Breaking the Rules

We are raised believing certain myths. Part of my awakening this year, was recognizing that these myths are merely mainstream nonsense. Children grow up and they are to attend public school. We have them checked yearly, in the early years, and immunized from diseases. A privileged life is one of financial success. If we show our children how working pays off by buying "stuff" we are good parents because we can provide. But what seems to be happening is that children only know to expect more. When is enough enough?

Public school, at one time, was a quality education. But laws and politics involved in basically anything that has to do with our children's future, is scary. I want my children to grow up with a mind to question and analyze. I don't want them to accept what they are told. They need to learn to reason in a safe environment. Our Christian values are in the forefront of everything in our life. This means it comes FIRST. First thing before learning, prayer.

With all the misinformation floating around on the Internet, newspapers, etc., how can I be sure that putting anything into our bodies is safe? Because they say so? Who is they? Drug companies? I have been reading a lot about immunizations and what are in the ingredients and it should be enough for a pause of concern. It is okay to question and say no if we are not comfortable. We do not have to follow the "norm" because we are told that is best for us. God gave us free will and no one can take that away from us.

When I started buying raw milk for my family, many people cringed and told me all sort of myths about how unsafe it is. This is actually not at all the case. We buy from an inspected source and were careful in making this choice. Going a different direction does not mean an uninformed decision. That is one of the greatest myths I have found. It is just a matter of sorting through the garbage and finding what is honest and truthful information in a world concerned with money and power.

Mike and I talked to a man at church last week and he said something we found very interesting. We were talking about possibly fostering a child but maybe not having the room in our house. The man looked at my husband and said . . . well we used to fill our houses with people and now we fill it with stuff. How sad.

Focus on the Family

"Supper is only the occasion, the excuse. The subject is actually family -- establishing, enjoying, and maintaining ties. The goal is creating and reinforcing a secure place for your loved ones in a society that can seem awfully uninterested in human needs."
 -Miriam Weinstein. The Surprising Power of Family Meals: How Eating Together Makes Us Smarter, Stronger, Healthier and Happier. 2005. pg. 242.

   It is amazing how something as simple as food can be the great equalizer, bringing a family together. We have our challenges with homeschooling, finances, and overall attitudes but sitting down as a family for a meal wipes the slate clean.

   First we pray. Mike and I are softened by the sound of our children's voices praying for others. They look like little angels with their eyes closed tight and hands clasped. Then we talk about the meal. This encourages the kids to try new things and since there is no hurry, they take the time to experiment. Now we can work on manners. How many of our children these days know to put a napkin in their lap or how to correctly use a fork? 

   We eat slower, laugh in between bites and tell stories about our day. This emphasizes the importance of family and teaches children to be thankful for every bite. Nobody gets up until all are done so there is no rush. If everyone finishes their food, there is rumor of dessert. Tyson eats every last pea in anticipation of a sweet surprise. He prides himself on this great accomplishment.

   The hustle in our society is inevitable and sometimes in the excitement, the "little things" get put aside. Mike and I did this for years. We fed our kids mac and cheese and hotdogs and then BBQed steaks for us. The kids would sit at the table, where they wouldn't be able to spill, and we sat in recliners. We never realized what opportunities we were missing. We gave up the only thing that was important.

When One Door Closes . . .

“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” -Alexander Graham Bell

   Nothing could have prepared be for the text from my husband early Friday morning . . . "FireD."

 

   Many thoughts ran through my head: he's joking . . . It's Christmastime . . . wait, why?

 

The night before my husband was involved in a . . . mishap. 

 

   The roads to Idaho City were icy and Mike was asked to haul this bulldozer for his company. The trailer got stuck and in an effort to try to clear traffic, the dozer fell to its side. No body was hurt and there was little, if any, damage. We were just thankful that Mike was safe.

 

   The next morning, Mike went into work and was fired. He worked for the company for 5 years without one infraction. No warnings. No accidents. Anyone who drives a truck or operates equipment is in the difficult position of possibly making mistakes. Apparently, we were not allowed one. Many other employees in the past who have had accidents have been allowed to continue but for whatever reason, Mike was not. I panicked at first. We have NO income. It is the first time in a long time that I don't even have any sort of part-time job.

 

   So, my husband gathered his tools and paperwork and left the job we depended on for our sole income. As scary as it was, we both had a sense of peace. The way he was fired and treated was so bizarre, we felt it had to be some sort of hidden blessing. We believe God knew that we have turned down other opportunities to stay with the safety of this company. He knew that he had to take "staying with current company" out of the equation for us to move forward. 

 

   There is a strange sense of freedom that comes from being unemployed. I pray we do not become very familiar with that type of freedom, but it is exciting to watch our future unfold. Obviously there is something else. 

   After I received the text, I cried a little, explained to the children what happened and then went into my "mode." Instant fix-it. I jumped on Craigslist and the IdahoWorks website. I found a crane operator job conveniently just posted in Boise. Apparently, they need a certain type of crane operator, one with a truck driver's license (CDL). Mike!

