the brew*crew adventure

I haven't participated in this meme before, Blogger Friend School, which provides a weekly "blogging homework" theme. As I was browsing through some of the amazing blogs listed over at the HSB Awards, I clicked onto this week's theme for the BFS, and was totally inspired to join in, since it goes hand in hand with thoughts and observations I've been having here in the last couple weeks anyways. Technically, I believe that the "assignment" is supposed to be posted on Tuesday?, but in my natural way, I'm posting mine a day two days late!

 

The passion to sing, the passion to draw, the passion to build, the passion to ride, the passion for reading, the passion for nature… the list is endless. Some children exhibit their passion from day one, others need an experience to spark that passion.

Assignment: Share a field trip/lifestyle learning experience where you really felt you were bringing good things to life for your children, where something came alive for them, or ignited a passion.

This is something I've been thinking about a lot lately... the facilitating of that passion to learn, to build and to creatively express ones self; that desire to grow and to become something great that's within us all, my own children specifically, manifesting itself in so many various talents. As a parent and my children's primary instructor, it's important to me that I culture their God-given abilities and desires, bringing these good things to life, if you will... while at the same time realizing that I truly am not taking the lead... in that it's not all up to me to conjure these up in my kids. Rather, I'm watching, listening, and waiting on the Holy Spirit to show me their intrinsic giftings, and praying for His guidance as I plan our studies and their activities.

As I'm doing my best to daily immerse our kids in an engaging learning environment and introducing them to a variety of inspiring subjects, I am delighted to be discovering their passions with them, and comforted in the remembrance that these precious soul stirrings and that ultimate quickening of their spirits towards Him are all individual workings of His Spirit within them, as we're learning to walk out His Word in our lives together, and therefore not solely dependent upon me, nor anyone else. I need but tune in to them, and especially their Creator, while keeping my eyes wide open to the opportunities abounding in each moment as we journey together each day, lest I miss those small sparks that would ultimately kindle their passions and thereby could someday even dictate their very livelihoods.

I have found that with our oldest daughter, 9yo T, who is my "go-getter", this is an easier thing to recognize; her passions. She talks about it, and initiates doing stuff working towards that end on her own. When she's inspired, the results are much more extravagant and obvious than when our 12 yo son, N is impassioned. He tends to discover passions (like writing, dance, reading a certain book, horse riding) after I've suggested he try something out. Lately I have been fascinated over the inter-connectedness of their blossoming personalities with the opportunities they've been offered thusfar in their young lives. I'm left to wonder over how beautifully it has all worked together... and question which came first, a specific passion or was an experience the catalyst of curiosity turned to desire? I've been musing over what the ramifications of these truths could be, not only in my kids' lives, but in my own as well.

And we know that for those who love God, that is, for those who are called according to his purpose, all things are working together for good.

~ Romans 8.28

It's certainly a mystery profound how the Sovereign Lord choreographs our very lives, nurturing those seeds of talent He placed within us, even as He knit us in the womb, while simultaneously allowing the free-will of our individuality. It's caused me to consider the weighty responsibility Chris and I have as parents to introduce our children- His children- to a wide array of possibilities, directing them toward His truths, and presenting them with an assortment of rich ideas for their minds and hearts to grow upon. Gradually, I am learning to recognize when the "education" is doing its work within them, and to therefore not snuff out the tiny flames which seem yet so insignificant by my own lofty unrealistic adult-perspective qualifying standards, set mostly by pre-conceived ideas of how learning "should look"... Meaningful learning does not necessarily mean a finished *project*. I'm learning to look with my child-eyes again.

For instance, the other day when T showed me the language she's creating for the characters in one of her stories, my first teacherly-Mom thoughts were along the lines of, "well, that's not a real language... why should she be wasting her time and all of that good language interest and energies with this when we could be working on our Latin or Hebrew?" Thankfully, in the next instant, I realized that I was witnessing a beautifully genuine representation of this child's love for language and passion for writing. And so the thoughts I expressed to her were those of encouragement and "why not?, how clever!" and musings over the inceptions of various languages.

