A Beautiful Day at BLORA!!!
I do not have any pictures b/c I still don't have a camera (anyone want to give me one?) but I was feeling especially good and energetic today and decided to pack a picnic and head to BLORA with the boys. There are a lot of things here in TX still left to be done and experienced. I do not know if I will get to all of them but BLORA is a little treasure that I do not utilize enough. I packed a picnic lunch, huge frisbies, a soccer ball, and a blanket and away we went. BLORA (Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area) has a paintball field, horseback riding, a beach, LOTS of playgrounds and pavillion/picnic areas, camping sites, boat docks, water slides, paddle boats, cabins, etc, etc. I am sad to say that I will not be able to do the water slides before I leave TX-I have either had a newborn or been pregnant every summer I've been here! :) But today was a picnic, playground day! We walked down to the docks but the wind was sooo fierce that I felt like I was going to be blown into the water-so I made the kids get off the pier and we just threw rocks into the water. Watching the boys run and play is a delight that I haven't had in a while. There's so much that I get preoccupied with that I do not run and play and laugh with them nearly as much as I should. Ammon is getting so big and repeating words like crazy. Me and the boys sat on a swing and I said "Wheeeeee!" Ammon said "Wheeeeee"
So then it was a parrot game:
Zechariah: "Yippeeee!"
Ammon: "Ippppeeeee!"
Gabe: "Oh boy!"
Ammon: "O oy!"
I gotta say, it was so fun and sweet and it melted my heart. I truly love being a Mom. There is no better job in the world. I truly love each one of my boys and can't wait for Elijah to join us!
Homeschool? or Public School?
I have been feeling a little overwhelmed lately and bad about the fact that I am spending a lot of time keeping the house clean and making it perfect to sell that Zechariah's homeschooling has taken the back burner. We do stuff just not everyday like before. I am a routine/ schedule person. I function LOADS better that way. For various reasons, I have been kicking around the idea of sending him to public school when we get to VA. While I still have not made my final decision on that issue yet; I was able to gain great insight yesterday from a homeschool Mom who has been doing it for a loooong time. Carla Sutton is in our little homeschool group and always has the best suggestions for anyone who has questions on practically any subject. I went over to her house to pick her brain about homeschooling. She gave me a whole list of books to look at and helped me see that even though things are a little all over the place right now-I am still doing a great job and he is still learning. The beauty of homeschooling is that I don't have to waste a lot of time in review and procedures for 20-30 children at all different levels. I know my kid and what he knows and where he struggles.I can get a whole day of learning in 2 hours at home. It's great and beautiful and I love it! Yes, it is hard work! But if this is what the Lord wants for me to do for my children-I will do it!
I look at my husband (who was homeschooled most his life) and he is able to answer questions on and about any subject. He can think, reason, retain, and apply knowledge. I can't. Seriously, I memorized for tests and it was gone from my brain. I have little applicable knowledge. It makes me feel stupid when my son asks me a science question and I have to say, "I don't know hun, but I know your dad does". Thank goodness for Gary! I want my children to know things. I want them to be able to think, process, reason, apply, express themselves eloquently, and know where to look if they do not know the answer. Right now the best place for them to learn these things is at home because public school sure doesn't teach them to think for themselves. I cannot even tell you how many times I got into trouble in school for questioning/ challenging my teacher.
I was a "bad" kid. How dare I?! No, original thought is frowned upon in that arena.
So I will homeschool and plug along as best I can for as long as I can. I will continue to ask for the Lord's help because it will only get harder as I have more children. However, I know I can do it with His help.
P.S. I am still working on my Christmas post. Thank you Cortnie for the pics! Now if Movie Maker would only cooperate with me! :)
5 comments:
i got a camera you can use.
Bekah,
sometimes when i read your post i think you have a front stage pass to all my thoughts, opinions, worries and stresses... About the blora... i have the tendency to do the same and forget to just sit and watch the boys play and laugh with them...
about the homeschool... i hear you sister. I had a short duration where i started to question next year and what i was to do, but suddenly i was taken aback to why i started in the first place and I too shall continue to plug along... I think right now it's just hard for us b.c. we have so many little ones run from here to there, dump a roll of toilet paper here, try to shave out of the toilet there, permanent marker in the sink here, dump bbq sauce all over the rug there.... i can't wait til we can all sit down together, pull out the newspaper and talk about the world and what's going on... AND APPLY IT TO THE GOSPEL ALL AT THE SAME TIME... division of church and state... PAH! Keep posting, i love to read all you write =) You are doing an amazing job and I really look up to you and admire all you do! Keep up the good work mamma!! you're boys will truly be blessed for all the countless hours of time you spend pulling ur hair out...=)
Good for you for getting out of the house and enjoying the outdoors with your boys. We just went to a playground today and it felt great! Winter is not my favorite. Also, good for you for even attempting to teach your kids at home. I will never do it but I applaud those who take on the challenge. But I must say don't feel like a failure for sending them to public school. Cody and I both went through public schools and I feel like we both got great educations.
Hi, I'm a friend of Lia Hoppers... I was just browsing blogs and saw this post on homeschooling...
I loved your reference to how your husband was taught how to think through homeschool. I think this is definitely something that is lacking in public school.
If you haven't already... read the book "A Thomas Jefferson Education" by Oliver DeMille. Its an incredible book and he has several follow up books including "Leadership Education" which is great.
It's all about teaching our children to be leaders and teaching them how to think. The principles in the book are ones that you can use in public or home school.
It's a perspective to homeschooling that seriously changed the way we homeschool.
You are such a great Mother! I am in awe and wonder with the love and attention you give to your family.
I am so glad you found your mop! Good thing I read your blog, as I was going to surprise you with one. Sounds like you got a steal of a deal! Our kind of shopping!
I know the Lord will bring the right person to buy your home. As a realtor and your Mom, I know how hard it is to walk away from an offer. Yet, the Lord is with you and Gary in all things. The better offer will be forthcoming.
I love you all!
Hugs and kisses!
Lots of SUGAR to my boys!
Love eternally,
Mom
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