   He drove from his previous place of employment to the office where this job was offered. Fresh off of the jobsite and in his coveralls, they spoke about the opportunity to run the truck crane full-time. He was asked to return on Monday afternoon. 

   If not for the accident, Mike wouldn't have been fired. If he wasn't fired, I wouldn't have even been looking at opportunities. Even if we had, we wouldn't have left what we considered a "safe" job to enter the unknown. But the reality is that what we perceive is "safe" is often an illusion. It suffocates our freedom as we are willing to give up possibilities for what gets us by. What does that say about our society. What does that show our children. 

   And it really is just an illusion because nothing is a "sure-thing."

 

The Classics

There is something about the classics. When we are done with our home studies, I often allow the kids to watch TV. Not modern television.

What can we learn from old movies? The classics represent a different time in America. This time was family centered. The humor is wholesome.  Nostalgic music accompanies the story. Children show respect to their elders and if caught bullying, they have consequences.

Modern Christmas movies are disturbing. I find myself fast forwarding through sex scenes and bad language . . . ON THE FAMILY CHANNEL! Yesterday, I turned on White Christmas. The kids are more open to black and white TV because they have been introduced to it since they were young but they did protest the seemingly boring Christmas classic. There really is something about the classics though. What the movies lack in visual color, it makes up in song. They were fixated on the old Christmas carols and dancing.

It's a joke around here than when I am feeling down, we turn on I Love Lucy but it is truly therapeutic for me. Today, with so much focus on reality television, it's is comforting to stop, take a step back and visit a simpler era.

Where are you Christmas?

On our way home from a memorial service yesterday, I heard the song entitled "Where are you Christmas?" Emotional overload. Up until this year, Christmas represented a cheerful and magical time. Childlike excitement mixed with our faith in Jesus Christ. This year is different somehow. Maybe it is through grief. Maybe it is my new outlook on this evil world. But for the first time I can honestly say, I don't want anything material for Christmas. Instead, I want the commercialism that is mocking this holiday and masking itself as "the giving season" to disappear. Imagine if Christmas was really just a time we got together as family and friends. The sad thing is I had to add "just" as if it were a tiny increment of the holiday.

At first I thought this was a bad thing. I thought that I lost my Christmas spirit but yesterday my cousin mentioned, that just maybe I have finally found it. Perhaps the sadness I feel is not a loss of spirit but instead compassion. Where has that feeling been all those years? Masked in pretty paper and tiny lights.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ7W6bsvBCo

"7 Experiment" Mutiny on Excess--Clothing

 "But Mom, I don't have anything to wear . . . " 

Originally, we were going to start this "lesson" with food but given the fact that every morning we have this argument, we rearranged the theme for the week. 

 

This is why they feel they have no clothes. All of these clothes were clean, stuffed into desk drawers, under the bed and basically every crevice of their room. I tore through their area, piling up all of the clothing they claimed didn't exist.

Then, I boxed and bagged up every single piece of clothing other than 7 pieces for each of them. I chose which items they had in their drawer and everything else disappeared.

*I did allow unlimited underwear and socks. But I explained that we are fortunate for this as many do not have these means of personal hygiene.

In the beginning of this experiment, my oldest daughter thought it sounded fun (more likely she knew she had less clothes to put away). Our younger daughter Maddie looked at me like I had just stripped her of her most prize possessions. No more fancy cowgirl shirts and hats. The fit began as a common scowl and turned into an all out meltdown. Because I took away her clothes, I was going to take away everything. "You are probably getting rid of the horses too!" 

By the end of the week, the girls barely even noticed the missing clothes. They just opened their drawer and grabbed whatever was in there. Clothing was for comfort and warmth only. It simplified their week!

Yesterday, we made a big deal about going through all of the clothes I had put away. One by one we rated whether they were necessary or if we could donate them. The girls were engaged in the process and honest about whether they could do without. I was impressed with their attitudes. Maddie even said "WOW! We have a lot of clothes!" 

Exactly.

It Takes a Village

It has been said, "It takes a village to raise a child." That means that it takes a village to help a the family of that child. It takes a community who may or may not even personally know the family or the child.

Part of our duty and privilege as Christians is to spread God's love and His promise openly. We are called to minister to our friends, neighbors and strangers. Who needs to witness the power of love and grace more than a grieving family? Many of us are hesitant to intrude, don't know how to help or what to say. When we lost my brother years ago, I remember those who came to the door and said just that. It meant the world to us during that devastating time.

Loss is, at its core, humanizing. When we lose someone we love, we survive day by day for a time. In the beginning shock is our friend. It allows us to get the job done. When shock, like pain medication wears off, it is excruciating. The worst part of it is that by then, most people have already moved on.