But that was not the only challenge along these lines that either one of my kids have thrown at my feeble mind in the last couple of weeks. Last month N, who's been taking guitar lessons for just over a year now (that was his own inspired idea, which he faltered in when it came to the monotany of daily practice), announced to me that he'd like to come up with his own song to play at our co-op's end of the year student presentations ceremony... I immediately had to shush my overly-conservative, doubtful-of-his-being-ready-to-do-that thoughts right up. After months of laboring resistantly through daily practicings on his guitar, he's made it over some kind of mental hump, and now usually plays daily (without my having to tell him to!), and tells me he absolutely loves it. He was also greatly inspired by the movie August Rush. As we're driving home from his lessons, he often tells me excitedly of what he's learning, and how encouraging his guitar teacher is. Just last week his instructor told him that he could play his own songs without having any music written out(?!), and could even learn to play chords he hasn't yet formally learned, just by intently listening to a piece of music and then copying what he hears. Imagine that... I am so thankful for the many wonderfully inspiring people that have been God's vessels of instruction for our kids  (and myself) over the years, what evidence of HIS faithful provision! On so very many levels, this whole parenting/homeschooling business has been such a growing experience for my own faith levels.

And I know that I've mentioned here before of how my daring daughter gets these crazy inspired ideas to do things that are much bigger than any goals I'd ever set for her. I've seen how God has been faithful to send others into our lives to facilitate dreaming and passions that I could not... but I'm apparently a slow learner. Usually my first (natural) impulse is to caution her and help her to pare her visions down a bit, set her sights more realistically... but her fervor and insistence that she can and has already counted the cost of a conceived endeavour has once again inspired me, and as I've let go of the reigns I had moments before fearfully rationally tightened my grip on, I've been further delighted to see how God has sent others to come along side of me/us to see that her fans are flamed and help set her on the path to accomplishing these fantastic goals that I couldn't have orchestrated or provided for on my own, let alone have even decided upon.

Once again, this week it seems that another request, prayerfully offered up by a girl with bigger faith shoes than I can fill has been fulfilled by a generous Father.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows...     

~ James 1.17

T has praise in her heart. She loves to put on worship music and dance before the Lord enthusiastically. It's something that I've enjoyed doing with my kids since they were babies in my arms, twirling together with hands lifted high. T told me on Monday that she'd like to choreograph her own dance to a Third Day song and perform it at the aforementioned homeschool co-op student presentation ceremony. I gulped down my doubts, astonished at her brevity, again. She proceeded to explain her plans to me, and I just nodded along as I listened, knowing better than to discourage her resolve. "I'm going to ask Mrs. Jamie (her dance instructor- that's another testimony we have of His great provision for us- scholarships for dance lessons) to help me with my moves and figuring it all out." "That's a good idea." "Okay then, you'll have to wait for me a little bit longer after class so that I can talk to her about it." I agreed. And after her dance class ended on Tuesday, I watched as she gingerly approached her teacher, holding her passion close, encased in a dream that she proceeded to share with a trusted confidante. To my great surprise and delight, Jamie agreed to help her and meet with her a half hour before her class, every week- for free! I went back and checked with her myself after T told me, just to make sure it was really alright! Is that crazy-generous, and just like God, or what?! Needless to say, T is so excited about it that she's on fire now, and has asked a dancing friend that we carpool with to join her in the dance! She's been busily drawing and dancing up her choreography plans. Here's what she's got so far:

I tried getting some pictures of her dancing, but she wouldn't cooperate.

She did, however, allow me to take some pictures of her practicing on her violin. This - her opportunity to play the violin this year- is another story of her aspirations met by the willing Hand of Providence.

T has wanted to take violin lessons for years. I believe that the desire was probably first sparked sometime in her toddlerhood, when we spent a great deal of time with friends, whose then highschool daughter played the violin beautifully. She would watch and listen to her play intently every chance that she got. She began asking for lessons a few years ago, but we couldn't afford private violin lessons, and neither Chris nor I can even read music (something which both of our children are now learning to do quite well -without us!).  As I do, I told her that I would join in her praying that if it be His will, that He would provide an avenue for this opportunity for her. Then last year, we were blessed with the means to pay for N to have the private guitar lessons I mentioned above, and she so wanted the same. She confided to me of how she was struggling with jealousy and I reminded her that he too had been waiting for years for music lessons. Her time would come... and to be patient. Meanwhile, she decided to master her recorder and used the book that it came with to teach herself to read music and play quite a few folk songs. She joined a class offered at our co-op for the recorder, and took heart in my reminder not to despise small beginnings.

