21T13:47:00.002+12:00

I am the child who cannot talk.
You often pity me, I see it in your eyes.
You wonder how much I am aware of - I see that as well.
I am aware of much - whether you are happy or sad or fearful,
patient or impatient, full of love and desire,
or if you are just doing your duty by me.
I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine to be far greater,
for I cannot express myself or my needs as you do.

You cannot conceive my isolation, so complete it is at times.
I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated.
I do not give you answers to your everyday questions, responses over my well-being, sharing my needs, or comments about the world about me.
I do not give you rewards as defined by the world's standards -
great strides in development that you can credit yourself.
I do not give you understanding as you know it.

What I give you is so much more valuable - I give you instead opportunities.
Opportunities to discover the depth of your character, not mine;
the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities;
the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible.
I drive you further than you would ever go on your own,
working harder, seeking answers to your many questions with no answers.
I am the child who cannot talk.

I am the child who cannot walk.
The world seems to pass me by.
You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair,
to run and play like other children.
There is much you take for granted.
I want the toys on the shelf, I need to go to the bathroom, oh I've dropped my fork again.
I am dependant on you in these ways.
My gift to you is to make you more aware of your great fortune,
your healthy back and legs, your ability to do for yourself.
Sometimes people appear not to notice me; I always notice them.
I feel not so much envy as desire, desire to stand upright,
to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent.
I give you awareness.
I am the child who cannot walk.

I am the child who is mentally impaired.
I don't learn easily, if you judge me by the world's measuring stick,
what I do know is infinite joy in simple things.
I am not burdened as you are with the strifes and conflicts of a more complicated life.
My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child,
to teach you how much your arms around me mean,
to give you love.
I give you the gift of simplicity.
I am the child who is mentally impaired.

I am the disabled child.
I am your teacher.
If you allow me, I will teach you what is really important in life.
I will give you and teach you unconditional love.
I gift you with my innocent trust, my dependency upon you.
I teach you about how precious this life is and about not taking things for granted.
I teach you about forgetting your own needs and desires and dreams.
I teach you giving.
Most of all I teach you hope and faith.
I am the disabled child.

- Author Unknown

2008-07-18T21:43:00.001+12:00

Wow, we are well into July and before you know it we will be seeing in another year, God willing.

This is my first post on my new blog. I needed to set this up so that i too can be uplifted and encouraged by others who have trekked this journey before me.

Raising children who have learning differences can be a real challenge. I homeschool my two daughters with APD. Miss 10 has good hearing but in a crowded situation will hear everything and cannot focus on one conversation. Miss 8 cannot make out anything in a crowded, noisy room. It all becomes a jumbled mess of noise.

Miss 10 likes to be noisy when doing her work. Miss 8 likes it quiet and never the twain shall meet!! Oh what to do???

If you have similarities, do stop by and join me and perhaps together we can learn ways of working through some of these *colourful* differences we face on a daily basis.