So, I am asking this great community of both Christians and Non-Christians alike to help us support the Cook family of Kuna/Nampa this Christmas. So far, close to $1000 has been generously donated to help with funeral and/or living expenses during this difficult time. If we all dropped off a small donation to the Cook Family Fund at our local Idaho Central Credit Union, we could not only take the financial burden off of this grieving family, but we can help them have a Christmas. 

Grief

It was a typical morning here . . . Ty cuddled with me while we all watched one of those sappy Christmas movies . . . when I heard the sirens. So many sirens. I immediately thought of my friends who live in Kuna. But then, the sirens stopped. I looked at the window and saw a fleet of police vehicles, ambulances and fire trucks. I thought I would just walk out to the street and see if it was a familiar vehicle. As I got closer to the scene of the accident I saw orange. School bus orange. I walked faster, trying to see the bus number. The whole right side of the bus was so mangled that I could not read it. The scene unfolded . . . children on stretchers. I could not see their faces. I recognized a neighbor and she told me it was bus 11. Maddie's bus. Only, months ago, I chose to homeschool her and pulled her from the bus route. Maddie would have been the last pick up before the crash. One little boy was killed in this horrific accident. Unfortunately, I was there when his parents were told.

I came back into the house and hugged my children, so thankful we made the decision we did. But then it felt wrong because there were so many others affected. I felt guilty for being so relieved. When we put our children on the bus, they are supposed to be safe. I cannot imagine these parents grief. How utterly shocked and helpless the parents must have felt who didn't know their children were safe at home.

I realized that had Maddie still been riding the bus, I would have watched the accident. I would have seen the bus whip around and I would have been first on scene. I would have heard the terrified cries and screaming. The would-haves haunt me but the loss of this little boy breaks my heart; the ultimate "would have." Helplessness consumes me so I pray for the family.

7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess

On the subject of Black Friday . . . Yesterday, while in the church nursery, Mike introduced me to a lady he had been talking to about this very subject. She brought to our attention 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker. The idea: An exercise in simplicity. Take 7 areas of excess in western life and reduce to simple choices: Food, clothes, Possessions, Media, Waste, Spending and Stress. Below is an excerpt from the publication:

   "So what used to be comfortable (being a big fat consumer Christian) became uncomfortable; then what was uncomfortable (engaging the poor) became comfortable. Follow? Perhaps I gave up emotional comfort for awhile, but then God affirmed Himself as our provider, established the vision He gave us, and taught me how to love. The uncomfortable turned into our life's mission, and we would never go back.
   That said, a new tension began lurking. The catalyst was the week we housed twelve evacuees from Hurricane Ike. Our little church, four months old at the time, took in eighty strangers from the coast that had nowhere to go. We moved our three kids into our bedroom, washed sheets, bler up mattresses, rolled out sleeping bags, and readied the house for an onslaught. As carloads arrived and we welcomed them in, one ten-year-old boy walked into our home, looked around with huge eyes, and hollered:
   "Dad! This white dude is RICH!"
   We are.
   For years I didn't realize this because so many others had more. We were surrounded by extreme affluence, which tricks you into thinking you're in the middle of the pack. I mean, sure, we have 2400 square feet for only 5 humans to live in, but our kids have never been on an airplane, so how rich could we be? We haven't traveled to Italy, my kids are in public schools, and we don't even own a time-share. (Roll eyes here.)
   But it gets fuzzy once you spend time with people below your rung. I started seeing my stuff with fresh eyes, realizing we had everything. I mean everything. We've never missed a meal or even skimped one one. We have a beautiful home in a great neighborhood. Our kids are in a Texas exemplary school. We drive two cars under warranty. We've never gone a day without health insurance. Our closets are overflowing. We throw away food we didn't eat, clothes we barely wore, trash that will never disintegrate, stuff that fell out of fashion. 
    And I was so blinded I didn't even know we were rich.
   How can I be socially responsible if unaware that I reside in the top percentage of wealth in the world? (You probably do too: Make $35,000 a year? Top 4%. $50,000? Top 1 percent. Excess has impaired perspective in America; we are the richest people on earth, praying to get richer. We're tangled in unmanageable debt while feeding the machine, because we feel entitled to more. What does it communicate when half the global population lives on less than $2 a day, and we can't manage a fulfilling life on twenty-five thousand times that amount? Fifty-thousand times that amount?
   It says we have too much and it is ruining us. " -Jen Hatmaker 7 An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess

   The idea is intriguing. Take one area of excess at a time and simplify. Choose 7 foods, no more and live on this for a time . . . 7 days or a month? Need to pray about it . . . Not only will this rock our spoiled American lives but it will allow for perspective.
   

Black Friday . . . I mean Thursday.

This may be the only time you will see me quote "Huffington Post" but the Huffington Post reports that Black Friday Deals begin at 6:00 PM today. Thanksgiving Day. Hold on while I put on my tin foil hat . . .