Then, to our delighted amazement, a wonderful lady decided to teach a strings class at our homeschool co-op this year, specifically violin and cello. T was beside herself with excitement over this opportunity to finally learn to play her instrument of choice - the violin. Now... if only we had a violin. I prayerfully sought the Lord, trusting Him to provide this too, knowing that with Him in it, it would all come together. Chris and I knew that it would have to happen cheaply to be feasible for us. Then towards the end of last school year, it came up at our Bible study with some friends that T was so glad to be looking forward to taking a violin class at our co-op, and since this friend had played for years, we asked her for suggestions concerning our finding a used violin for T. To our thrilled astonishment, she offered to loan T her own beautiful violin for as long as she needed it.

Time and again I have been blessed to see God's orchestration of timely provision for our children's passions, in both their inceptions and continuity. As their Mother and primary instructor, I find rest in knowing that it is not up to me to bring all these good things to life in their worlds,

      ‘ Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the LORD of hosts.

~ Zechariah 4.6

but rather I am just an open conduit of His loving kindness and purposes for each of them, His unique creations.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Memory Verse: Philippians 4:8

In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy.

My blog here was actually nominated in the HSB Awards for "Best Unschooling or Eclectic Homeschooling Blog 2008"! so if you feel so inclined, I'd really appreciate your vote! ...though I hardly feel worthy to even be listed among so many wonderful homeschool blogs! There are some really GREAT homeschooling blogs listed there in ALL of the categories so be sure and check them out! You WILL be inspired and encouraged, I know that I certainly have been subscribing to some new favorites! Be sure and check them all out, and then VOTE for your favorites!

There's some great posting going on over at the *shiny-brand-NEW* Christian Unschooling website. I am so honored to have been invited to actually contribute articles to this project now and then. The purpose of all the homeschooling writers that are contributing to the site is simply to offer:

Encouragement and resources for Christian unschooling, relaxed/eclectic home educating families–living in freedom in Christ.

I pray that it does so...

Heather at An Untraditional Home wrote an article recently posted, Confessions of a Homeschool Mama, in which she concedes,

Dare I say that we, despite our plans and ideals, are unschoolers?

Heh. And I just had to smile when I read it, as I could have written the same line. It seems to be the story of our entire homeschooling career! Me- planning like mad each summer and Fall, and then life happens, days slip into weeks, and my plans and schedules are trumped by one unplanned event, unkempt day, or wonderful learning experience after another... *LOL* Guess I'm learning to roll with the punches... Still can't help myself from making extravagant plans from which to pull from as we study over each year, but I'm also relaxed enough in our approach to enjoy those many inspired moments and days of unexpected delight-directed learning that the Lord and my children's beautiful minds bring our way regularly.

I have continually been amazed at what my kids have learned and accomplished over the years, without my supervision! I remember being caught quite off-guard and a bit worried when T basically taught herself to read at age 4/5, and I had yet to teach her phonics! We still went over the phonograms with games and workbook exercises that she begged for, but wow, I sure didn't see that coming! There have been numerous similar instances of budding minds blooming on their own around here over the years. Spontaneous nature studies abound, experiments, art projects and research from inspired questions asked, etc.

However, I’m also encouraged by how much they love great literature that I’ve carefully chosen and suggested, even to their own surprise. I cannot tell you how many times now they’ve groaned over beginning a book I suggest, only for me to find them still snuggled up with it like an hour later… it’s become a running joke around here when I pull out a book from our shelf of required reading for the year. Even hours of seeming aimlessness have turned into some pretty interesting projects, games and memories that simply would not have even been discovered had the kids not had plenty of uninterrupted time on their hands... to think, improvise, and to create.

Yeah, “learning in freedom” (love that term), aka. "life-long learning", aka. "delight-directed learning", aka. "relaxed-eclectic CMing" (as I like to call it) is definitely a balancing act here for this Mama, to discern how and when to direct or when to just stand back and not interrupt their groove~ simultaneously. When done with thoughtful intention, both approaches can and will facilitate growth and certainly do complement each other in playing a meaningful role in learning. But I’m finding that it’s easier to know *how* to accomplish this the more that I really tune into the kids’ interests and needs.

