23 Years!

Yesterday was our 23rd wedding anniversary.

It would be so easy not to reach it! So easy to think I am perfect, not see the faults in myself. Easy to look at the faults in my husband and become irritated.

Even the most perfect person in this world has faults. That is a biblical truth!

I think that is why so many marriages fail. When one becomes selfish it is bad enough, but two people? Well, explosive springs to mind.

Everyone says the honeymoon period doesn't last, and of course that's true. Who can deny it? The Bible condemns fornication, and has instituted marriage as to help prevent this. People think marriage isn't special, but it is a special commitment before God, instituted in Genesis. No man can change that. The trouble is with the new trend of people living together, is that it is so much easier to just move on to someone else when the going gets tough, and it is women who are often taken advantage of. There is not really any real commitment.

It hasn't always been easy, but the Lord has blessed us. We also have ten children. I would love more, but that just hasn't happened.

If I was to give one piece of advice this year it would be; laugh a lot, and laugh at yourself. Laughter is medicine, especially in marriage.

Unschooling?

One thing we have to remember as home educators is that we are not trying to replicate the school situation; rather we are trying to prepare and educate our children for life.

A major reason we rejected ACE. Why have children seated at desks where they can't see what is going on? At least in school I was able to look out of the window. Also, I have found a workbook only approach can be very dry.

I also like to change things sometimes. It can get tedious going through the same stuff with multiple children. Therefore I tend to look at the child's personalities and needs. For that very reason I have just started Singapore Maths with my ninth child. Refreshing? Yes.

One major thing I have definitely learned over the years is to be be free and relaxed. Not to worry too much about how much, or what they cover. Maintain your priorities. For the Christian home educator this will be putting God, and the Bible at the centre. A reason why I get extremely uncomfortable when people mention autonomous education. To the Christian, the word 'autonomous' should be a major flag; basically meaning the child is in control, and they answer to self. No! We are answerable to God only. The Bible says that children are young, impressionable, and that foolishness is bound up in the heart of the child. Proverbs 22. Now, whether or not you believe in corporal punishment is irrespective; children need correction and guidance. They need to learn discipline.

So, what do we do? Well, they have set work they are expected to complete, but when they are older they get to concentrate on specific subject areas. Now, for one son this has been the sciences, Maths, English, and Engineering. For another it has been English, story writing, composition, and film making. It really does vary. Remember, every child is different! Don't be afraid to mix and match curriculums, scrap book work in some areas, and take hands on approaches. I am quite strict about Maths and English,and Bible studies so require their bookwork in that area. However, the other subject are more free. After all, anyone remember how we used to walk around museums, as children with clipboards? It killed my enthusiasm. Dead.

Anyone for some Tea?

Now, if you know me, then you will also know that we all drink tea.Green tea, herbal tea, redbush....it's all good.
It is also good for children. I was brought up on tea. I didn't really drink squash. In fact in those days the colourings made me feel sick, and sometimes be sick.
I have decided for years that I would rather give my children tea than squash, and a few years ago I actually banned it. Why? I hear you cry. Well,I have good reason; squash either has loads of sugar, or sweeteners. (Until recently sweeteners were banned for children under five, and we don't know the long term effects, but I do know they make me and my son very ill.)
I am often met with surprise when the children ask for tea to drink. I guess it is seen as unsuitable for children. However, let's look at the facts:
1) Contain antioxidants.
2) Especially green tea contains free radicals, which are known to fight cancer and such.
3) Low in sugar. (As long as none is added, and if you have sweet tooth try Tetley green tea with passion fruit, and add milk)
4) With milk added (I even add it to herbal tea) it I a source of calcium, B vitamins, vitamin D,protein, iodine, and iron.
What's not to love? Especially when we are consuming way too much sugar.

Exam Encouragement for Home Education

Recently, I posted about taking exams as a home educator. This was all new to us, and new in our home education walk.
We didn't really have the extra cash to splurge on tutors, so decided to just press on as best we could. After all home education is also equipping your children to be able to research and study themselves. Physics was the one that made me most nervous, as I didn't take Physics in school. However, I needn't have worried too much, as whatever he was stuck on he was able to find online.
I was fortunate too, as they didn't need to be badgered to study too much. One of the great advantages to home education; you teach them self motivation.
We had our results last week, and my science orientated son got an A in Physics and English. My writing daughter got an A* in English, and my son who hates writing got a D. I believe he would have got a grade C if coursework was allowed, but it was all exam, and they threw in an extra writing excerpt for good measure! Be prepared for the unexpected.
Anyway, I hope this encourages someone, as at one point I was lead to believe that you don't attempt any exams without tutors and online courses. Yes, these can be a life saver, but are most certainly not imperative.

Memorising Bible Verses

Recently I was given an adult colouring book, and I have since discovered that it is great for memorising bible verses. Ha, don't know why I hadn't thought of it before, but before Christmas I had the idea. I write the bible verse to memorise (King James version is so much better, esp for memorising) and then colour while meditating on the verse.

I don't have more than a few minutes time free for colouring each day, but this way I am memorising scripture. I find after a few days I have memorised the verse.

Mango Fool

Here is a lovely quick recipe to make in a blender, and can be done with fresh, frozen, or canned mago pulp.

Ingredients needed:
Serves 12
500 ml Greek yogurt
300 ml carton double cream
3 ripe mangos chopped, or half a can of mango pulp (Tesco Indian aisle), or a packet of frozen chopped mango. ( also Tesco)

Method:
Put the mango in blender, and then add double cream. Whizz till it slows, then add the yoghurt. If you use the normal mango you may have to add sugar to taste. I found it sweet enough with the mango pulp. Oh, and the mango pulp makes a great cheesecake topper, but two of mine don't like cheesecake, hence my deviation. All the children enjoy this, though.
It is a nice touch to add some mango to the top of it.

Prayer Journal

I was blessed to receive a rather lovely journal a few months ago. I was wondering what to do with it, then I had the inspiration to use it as a prayer journal. After all, I already had a providence journal, which is invaluable for reflecting on God's goodness, and protection.

I have included a few different sections, prayers for family and friends, general prayers, answers to prayer, poems of praise, and just general reflective poetry. So far it is proving a blessing, and also reminding me of important needs to pray for. So easy to be forgetful. A good idea to date each entry, too.