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/26/walmart-black-friday-2013-deals_n_4276573.html

Have you noticed the continuous erosion of family values? The one day of the year that many families focus on a meal and sit down together, is now one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Doesn't this seem a little coincidental to anyone? What does this say about what we hold dear? What does this show our children? Is saving a few dollars really worth it? Is it really worth rushing through a day with family and friends to go out and stand in line.

I have to admit, I am all about a good deal and I love to shop BUT . . . can't we draw a line somewhere? Can't we hold one day dear and focus on family? Or are we just going to push past that line a little more every year until Thanksgiving day is Black Thursday? Because that is what is going to happen. 

Today and tomorrow mean BIG BUCKS to credit card companies and corporations. You better believe that is the bottom line. It's not about you and saving you money. It is a big competition on who has the highest proceeds. Spend, SPEND, SPEND! Your children will love you because you got them the latest and greatest toy. Awesome.

Present and Future

When I was a little girl, I wanted nothing more than to be a veterinarian. I wanted to be a vet, not because of the prestige of being a doctor, but because I loved animals. When people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up and I told them my passion, they would automatically mention this career choice. It's a common reaction when the subject of career come up . . . be a doctor, a teacher, a lawyer or maybe even the next president of the United States.

But where would we be without those who like working on cars, have a passion for building or raising children. What kind of values are we instilling in our children that they need to fit into these career choices. Sure there is nothing wrong with going for the big goal, the ultimate achievement but sometimes I wonder if we miss our calling in trying to follow these golden paths.

We praise those who go to college, achieve that degree and go on to work for someone else but somehow discount the person who took a risk and walked a different road. We strive for safety and not for what we are ultimately called to do.

When I began college, I wanted to be a vet. I took Chemistry 101 and failed miserably. I changed my major . . . eventually I ended up striving toward a career that was safe . . . teaching. I could do teaching right? Have a few kids . . . be off in the summer and all holidays . . . and after all, I love children. So that was the plan. I graduated college and went on to get my teaching credential in special education.

But there was a problem here. Our plans are not exactly the same as God's Plan. I had my life planned out for what worked best for me, my family and my career. MY IDEA of what worked out best. My concern is that I believe this is what we do to our children when preparing them for life. This is the norm right? I mean how many would tell their daughters they can always stay home and homeschool their children and run a youth ranch/horse rescue.

But what is ultimately amazing about this . . . when I was a little girl I loved horses. I grew up figuring that there was one path to do what you were meant to do and that was to be a vet. Well, I may not be a vet or even a teacher in the classroom but I am exactly where I want to be. I spend everyday teaching my children and and then I walk outside and care for the horses, some who need special vetting.

I believe it is important to encourage those special dreams our children have with options. They can be whatever they want to be. Money is not the overall goal but the fact that they are passionate about what they do. It is important that they are not too focused that they miss an opportunity, disguised as not as prestigious or important. Those are the divine appointments.

Treasure

"Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
-Matthew 6:19-21

I have been known to make myself physically ill while reading current events. Spend an evening in our house and you will hear political vomit, appalling news about child abuse/murder and other disturbing news reports. Just as "we are what we eat," we can also be what we surround ourselves with. I have come to realize that marinating ourselves in garbage, produces garbage.

In trying to set my priorities, the above scripture came to mind. We often put aside so much to obtain more. Our culture glorifies glamour and worships fame and fortune. But all that we aquire on this earth stays on this earth. All these "things" are simply that . . . "things." No amount of money or prestige can change that the shiny black car, is really only a shiny black car. It doesn't feel. It doesn't love.

Part of what I am learning about with this homeschooling experience is how little "things" matter. What matters is really so simple.

When Mike and I started the Youth Ranch, we did so because we wanted our life's work to be for God's Kingdom. Children are our treasure and we are commanded to protect and teach our children. What I didn't realize is that they really have so much to teach us about being Godly. What are they learning from me if I am completely engrossed in the evils of the world? How are they to be little lights in a dark world when they grow up without words of hope . . . of TRUTH? What can I expect from them if they see us focus on what money can buy?

This lifestyle we are now living is me trying to be the mother I am not. I'm just not but I want to be. I want to be that Mom who sprawls out on the floor and plays games, not thinking about all that needs to be done. I want my center to be God and family and in order to do that, I have to put that first. And because I am so stubborn about MY WAYS, I have to home school because I know this will FORCE me to sit down. I knew my fear of failing my children would slow me down. And it's working. Today we played. I even thought of an idea for us to engage in pretend play. I felt silly doing it but you know what . . . I didn't think about the state of this world once.

P.S. As I am writing this and deep in thought, I just noticed my son sticking the brain sucker thingy they give you at the hospital when your baby is born, in his nose and making sucking sounds. Gotta love three year olds ( ;

The Virus

This nation suffers from a permeable virus. This virus spreads from generation to generation and through neighbors and friends alike. It's name is passivism but it goes under the name of "tolerance." Passivism hides under tolerance as a more politically correct and thus more acceptable term and lifestyle. We accept more and more when we are affected with this virus. It has been known to erode moral character and integrity. This is the new "normal."