That, after all, would truly be the heart of good teaching, would it not? To inspire, and then to come along side of one with helpful direction and guidance, but only as needed. I guess that figuring out the “as needed” part is where it gets tricky, and probably even varies from one child/family to the next… It truly is a matter of understanding, something the Lord promises to give to those who ask.

My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,

 turning your ear to wisdom

and applying your heart to understanding,

 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

~ Proverbs 2.1-6

When I was over there at the new site this morning, I happened to notice that the quote for today, generously provided by Jena at Yarns of the Heart (another fab contributor to the said new site), seemed particularly fitting to these thoughts as well, naturally...

Education is understanding relationships.

~ George Washington Carver

**Added disclaimer: Please note that this post contains material that is inappropriate for children to read. Other than this one post, my blog is entirely family friendly.**

I just returned home from our local library, where I'd taken the kids this afternoon, to pick up some history tales and biographies. It was a disturbing visit this time, a first for me at this library... I've come to expect that we'll (obviously) sometimes be faced with plenty of contrary opinions in such a public arena of published thoughts, and the ensuing questions that then result from our visits have usually been fodder for great discussions and learning opportunities. It just goes with the territory, right? Fine. and. Dandy. I'm just glad that I didn't have to discuss this one with the kids, though I did with the librarians... but I'm getting ahead of myself.

So, after I'd stacked baby S's stroller high with the books on my list, I wandered down past the "Junior Biographies" section, heading over towards where my twelve year old son N was, near the children's computers. I was just passing my nine year old daughter, T as she was searching for a book "about Arabian horses", when, as I strolled along, contentedly enjoying the warm*fuzzy learning vibe the library always brings us, I happened to glance over at the shelf next to me, a bit below my own eye-level, and thereupon: did a double-take. Huh?! What's that book laying there sideways, where someone else (a child?) has presumably hastily discarded it (in embarrassment, perhaps) SAY?

It glared back at me unapologeticaly, with bold red letters, reading "Boys and S*x". Huh? That's a bit pointedly blunt, even for a secular book about s*x education for young (ages 9-12, according to Amazon) kids, isn't it? It almost sounds like a game, doesn't it? Well... this book certainly attempts to be the instructional manual, apparently treating it as such. I almost put it back in line with the other books, to at least hide the double-daring title, there being very young children around and all. But then, thick as it was... I wondered, just how much is there to be said on this topic anyways... and to children at that?! And so I hesitantly picked it up and, looking around to make sure that my kids wouldn't see me blushing, nor the offending title, opened it randomly to just past the middle of the book... curious, and upon seeing who the author was, even filled with an expectant dread.

I am not queasy, nor naive, when it comes to talking about purity, and the opposite s*x issues with our kids... Well, maybe I was a bit woozy at the thought at first, before we broke the ice... Come to think of it, there's a funny story there I have yet to blog about. But I digress, will have to share that in another post. Anyways, our 12 yo son has had "THE talk", which has now become more of an on-going dialogue. We're pretty casual in conversing about the birds and the bees (as well as the enemy's distortions, debasements and attempted marring of our God-given s*xuality) as necessary and questions are asked around here, though always respectfully. Our 9yo daughter knows as much as she's interested and ready for as of yet. S*x is good, it's a beautiful thing within the Biblical parameters of a loving marriage, life-giving~ literally, as our Creator meant it to be. So, let the record show: I'm not afraid when it comes to parents teaching their children about these matters.

Even so, I was not prepared for what I read, regardless of the fact that I'd knowingly made note of the fact that the author is none other than the co-author of The Kinsey Report... Kinsey having been a *ahem* shall we say- disturbed, degenerate, pedophile/pseudo-scientist, credited with normalizing the s*xual revolutuion, and legitimizing h*mos*xuality. Yeah, well, apparently, this book I held in my hand, that my son had just walked right by moments before me, is a children's version of another book Pomeroy had co-authored with Kinsey himself. Um, yeah...

Where was I? Oh yeah, what I read... but I can't tell you all of it anyways, since this is a fairly family-friendly blog, and I was tainted all day having read it, especially considering its intended audience. Grieved in my spirit... Let it suffice to say that it was quite descriptive, giving detailed directions (more graphic than even a diagram could have been) as to how a "teenaged boy" can m*st*rb*te to find pleasure after "he has been left unfulfilled by his partner"...or if willing, how his partner can give him fulfillment (after explaining that this meant to have *rg**m) by doing it for him?!

