Starting out defeated but ending triumphant

Moms can all identify with starting the day in a whirlwind - nothing goes right.  Each of your children makes the morning particularly 'special' with throwing wet dirty underwear over the balcony in front of your sister, gets into the left over chocolate cupcakes for breakfast, or maybe they just wake up at 4:30 am with a 'ready to start the day NOW' smile.  Regardless, the enemy infiltrates your mind at your weakest point and shouts defeat! 

As moms of the next generation of champions for Christ we must recognize this worry, doubt, and anxiety and use the tools God gives us to show our children that defeat is what you allow it to be.  Utilizing the tools of prayer and scripture doesn't make this life easier but leading by example shows our children that how we handle these daily struggles with a Christian mindset makes all the difference. 

Keep this in mind - 2 Corinthians 4:8... "Lord God, I am hard pressed on every side, but I don't have to be crushed; I am perplexed, but I do not have to be in despair." My humanity sometimes gets the best of me and my kiddos see it in my voice or my expressions, but the Word of God and a moment in prayer shows them that prayer and scripture coupled together are a source of unbelievable strength against the struggles of each day.

So when you are facing defeat before the day really begins, take a deep breath - seek out the word of God and pray! You will define the moment as powerful, triumphant - not in the defeat so desperately sought by the enemy.

Finally one of those little creatures that test your limits - God's precious child that He entrusted to you - will stubbornly fall off to sleep in their bathing suit with no pool time in sight and warm your heart.


 

Is Free Really Free?

Marketing to home school families is far beyond having the best products for each learning style.  We see the word FREE everywhere.  Usually there is a free component to the offering - having strings attached is the name of the game.  I'm not against paying for things - we all know that homeschooling is typically less expensive than a private school but is almost always NOT completely free.  Here are some tips to make home school cost effective and a few websites that are (gasp!!) truly free....

Tips:

1. Carefully save curriculum books by making copies for usable sheets so that they can be used over and over.

2. Partner with other home school families through church or other connections for group rates on enrichment activities like the local museums, art classes, theaters, planetariums, or amusement parks.  Sometimes these establishments even have regular free opportunities to visit.  This can be a specifically designed home school day or free afternoons/days open to the public. 

3.  Use the resources in your area - libraries and parks are fabulous learning opportunities for FREE and can be coupled with a play date.  Most public parks and libraries offer special activities for little or no cost as well. 

4. Let your fingers do the walking through the internet!  It can be intimidating to give your email address out; however, reputable sites will send you value-added information to enrich your home school.

5. Look into community service opportunities for your children.  These are invaluable lessons that help shape the character of your children.  Your church is a wonderful place to seek these out. 

6.  There are free summer camps - usually only in the morning or afternoon.  You must search these out early.  They can be very valuable experiences and deepen your child's knowledge on a certain topic.  Multiple opportunities throughout the summer can include game design, Lego camps, Microsoft coding camps, etc...

7.  Another summer activity includes community or public pools.  There are many, many neighborhood community pools in the San Antonio area or the city public pools.  Give your children the chance to exercise and have fun.

8.  Never pay a fortune for another reading list book again!  Be flexible and willing to use free book options on Kindle and Nook.  There are AMAZING options!  Some are completely free and others are $.49-$2.99.  Are there expensive books... of course! However, by being flexible - you can draft a reading list for your elementary, middle, or high school student that doesn't break the bank.

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Here are a few free websites that add value - this is by no means conclusive, but it's a start:

1. Pizza Hut Reading Program - http://www.bookitprogram.com/teachers/enrollment.asp

2. Easy-Peasy Homeschool -   http://allinonehomeschool.com/

3. Free Summer Bowling, but shoe rental extra - https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/coupon.php?token=ae23a187ccbc7da4e12c93e8300bc34dce13e583

4. Free Home School Deals are really free, but they advertise and some ask for email address to send ads, so use cautiously.  www.FreeHomeschoolDeals.com


Check these out! Let me know if you have questions/comments and fee free to add some of your favorites too!!

Blessings,
Jenny
 

We're Back!

The Lord laid it on my heart recently to consistently catalogue our homeschool journey and all the messy pieces that create our learning masterpiece.  The key word being consistent.  I know by faith He will guide my words and thoughts - even when there is no time for anything else - this collection will be beautiful... clearly a mess... but beautiful. 


It's been quite awhile since I added to this blog... No excuses - just primarily because the busyness of life got away from me - plus Kris and I have a new addition to the family - Our amazing little Sweet P.!  A bundle of pure joy that plays, loves, and learns with his whole heart.  

So here we go again... this is the new beginning to our journey.  Follow us as we laugh, cry, work hard, and kick back - all loving the Lord in all things each day.

Blessings,
Jenny