Now the reason I am identifying with this virus of modern day society is because our "alternative lifestyle" does not exactly fit into the "normal." Homeschooling is becoming more and more well-known and accepted, but the stereotype remains. Those who homeschool are often seen as religions extremists, conspiracy theorists, and/or separatists. And although we might fit in to a few of these "labels," this stereotype is simply false. I cannot speak for others but for us, it means that we are taking a stand against the "norm." We do not HAVE to put our children in school all day in order for them to receive a GOOD education. In fact, we can assure a GREAT education right here in our living room. No, it's not easy but when did we all decide EASY was the way? Can our children still get a great education in public schools, absolutely. I am in no way stating that our way is the only or best way.

I walk into a store with my children and am asked if the kids are out of school today. Nope. This is a field trip. I don't mind these questions. I know the path we chose is not the straight road. Growing up in southern California definitely did not prepare me for this choice. But I'm coming to realize that MY plans were not necessarily God's plan. And God's plan, is the only cure for this virus.

Simplify

Well, it's happening again . . . the colder weather blows in and the overtime hours diminish. Such is the life in the construction industry. The past few years, I have had my job at Axiom as an income supplement. I could work as many days as needed in the winter and take my kids with me. But this year we gave up that option.

In going over our financial situation yesterday, I found a deficit if Mike is forced to go down to 40 hours a week. My nature is to brainstorm and try to come up with some idea or rearrange some sort of payment arrangement. Here is what I came up with:

Cable-Around $50 a month and useless to us. The news is not reliable, TV shows we like can be found online or on Netflix and we can always rent movies and use the DVD player. CUT!

Gas-One time a week to the store. Lately I have not been very good at this. We have to plan better. CUT!

Food-This is a tough one because quality food costs more than junk food. However with a few changes, we should still be able to save. Our milk and meats are all organic, hormone and GMO free. We try to stick to foods with as few ingredients as possible. If we want cookies, I bake them. We make pizza from scratch. No preservatives and cheap. So, flour, sugar, real butter . . . all single ingredients and inexpensive, esp in bulk.

Let me explain a little why we feel so passionate about this. Have you ever noticed the Amish are healthier than much of America? They do not immunize, they grow and eat their own foods. They have less instances of cancer. Their lifestyle is friendly to the body. It's natural. Here is a link:

http://www.naturalnews.com/027930_Amish_health.html#

Even though they eat REAL butter, raw milk, lard, sugar, etc, they are in better shape. They are ONE ingredient. Have you ever looked at the nutrition info on a tub of margarine? I used to believe that it would be healthier to cut the fat. Everything I bought was nonfat . . . nonfat ranch, ice cream and snacks. These items are not only loaded with cancer causing chemicals and ingredients, but they are often more expensive than just basic ingredients. So cutting out the convenience foods, allows us the extra money to buy local clean meats and milk.

The crazy thing is Mike and I have actually lost weight since we have started this more traditional diet, we feel better and know that our children are eating the best quality possible. Buying locally also supports our local farmers. WIN-WIN!

Teachers

I have a new respect for classroom teachers. They are the miracle workers of today's society. They work wonders with nothing. Their funds are being striped away, and they still show up. They teach a new generation of children, many who live in broken homes. The technology veil makes us unavailable to our children and teachers get the brunt of this during the day in the classroom. They have students with a range of disabilities, mentor those who are bullied, work during the day and grade papers at night. Modern day educators don't know how long they will have a job and they spend their own money for curriculum.

I went to school to be a teacher. My career choice was not only because I felt drawn to special education, but also that I believed in education . . . public education. I could have the best of both worlds . . . work in the same district where my children go to school and have the same vacations, days off, etc.

Now here I am homeschooling my children. It's so hard. I feel for every teacher in this country. I have 3 children and I'm struggling. We sit in our living room and do our work and my children interrupt, repeat themselves, stare off into space, etc. I don't have deadlines or test standards. How do they do it?? Teachers are my heroes.

Curriculum and Common Core

 How do I know what curriculum to use / : This year we were blessed by our friends to borrow their "My Father's World" Christian Curriculum. Do we try another next year and then compare? Or will that confuse the kids. Maybe I'm the one confused.

Because I confuse easily, we start with what is most important: prayer and Bible study. Then it's basically a crap shoot on what we get done on a daily basis. But one thing I know for certain, if I am merely capable of teaching my children about our Lord, and basic academic skills and methods of learning, they have more of a chance in the this fallen world.

I have attached a link to some interesting information about what is happening in public schools all over the nation. Even when I am researching curriculum, it is difficult to weed out Common Core.

http://saynotocommoncore.com/

Field Trips

Homeschooling allows us the flexibility to take "field trips" as a family.  This is one of the great benefits I have found with keeping my children home.

Since Tuesday is the day we pick up our meat and raw milk from the dairy, it makes a perfect day to run other errands. One of our "errands" is going to the Kuna Public Library. I have recently become reacquainted with our local library and found it to be a fun place to let the kids play and have a break while I research information. The library has so many activities, all free to the local community.