At this point, I was standing there in disbelief, trying to pick my jaw up off the floor. I was just plain stupified, but not so much that it was there - in print, written to children (as sad and twisted as that is, it's a sign of the times, I'd given mental assent to that already, one does tend to get desensitized) but more that it was right there, in our library, mere feet away from my children who were innocently perusing the very shelf I'd snatched it from. And I couldn't believe what I was reading, p*rnographic smut, right there in my kids' section of the library. Did I say that already, "the children's section"? Had my son curiously opened it up and read the little snippit I'd just read, his conscience would have surely been violated. That quick.

I was livid. In that moment today, the realization - that the battle for our children's hearts is being fought every day - was crystallized for me in seeing how close to home this strike was aimed. As I stood there, holding one of the enemy's weapons of choice in my own hands, I was reminded-once again- that in this world, there is no escaping the darkness that pervades the age, it's everywhere. The destroyer, the enemy of our children's souls is alive and well, and his handiwork is peddled as educational- even at our own little town's library... I had let my guard down... Upon second thought, no, I hadn't let my guard down, I was very watchfully aware. I just wasn't sitting on top of my kids, requiring that they let me first examine everything they laid their eyes upon, trusting God to catch my slack. At some point, we have to let our older children move into more freedom. Don't we? Of course we do. I cannot hold my 12 year old son's hand in the junior section of our library. *smirk* No, but the Lord can, and does.

Just so happens, I have a case in point that I was reminded of later. On the way to the library, N had popped in a cd that we haven't listened to in quite awhile, the "Prince of Egypt~ Inspirational", and one of the songs on it, The River, by CeCe Winans, always pulls on my heart strings (actually it gives me chills), but especially so today. And so, there I was - as we were driving to the library- prayerfully singing along with fervor, asking for God to watch over my son as he's growing up into a young man. Coincidence? I don't believe in coincidences.

The river flows from the depths of my soul
Save your son from harm and danger
It's killing me, still I've gotta let him go
Trust in You cause You're not a stranger
You are a spark, Misses joy
Now save my innocent boy
I'll leave forever in your cradle
I'm talking to ya river
I know you're able to deliver
Won't you take him with ya river
Take care of him
That's my heart, my heart
Familiar friend it's your hand that he's in
Carry him with blessed assurance
Don't let him go til you know that he's safe
I pray to God the Father for amazing grace
I gave you all that I've got now save him
Now save him from Pharaoh's plot
Of killin' each child that's born a man
I'm talking to ya river
You're able to deliver
Won't you take him with you river
Take care of him; that's my heart, he's my heart
Now that I put him in the water
I pray for you to do what you've got to do
With my son, yeah
Let him go, let him go...

I'm talking to you

I'm talking to ya river
I know you're able to deliver
Won't you take him with you river
Take care of him
Take care of him, my baby
I'm talking to ya river
I know you're able to deliver
Won't you take him with you river
How could I let my little boy go
Let him go , let him go
My baby boy...

That is my heart's cry as I homeschool my kids... that He would deliver them to His Promised Land... realizing that I cannot. He IS ABLE to deliver. Praying that His Holy Spirit, that river that's carrying them where I know not, that I must release them to, would bear them- these little ones- to somewhere that they can and will be free! It is my prayer that He would guide me as I shepherd them, and ultimately that they will look to Him to shepherd them one day, and that they would follow Him, Salvation, who came to deliver us all, to the Promised Land. I have no doubt that today, as we unsuspectingly walked into the library, our Lord was shepherding my children, even when I could not... guarding their eyes, and thus their hearts... that it was I who picked up that book, and not them. I only pray that the librarians, whom I brought the book to and adamantly shared my concerns with, as I politely pointed out to them the one inappropriate, disturbing page I'd read, along with a bit about the Kinsey report and the author, also feel the fervor to do something about it, like permanently pulling it from the shelves (if they even can). They were surprised, a bit embarrassed as well, and quite apologetic that it was there.

