Learning our own way

As a homeschool family, learning our own way is something we've been doing for a couple of years now. I don't take any curriculum too seriously, after all, did the curriculum writer have in mind that my 7 year old would rather sing her subtraction facts that recite them from memory. I doubt it.

Today as she was singing "Fourteen minus five equals nine......", I was sitting there thinking how thankful I am that we are able to choose this way for our kids. Believe me, I know it's not for everyone, but for us, seeing Savannah learn in such a way that is the best for her is rewarding, not only because she is "getting" it, but because she is being creative and having fun too.

God must love it when His children "get" it. We all learn differently, some a little quicker than others, some with visual aids or music, others through the written word. But in that moment of learning, when the light pops on and you finally understand what He's been trying to teach you, don't you know He smiles!

How are you learning your own way this new year? A new Bible study, a new worship CD, a familiar book, reading God's Word?

A Baby Changes Everything....

Introducing my fresh from heaven niece, Sydney Claire Anderson, born Christmas Day. (Ignore the date on the camera.)

Backfire!

This is how it went down:

After a long night of Disney's New Year's Eve Showdown, Savannah and I headed to bed (Tuck and Bruce were at Winter Freeze with the youth from church). Savannah was trying to settle down but was grunting, complaining a bit and fidgeting like she couldn't settle down.

I asked, Savannah, do you need some Geritol?
She asked What's that?
I say, It's medicine for old people. You sound like an old person complaining like you are.
She says, Do you take Geritol?

LONG PAUSE

I say, No I am only 37
She says, That IS old

Never mind Savannah.
Happy New Year to me.

Achoooooo

I remember Y2K. Do you? I remember because I was sick as a dog...with flu type symptoms and was snugged in bed wishing someone would just put me out of my misery.

Guess what? I have that feeling again....I could make the Nyquil commerical. So today, between sneezes, I've been reading with Savannah, helping her make some new goals for the new year, snacking way to much, watching TV and playing a little wii. I tried to clean out the pantry, but only got 1/2 way through before I was in a sweaty feverish state (TMI?).

For the last few days I have been thinking about what I want to be saying at the end of 2010. I am constantly reminded that my days are in HIS hands and that no matter the goals, resolutions or plans I make...without His guidance, His plan and His power, I am weak and will fail. So, with that in mind I have been praying about the things I've been sensing Him leading to do in my life. Bruce and I have talked about some of our family goals and even today as Savannah and I chatted about things for her to strive for, we prayed that God would help her achieve her own milestones.

Here mine are:

1. Love Jesus More = Love Others More
2. Read more of God's Word
3. Be more consistant in our parenting.
4. Take better care of these bodies God gave us.
5. De-clutter (does this sound familiar? it's on my list every year!...I made lots of progress last year..more to come in '10.)
6. Eat more meals together as a family
7. Plant garden in spring
8. Re-establish date night with spouse
9. Write more
10. SELL HOUSE in GUNTER

Praying you achieve all that God has for you in 2010!