One Thousand Gifts - Hurricane Edition

What a week we've had! An earthquake on Tuesday and a hurricane on Saturday. I have had enough natural disasters for a while. At least it has caused us to seriously look at our emergency supplies. The power has been out at our house since Saturday afternoon. Water has been off and on, sometimes looking a bit brown. Yesterday morning I was talking to John and I said, "Why don't you drive us to Knoxville and my mom and dad can come pick us up there." I was only half serious. A wish. Time to spend with my parents. I could still bring homeschool books and Holly and I could continue school in airconditioned comfort. Not to mention showers and warm meals. We both kind of dismissed the idea. John went to bed (he's working midnights) and Holly and I went to church.

That afternoon, Holly and I had tuna salad for lunch - leftovers from the night before. The house was comfortable for a while but as the day went on we became hot and sticky. There wasn't much of a breeze and the neighbors generator was making a lot of noise! Holly and I went to church early for orchestra practice. John arrived just before 6 for the service. He told me then that he had made some calls and we would leave on Monday morning for Tennessee! Packing was easy since there wasn't any way to do laundry. We just threw some things in our suitcase and were on the road!

So from the interstate, here are some of the things I am thankful for this week:

• Safety in the storm


• Peace to lie down knowing we are in God's Hand


• A strong roof over our heads


• A huge oak tree with strong roots and limbs - only small branches and large acorns fell on our roof - for hours


• paper plates


• paper cups


• disposable cutlery


• lots of ice in the freezer in preparation for the storm


• cold milk


• a gas grill


• food on the table


• nice juicy warm hamburgers


• a full pantry


• church after a rough week


• a neighbor with power offering showers


• and storage for our frozen/refrigerated itmes


• a cool breeze in the morning


• the portabiltiy of homeschooling


• a loving, generous husband


• loving, generous parents

What are you thankful for this week?

A Day in the Life of our Homeschooling

Long time readers of my blog will know that I have struggled with finding a routine for the past four years. I am beginning to realize that routine is probably lost forever. I do not imagine that I can sit down and write out one schedule and tell you that that is the way each day goes. Routine is difficult first of all because my husband works shift work. Monday he was at work during our school day. Tuesday he got off shortly before we finished and today he didn't have to work until 5 p.m. But here is a glimpse of our first few days:

On Monday we began with PE - a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Then we had our back to homeschool breakfast. After that, Holly did some typing practice while I took a shower. Next we dove into the academics; History, Science and Language Arts. We are still waiting on our math program to arrive - one more obstacle in my quest for routine.

Tuesday was basically the same minus the back to school breakfast. (I cook breakfast approximately two or three times a year, give or take.) Holly was working on her independent work when we had to dive under the table and pray for our own safety during the earthquake. More on that here.

Today John was off and he was a sweetheart and made us some French toast. He accompanied us on our walk and then we came home and enjoyed that treat. While we were eating he asked if we wanted to go out to lunch. Who turns down going out to lunch? Besides, he missed our back to homeschool breakfast so I thought a back to homeschool lunch with Dad was a good idea. Maybe it should be a new tradition too! So we did History and Science and then got ready to go out. (Still no math program) We also went shopping for some emergency supplies should Irene decide to pay us a visit. Not to mention I'm still a bit rattled over the quake from yesterday. (Why don't we name earthquakes?) We returned home and skipped Language Arts. Holly did her independent work and that was the end of day three.

John begins midnights this week so he will be in bed during our school hours. I'm assuming that Thursday and Friday will go much like the other three days. Next Monday we will add homeschool band to our schedule and in mid September Holly will take art and a literature and composition class at a local co-op. I suppose if I could sum up a day in our life in one sentence (and probably a run-on) it would be, "Trying to homeschool on most weekdays yet adding some flexibility to our schedule to mesh with John's along with some surprises that life throws in."

Check out more entries in the Not Back to School blog hop here.

One Thousand Gifts - Earthquake Version

John worked a 13 1/2 hour shift. He came home shortly after 1 PM. Tired. Hungry. I warmed up a plate of leftover spaghetti for him and he relaxed a bit in front of the TV. Seemed to be a typical scenario in our home. His job as State Trooper is stressful. Police work always is because you never know who it is you are stopping for a simple speeding ticket. On top of that, he works long hours; taking every overtime assignment available to help pay for college.

It was close to 1:45 when he went to lie down. "Sweetheart, would you come rub my back a bit before I sleep?" He talked briefly about his day as I rubbed his shoulders. Then we heard a noise. A rumbling. It sounded like a huge truck coming down the street. "What is that?" I asked. It became louder. The floor was shaking. Earthquake! I ran down the hallway, through the living room. Our small house never seemed so long. I entered the den where Holly had been doing her school work. She was under the table. I joined her. Together we felt the house sway back and forth like a swing - or a strange ride at King's Dominion might be a more accurate description. No seat belts. No safety bars. Only a simple prayer for God to keep us safe. I don't know how long it lasted. John wasn't far behind but the danger was over before he got to us. He checked things outside. Everything seemed fine. Life was back to normal, even if my insides were still shaking.