Over the years, I've grown more lenient with my kids at the library (though not without prayer and trepidation, well aware of the fact that there's a lot of falsehoods and alluring twaddle in print), letting them wander the aisles (of the junior/kids section of the library), perusing through the rows of books at will... I've surmised that my readers (now 12.5 and 9.5 years old) are pretty well grounded in their faith and strong in their beliefs. We discuss all sorts of topics and I usually welcome opportunities to share with my kids how our Christian worldview applies to opposing opinions and belief systems. I have also been delighted to hear their own thoughtful observations as they critically evaluate what they hear and read. Thus, I have absolutely no problem with them reading about other religions, evolution, mythology, liberal politics, etc. within limits appropriate to their understanding and spiritual maturity levels... However, today, as I was given a strong dose of reminding as to why we homeschool, and what much of our world considers acceptable and normal for a 9-12 year old audience, I was also reminded to stay ever-prayerfully-vigilant... even at the library. I would like to urge you all to do the same, as you venture forth with your charges into the halls of learning this year.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

I would like to end this post by recommending to you of a couple our favorite purity books: The Princess and the Kiss for girls and The Squire and the Scroll for boys, both of which I blogged about here. They're both good for boys and girls though- our daughter loves the latter and our son enjoyed the Princess book for years before we got the Squire book. We've also enjoyed the Life Lessons devotionals that have since been published to go along with each of these beautiful books.

Technorati Tags: Kinsey, purity, The Princess and the Kiss, The Squire and the Scroll, Homeschooling Carnival

I wanted to let you all know that the Homeschool eStore's free product of the week is absolutely wonderful, especially if you're planning to do any gardening with your kids this year. If you go sign up on their site, you can download a set of over 50 Gardening Notebook pages by Amanda Bennett, which I just downloaded (in pdf) and looked at. They're gorgeous! The pages (some lined, some not) are adorned with beautiful graphics, appropriate for any Spring and Summer journal pages really, whether you're gardening or not.

If you're not familiar with Homeschool eStore, all you have to do is sign up to be a member, and then each week you'll get an email to notify you of what the downloadable freebie of that week is. Then you just have to sign in each time, download that week's freebie (or any other items you may decide to buy), print or save for later and voila! Over this last year, I've gotten quite a collection of thematic, beautiful, free notebook/journaling pages.

Also, you may have noticed that I just recently changed my template, hope you like it, and that it's readable for all my visitors. Please let me know if you have any problems with it.

Homeschool e-store has another great offer this week, Biblical Feasts and Holy Days Level 3-4 Teacher Edition <<click here to go check it out!) This one is particularly timely, for those of you who may be interested in knowing more about the Biblical Feasts & Holy Days, their Christian significance, and would like a framework from which to study/teach them with/to your kids. Here's a description of the study offered in pdf, e-book form. I've downloaded it too, and will eventually print it out. It looks great!

Have you ever wondered why God established the feasts and holy days of the Old Testament? Teach your student what God expected from His people when they celebrated and observed the feasts and holy days. Discover how Jesus fulfilled some of the feasts with His first coming and will fulfill the other feasts in the future. Read about New Testament references to the feasts and holy days and events that took place on theses special days. This study will enable you to give your students a better understanding of the New Testament and all that Jesus did for us.

This teacher-friendly book contains lesson notes and drawings, memory verses, and reviews. Limited preparation time makes this an idea study for today’s teachers. Begin your study today!

Teachers can:
• Introduce students to the timeline of the feasts and holy days.
• Teach the feasts and holy days from both the Old and New Testament references.
• Show how Jesus has fulfilled some of the feasts with His first coming.
• Reveal to their students various aspects of the gospel in relation to the feasts and holy days.

But hurry! It's normally $14.95, and yours FREE until Oct 9th only!  (I sound like quite the salesman, huh? LOL) Can't beat it though! And I promise, there's no catch. I've downloaded and printed out quite a few e-books and notebooking pages from them already. You have to sign up for an account though, but that's free too, with no strings attached. They just email you weekly to let you know what the featured free item of the week is. Oh, and if you do happen to buy anything, let them know that I sent ya, and I'll get a bit of spending credit there too.

Well, both Leslie and Sprittibee tagged me with these practically identical homeschool memes yesterday, so I get to have twice the fun (double answers! LOL) So, here's my answers!

1) ONE HOMESCHOOLING BOOK YOU HAVE ENJOYED
Just one? No, I get two! Well, I'd have to say that the first one I ever read is still among my favorites. For the Children's Sake by Susan Macaulay. And I must also add The Original Homeschooling Series by Charlotte M. Mason, which I am now slowly reading through. I keep thinking I wish that I'd read this series, itself, sooner... rather than all the good books I've read about CM's writings and educational philosophy.