Another great "field trip" errand is the bank. Here we can teach how to count and save money. Plus, the kids get a lollipop!

Even a trip to the grocery store can be a learning experience. We rarely go to big stores anymore since most of our purchases are family owned markets. When we do go to the market, we practice our list making skills. I also occasionally have coupons to cut out and attach to the store list.

This October, we were invited to go to the Farmstead with a friend who is a part of a Kuna Homeschooling Co-op. This is a great opportunity for the kids to have some fun and socialize.

Faith and Fasting--Save Saeed Abedini

"This is Life or Death for Saeed Abedini." --Jay Sekulow

Many have been following the story of Saeed, the Idaho Pastor imprisoned in Iran because of his faith in Jesus Christ. Pastor Saeed is an AMERICAN CITIZEN who visited Tehran, Iran on July 28th 2012 to visit family and to help build orphanages.

Saeed was arrested and sent to Evin Prison, considered one of the most brutal prison's in that region. He was beaten and left bleeding in solitary confinement. They denied him any visitation rights and denied him the medical attention he needed. Naghmeh Abedini, Saeed's wife has traveled the world on her husband's behalf. Because of her courage, many know the great pastors story and are writing letters and praying for his release. The American government has been strangely silent about this case. In fact, it took our President over a year to mention the Abedini case publicly. Finally, in late September 2013, Obama called for Pastor Saeed's release from Evin Prison.

Part of our honor and pleasure as Christians is to stand together as brothers and sisters in Christ. The church family is undeniably one of the greatest supporters of both its members and also important community programs that keep our children safe and our hungry fed. Therefore, when one of our family members is wrongfully imprisoned and persecuted for their personal belief, we stand up.

This week Pastor Saeed has been moved to another prison, even more dangerous than Evin. His life is in immediate danger. The next 24-48 hours will be critical. Our family dedicated this week: Mon-Wed in prayer and fasting for the Abedini Family. We MUST all stand together and use our voices to speak up against this horror of injustice.

Please join us and call  1-877-989-2255 or go to ACLJ.org and sign the petition to put more pressure on our government to step in on Saeed Abedini's behalf. Even if you are not a Christian. This could be your father, husband or brother.

On Attitude

AHHHHHHHHH!!!
Had to get that out of the way.

As we were getting ready this morning to start our day, Sierra came into the bathroom to inform me that she has her cowgirl clothes on for when she gets to ride this afternoon. I told her that we have a lot of work today with schooling and outdoor chores and MELTDOWN. She burst into tears, ran to her room and slammed the door.

Regardless of negative social influences, Sierra still has the 9 year old "Drama." How am I to deal with this kind of attitude and get anything accomplished? Since we chose the option of keeping them home and doing their schooling here, this leaves everything up to us. I only say this because it puts a great sense of responsibility over so many aspects of their lives. I can no longer pin blame on their peers or school personnel. It means I have to watch my reactions and overreactions. It means when they don't do well on a test, it is because I didn't present it well for them.

It is so difficult even as I type right now as Maddie is procrastinating on her math by braiding and rebraiding her her, sharpening her pencil, writing and erasing . . . etc. We have been on #1 for 5 minutes. How in the world am I going to be able to do this.

And through all of this, Ty is singing "Father Abraham" at the top of his lungs. Sigh.

Hi. It's Mike

   Hey everyone, Mike here. Tanya asked me to do this blog with her, and, although I've been very excited to do it, I've had a hard time getting started. I'm going to give it a shot.
   To be honest, this back to basics lifestyle hasn't changed my days all that much. Tanya has researched the food sources and does most of the shopping. Tanya has taken on the responsibility of homeschooling the kids. I just keep plugging away at work. I have, however, seen a transformation in my family that I love seeing. The kids are growing more respectful, learning about our Lord and Savior, and becoming more responsible with helping out around the house. Tanya, in spite of the tough days, has much better good days. I can say, as well, that I am feeling better physically due to the foods that we've been eating.
   Our society says that "he who dies with the most toys wins". I'd like to see that changed to "he who dies and leaves behind a family who will follow him to heaven wins". The boats, the campers, the four wheelers, motorcycles, pools, bigger trucks, faster cars, bigger houses...Really? Are they as important as the children that we raise? I think if you asked anyone with a yard full of toys which was more important, the toys or the kids, undoubtedly they would answer the kids. In spite of that, we have converted our society to require two incomes in the home so that we can afford the lifestyles that we live. Relinquishing our children's upbringing to day care and eventually a school system that cannot allow a teacher to hug a sad child for fear of being sued by an easily offended parent.
   I am grateful that I was blessed with a wife who is willing to ignore societal expectations and do what is right for our family.

Isolation

 Being the homebody I am, I didn't expect to feel isolated when we chose this path. Part of this is due to inexperience and not knowing and reaching out to support groups, co-ops, etc. I realize it won't always feel this way but I am used to people! I miss my gym ladies and "me" time.