Each and every day I can find something to be thankful for. Some days these blessings, these gifts are more obvious. Today I am thankful for:

• water coming out of my faucet
• electricity coming through the wires of my home
• phone coming from . . . somewhere
• food in my pantry
• and refrigerator
• safety in an earthquake
• my little girl who remembered what to do when I wasn't in the room when danger loomed
• technology
• facebook to connect with family and say we are fine
• friends who care
• the promise of Christ's soon return
• a successful first day of school
• my sweet girl working diligently
• new school books
• a cooler summer day
• wisdom
• a multitude of counselors "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14
• God Who knows me by name
• and loves me
• every moment that God is watching over me and I don't even think about it

What are you thankful for? You can share your blessings at Ann's

Lazy Summer Mornings

Holly and I have been enjoying some lazy summer days these past two weeks. June was chaotic with moving and a trip to Alabama. July we were swamped with different activities like unpacking and settling in, Vacation Bible School, the Tomato Festival and camp. We are still settling in, bit by bit. And I'm working on school plans. "Working" probably isn't the right word because it's an activity I really enjoy. But our mornings have been rather relaxed; sleeping in late, internet surfing. It's been nice but I wouldn't want that to be our schedule forever. And it won't be because on Monday we begin our homeschool year!

As usual, I think I am more excited about the new school year than Holly. She is looking forward to some of her classes: band, art and even math. We are trying Teaching Textbooks this year. She saw it and fell in love with it. We shall see how long her enthusiasm lasts! The thing Holly dislikes the most is getting up "early". I'm thinking that will be (for her) around 7 a.m. this year.

It's our last year of middle school. Sigh. Speaking of planning, I'd better get busy! What time do your kids get up for school?

A Bit about Gabriel and Hannah

Gabriel and Hannah are finishing up their last few weeks of work. Gabriel works in the Abeka Book distribution center. If you use Abeka, he might be the one who pulled your books off the shelves! He has also been a substitute worker in the sports center. They have a day camp for elementary kids and Gabriel's job when he's there is to supervise them while they are bowling, skating, rock climbing and all the other activities that are there. Hannah works for Abeka Academy. That's their video school. She's on the phone all day making and receiving calls about enrollment.


I thank God daily for their jobs, for without them, I don't know how we could send them back this fall. But I miss them more than my heart can say. I love that they have made good friends and are really having a great time. Gabriel is getting a lot of reading in. Something that he probably wouldn't do here at home. It's been good for them, but cutting the apron strings (or heart strings would be more like it) is painful. August may be too early to start the Christmas break count down but I did it anyway. 120 days.

Scrapbook page made using my new digital scrapbooking program. I'm giving one away next week!!

Not Back to School - Student Photos

It's the "Not Back to School Blog Hop: Student Photo Week. So let me introduce you to my student:




This is Holly. She is 13, an age that she has long awaited. Being a teen was on the top of her goals list for many years. I suppose having teenaged siblings for so many years has something to do with that. She is entering her last year of middle school. I cannot believe that in five years we will be sending her off to college. Now that she has reached her goal of "teenager", she is working on some others. Her interests include journalism, art and photography.


I also had to include Gabriel and Hannah. Would you call them my former students? I suppose as Mom, I will always be their teacher. They will begin their sophomore year next month at Pensacola Christian College. Gabriel is studying pre-law. His ultimate goal is president. Yes, of the United States. Hannah is majoring in graphic design.


These pages are some of my first attempts using digital scrapbooking software. I'm planning a give-away next week so be sure to stop by again!

One Thousand Gifts Week 4

There are so many blessings bestowed on me each day. Each Monday I am listing a few here. This week I am thankful for:

• God Who directs our steps when we do not know the way
• the peace that passes all understanding
  
• praying together as a family
• casting my cares upon Him because He cares for me
• God's thoughts towards me that cannot be numbered
• and towards my children
  
• God's protection
• rain
• my mom and dad
• and their 52 years of marriage (August 15th)
• being raised in a Christian home
• my husband who loves me
• hugs everyday
• a child still at home
• housework - because it means I have a home
• a cool-ish summer day
• God's grace
• Salvation freely given
• Eternal life through Jesus Christ
• A relationship with Almighty God, Abba Father

What are you thankful for?

Welcome to the Woodward Family Homeschool

We recently moved from a tiny apartment to a small house. The new school year is just around the corner so getting our school area ready is high priority. We do not have a room just for "school" Most of our work will be done here in the dining room. Definitely need some sort of window treatment on the window. Someday.


Here's our school/dining room table with some of the artwork Holly has been working on this summer.Lighthouse paint by number and ballet slippers done freehand.