2) ONE RESOURCE YOU WOULDN'T BE WITHOUT
the Internet, my library at home! Also my local libraries!

3) ONE RESOURCE YOU WISH YOU HAD NEVER BOUGHT
a. I wish that I'd never bought the entire Weaver, vol. 1 Unit Study package, complete with the Skills Evaluation book, Wisdom Words, etc. (at least I bought it used off vegsource, but still!!) I think it's lovely, full of beautiful ideas and awwesome potential, but MAN, oh man! what was I thinking?! *sighs* I keep wondering if maybe I'll use parts of it here or there, but it's been a few years now... nada... I've fallen in love with Ambleside, and TruthQuest... I can sit and read a good book with my kids and talk about it and draw pictures and take and give narrations... that I can handle, but not all the planning and stuff gathering of unit studies... I thought I could, would, "for the children's sake"... but there it sits, and here I sit. LOL So, any takers?

b. Reading and phonics workbooks that my kids never finished. I bought them years ago, before I knew better, but then... T7 now uses some of the ones that N didn't finish because she likes to get a wb fix every now and then, so at least some of them are getting used afterall.

4) ONE RESOURCE YOU ENJOYED LAST YEAR
a. Our family pass to Bays Mountain Park, the kids love the planetarium, and feeding the deer, and watching the wolves eating a deer!

b. We love our Biblical Holidays book by Robin Sampson, and refer to it every year, gleaning a bit more each time. It has led us down a fascinating road of discovery and venturing into the rich realm of further understanding and appreciating the Hebraic roots/context of our Christian faith.

5) ONE RESOURCE YOU WILL BE USING THIS YEAR

a. TruthQuest History Guides.

b. History Through the Ages Historical Timeline Figures Collection on cd-rom.

6) ONE RESOURCE YOU WOULD LIKE TO BUY (or will be using next year)
a. a subscription to The Home Educator's Tutor

b. The Pilgrim's Progress All-in-One Curriculum (with cd)

7) ONE RESOURCE YOU WISH EXISTED
I think there's truly more than enough already out there, and I just need to use what I already have...

ONE HOMESCHOOLING CATALOGUE YOU ENJOY READING

a. Veritas Press.

b. CBD Homeschool catalogue.

9) ONE HOMESCHOOLING WEBSITE YOU USE REGULARLY

Ambleside Online.

Heart of Wisdom

10) TAG FIVE OTHER HOMESCHOOLERS
hmmm... how 'bout

Jenny

Tonia
Susie (my neighbor friend)

Dana

Cynthia

Dawn

And if you'd like to play as well, then please do, and let me know in a comment here. I'd love to know your answers!

Recommended Website: Rocks And Minerals

Have you got a rockhound in the family? Do you collect rocks and minerals? Are you fascinated by rocks? If so, today's website is sure to please. It offers all kinds of information about rocks and minerals presented in a really simple Question and Answer format complete with colorful pictures. This site is geared to novices and provides a great introduction to the whole subject of geology.

When you get to the site, you'll immediately find out what the difference is between rocks and minerals and learn how to identify them. You will also get answers to intriguing questions such as:

What are elements?
What is under the earth's crust?
How do rocks get here from outer space?

To learn more, click on "More about Rocks" and"More about Minerals" near the bottom of the page.

If you click on "More About Rocks" a new page opens with info on rocks presented in a Q&A format. Learn about rocks that erupt, rocks that keep records, rocks that change, and underground rocks.

Click on "More About Minerals" and you'll learn through a Q&A format what the difference is between a plain mineral and a precious mineral. Find out how to measure minerals and the medicinal uses for minerals.

Again, this is a very basic introduction to rocks and minerals that can easily springboard you to further studies.

If you find your kids want more, then visit the Rocks For Kids website (recommended by list member MaryAnna) at: http://www.rocksforkids.com.
It's a Canadian-based website with all kinds of info on rocks. In fact, you could probably assemble a complete unit study or even a rock curriculum based on the resources, lesson plans, activities, and links to further learning about rocks,
minerals, and geology that are housed at the site. Have fun!

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
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