 It's a very humanizing decision . . . one that keeps me humble daily. I am really terrible at this. I can't remember all the grammar rules, math still stumps me and my organizational skills are lacking. And this is just the homeschooling aspect of our day.

Because we have limited ourselves to going into town once a week, I have forced myself to make do with what we have. Mike loves having an onion bagel in the morning. My attempt at homemade bagels was sad. Are they suppose to taste like chalk?

My little Maddie is a cowgirl in spirit and really wanted to just be herself for Halloween ( ; We searched and searched for a simple, inexpensive vest for her costume. When we ran short on time before Halloween, I decided I was going to need to figure something out. We took an old piece of material and made her one. Now, I do not sew. I despise it actually but we have to do what we can with what we have.











I am not a big fan of Halloween. I do not believe in the whole ghosts and goblins night.  I feel there is enough horror in the world that we don't need to have a night celebrating it. That being said, I feel our children already miss out on many social activities and it wouldn't be fair to not allow them to participate.The way of the world is different than when I was their age but as parents we can do our best to make Halloween a safe and fun night.

Week 10 Critters

During pre-schooling morning prayer, Ty: "Dear Lord, Thank you for giving my sins in case I lose them . . . "

We are entering week 10 of our homeschooling experience and are beginning to find a routine. One of the many bonuses of teaching here at home is being able to incorporate many life experiences into everyday learning. As much as I try to fit everything into a nice little perfect organized bundle, life just isn't that way.

Meet Stormy, Ambler rescue project #6008 ( : We brought this starving little female home on Sunday. When we woke up Monday morning, she was soaked in her own urine and feces. Apparently, the new food was too much for her system. Stormy received her first bath at 7:00am. Homeschooling time was put on hold as we spend time cuddling and drying.

I call it a lesson in compassion.

On Meals and Manners

Ty: "Dear Lord, wait my tummy is trying to tell me something <BURP> okay, Dear Lord . . . "

Part of our experience has been to integrate respect into not only the household as a whole but primarily when it comes to meals. This has not been easy for us as we are often finishing up chores outside and/or waiting for Mike to get home from a late day at work. I am tempted to grab a box of Mac and Cheese or some Dinosaur Frozen Chicken pieces. I know the kids will eat every bite and ask for more. But, if we are to promote and provide healthy family meals, we need to condition ourselves to home-cooked dinners and stay away from the fast food alternatives.

By praying before meals, we teach our children to be thankful for what we have. We do not allow them to waste any food or drink that they ask for. They must try everything but are not forced to eat anything. I believe they are learning to like raw foods. Eventually our cravings for these prepackaged meals and snacks fade.

A little over a year ago (yes it took me this much time to implement this), I read a book entitled: To Small to Ignore by Wess Stafford.

http://www.amazon.com/Too-Small-Ignore-Least-Matters/dp/1400073928

This book has had an enormous impact on my growing faith and my view of children in this world. The idea of investing in our children is not foreign but I believe as a culture, our investment has turned away from investing time and turned toward investing money. I began feeling the Lord calling me out on this over this past year while working on building the Youth Ranch. "But what about your children. Don't cast them aside. This was never what I meant for you."

This is what ultimately led to our homeschooling decision. Do we want other children to teach our children how to behave socially? Do we want to give up our parental rights for 8 hours a day? The answer to this question is easy . . . NO. But, in saying "no," we must say "yes" to the alternative. And that was the hard part.

Against all odds . . .

 Think about it.
















There was a bomb threat this week in our local county schools and parents scrambled to find answers. They were asked to step back. Homeschooling never looked so good. All of our petty irritations and inefficiencies, faded away. Time to get organized. If we are going to do this, we are going to do it right . . . darn it ( ; 

 This is how Ty feels about all of this. At least he is dressed in this picture. I spend a good portion of my day putting his clothes back on.

Tuesday is local market day. Home school is put to a halt for a "field trip."

There is nothing that makes me happier than to make a great find and save money, At Idaho Youth Ranch today I found this desk from "Kidscraft." It's retail value is $150+ and we got it for 50% off of $38. Yay!! Score.

Hypocrisy

Minutes after I posted yesterday's blog, I felt convicted. That post represented an "ideal" day in a homeschool household. I was humbled and reminded yesterday that this is not always the reality.

Although, I cherish the time with my children, I am human. I lose my temper, say things I regret and feel like a failure quite often. Yesterday was a hodgepodge of unorganized activities. My 3 year old thrives on this chaos. He kicks at us while we try to do our reading, pokes at the printer while I copy worksheets and rips our books. Sierra, my oldest, wanders off and hangs out by the window, swatting flies. Maddie spends most of the time organizing the unorganized and thus adds to the problem by moving all of our books and papers to another location. Sigh. How in the world am I going to do this.

These feelings lingered throughout the rest of the day until my husband returned from work. We sat the children down and talked to them about our concerns. I apologized for being frustrated and quick to anger but we asked for their help in all of this. We need to help each other in order to make this work. Mike stands beside me and is supportive as he knows that this is not an easy road we have chosen.

The evening started on a better note and the girls helped me make pizza ( :

Typical cost of Dominoes when we order 2 large 2 topping pizza: $24

Typical cost of comparable homemade pizzas: $4 Plus the girls enjoy our time in the kitchen.

Homemade pizza

1 cup water
1pkg yeast
1 teas sugar
3 cups flour
1 teas salt
3 TBSP oil
Herbs and Spices (optional)
Pizza sauce
Cheese (Jack and Mozz)
Toppings (whatever is leftover in fridge)

Bake @ 450 for 10-12 min.

Today is also Bountiful Baskets Day. It is a wonderful co-op program where families can order produce. They have an organic option as well.

http://blog.bountifulbaskets.org/

Dear Lord, we pray for a better, more productive day. Please help me be a better Mom to these children. Amen.

How it Works

Going back to basics means exactly that, basic. Simplify. Mike is the provider and I am the homemaker. This reality does not come easily for me. But, I feel called to this roll. Therefore, in order to make this work, we had to go over all aspects of our finances and prioritize:

Fixed:

#1 God's money: 10 percent goes back to God's kingdom before anything else. Period. Whether we make $100 or $1000 a week . . . 10 percent back.
#2 Gas: We have to buy gas in order to get to work and to get the supplies we need. This is mandatory for Mike but not for me if I am to stay home with our children. If I quit my job, that would save us roughly $100 a month.
#3 Housing/Mortgage

Variable:

All items under this can be manipulated. Here is where we could make our cuts. One major expense is food.  Raw milk and organic foods are more expensive and this doesn't help with the food bill UNLESS I was able to cook from scratch.

First essential food item is milk. Our local raw milk is $6 a gallon and needs to be picked up on Tuesdays right down the street. This ends up being $48 a month.

 Next essential item is eggs. There is NOTHING better than fresh free range eggs. We have about 10 chickens at the moment who provide us with all our eggs.

Our meat is purchased from our local, family owned Vogal Farms. I order our meat and pick it up on Tuesday mornings along with our milk.

Homemade bread is delicious and very inexpensive to make! This was my first attempt ( ;

Easy Homemade Bread:

2 packages yeast
2 cups water
10 teas sugar
1/2 cup milk
3 Tbsp butter
2 teas salt
6-7 cups flour

Bake @ 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Makes 2 loaves

Meet Bacon and Sausage. We bought these little piglets when they were 2 months old. We feed them basic growing feed and all of our leftover food daily.

The idea: Nothing goes to waste. Eventually, we plan to build a greenhouse to have fresh vegetables year around.

Not working means limited driving. Limited driving leads to a huge gas savings and more time at home with my family. I enjoy the simplicity of my days now that I have the time to invest in my children.



We are becoming more organized and are now able to get most of our schooling done by lunchtime each day and then have the rest of the afternoon to bake, do chores and ride horses. I am noticing the changes in my children. We pray together, read together and now play together.

Back to 1942

  If anyone asked me if I would be one of those homeschooling Moms, my answer would have been . . .  absolutely not. Why would I do that when all our children are given an appropriate free education? I grew up in Southern California. We watched our mothers succeed and excel in careers outside of the home. We went to school and then on to college. We were the next generation of women! 

The purpose of this blog is not political in nature, however I will need to touch on what spurred our current situation. 

Our Christian family culture is dying. Our children are told they cannot pray or mention God. Our federal government has taken over all aspects of our personal and private lives from what happens in the bedroom, to our public schools and even down to what we eat. What has occurred in result of this is unhealthy but inexpensive foods, laced with hormones and other additives, history that has been altered, and our rights to worship our God slowly stripped down until we can hardly recognize who we are anymore. 

SO . . . we have decided that it is our responsibility to raise our own children in a traditional household. This decision did not come easily as I did not want to give up my job, the little "me" time I had, etc. God put it on my heart and two weeks later, we dropped out of school, quit my job and started school . . . in our living room. 

This blog is going to be about our experiences, both triumphs and the trials. 

Our first week we stopped buying store bought meat and dairy, and started raw milk and GMO free locally grown beef. I began trying to bake. I say "trying" because . . . see below. Each day, the girls and I work on a baking project as part of their school curriculum. They learned recipe measurement and what happens when you do not follow the directions ( ;

 

The beauty of homeschool is that you decide what you want your children to learn and focus on. Our day begins with prayer and Bible study, includes all subjects, carefully tailored for their learning level, and ends with a healthy dose of Leave it to Beaver or a good movie classic. This is the first few months of our journey but already I have found that I am so very human in my selfishness of my time and my patience level. But they are patient with me. They love cuddling around the fireplace with a good book and being able to hug their teacher. This experience is making me a better Mom.