Bulletin boards that used to be in Gabriel and Hannah's rooms. If we would have stayed in the apartment they probably would have remained in their rooms. But since we had to take them down . . . Now they are waiting for for something shcoolish to go on them. Above the bulletin boards are Gabriel and Hannah's high school diplomas.

Room decor is a bit of Americana combined with my children's art work. Above are George and Abe - pastel drawings by Gabriel when he was 16.

Pictures by Gabriel, Hannah and Holly circa first and second grade.

This room is equipped with an ugly air conditioner unit. It's also useless and unnecessary since the house has central air. If we owned the house we would simply remove it. But we don't. Well, I was wanting a place to hang my maps. But we don't have a lot of wall space. So my ingenious husband came up with the idea of hanging them over the AC.

I can easily change from the world map to the US map.

And what's a homeschool room without an over abundance of books?! Dolls on the top are awaiting room on a shelf in Holly's room. Maybe we'll get that painted this weekend.

Well, that's our "school room". But of course our learning isn't limited to this one room. I could also add pictures of the kitchen where cooking and science experiments are likely to take place, the comfy couch where we'll read lots of books, the piano, the back yard . . . You get the idea!

It's week 2 at the Not Back to School Blog Hop - School room week. Join in here!

Heart of the Matter {online}

Long Story Short Version

My longtime blogging friend PlainJane asked me recently if I am still working outside the home. I was a stay-at-home mom for many years, beginning shortly before our first child was born. It has always been my personal conviction that mothers should be home with their children unless their income was needed to put food on the table. I understand that most Americans do not share my feelings on that point but I am not here to change anyone's mind, I'm simply stating what is right for our family.


I did have a couple of part time jobs when John was in college. He also worked full time, making a little above minimum wage. I did Mother's Day Out 2 days a week and brought Gabriel and Hannah along with me. After that I cleaned our church occasionally. I was a substitute janitor! I got the kids up early, took them to my mom's and was at the church by 5:30 A.M. Money was always tight. We didn't have fancy cars and have never taken a luxury vacation. But watching God work miracles in our lives has been more fascinating than any exotic excursion could ever be.


Fast forward to 2007 - We had just returned from Romania and made the decision to move to Virginia. We came here in faith that John would be hired by the Virginia State Police. Until then, John found a job working security. Two week's pay only paid for two-thirds of our rent. We decided I would be a substitute teacher. It was a good plan. I worked from 7:00-3:00. The kids did their school work and I would go over it with them in the afternoon. John worked from 4:00-Midnight.


Money was still tight. We still didn't have fancy cars. Vacations consisted of going to see family. Schedules were also tight. Trying to squeeze in homeschooling between my work and the kids' jobs was tough. Reading aloud went out the window and I really missed it. But John was eventually hired by VSP and I didn't need to work as much.


I worked some during our third year in Virginia. Gabriel and Hannah were seniors in high school and college expenses were on the horizon. I'm not sure if I worked ten days last year. With Gabriel and Hannah gone and John working days, there were few occasions when he could be home with Holly so I could go to work. Last week, I received my substitute letter. I discussed it with John, "Do you want me to sub again?" We would have the same dilemma - what do we do with Holly? So the answer is a decisive "No."



To sum up the story, I will once again be a stay-at-home mom. I will look for other ways to earn some extra income - selling things on ebay and clipping coupons. But mostly, I will be watching how God will provide in His miraculous ways. And stand in awe.

One Thousand Gifts Week 3

Thanking the Lord for (One Thousand Gifts # 41-60):

• flowers outside my window
• weeds to pull because it means I have a flower garden
• a handy-man husband who can fix almost anything
• a little girl who loves to write
• two college sophomores working hard far away from home to pay for their education
• a driveway to wash cars in
• and a water hose
• and plenty of water
• a call from my son to ask a simple question
• a nice neighborhood to take a walk in
• freedom

• trees to give us shade
• my car
• my husband's car for work
• books
• bookshelves overflowing with books
• the roof over my head
• a comfortable bed to sleep in
• and a pillow
• being held in God's almighty hand

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37: 23-24

Outside My Window

We were in an apartment for four years after Romania. The view was mainly other apartments. It's been a blessing to have a house and a yard complete with wildlife and flowers. It's been so unreasonably hot that I don't venture outside much. I wilt like these Black-eyed Susans which are planted by our deck.


I can see them while sitting here at my computer. There is a rose bush by the deck as well. It's a bit tall and spindly but today I noticed the very first rose bud since we've been here. And it is my favorite rose - pink!


We've seen some interesting critters too. One little guy is cute and furry even if he is considered a nuisance. And there's one I hope never slithers this way again . . .

Not Back to School Plans - 2011

I have said now that I have two graduated from homeschool, I know how to do it now! And it is true that I have learned a lot over the years. Gabriel and Hannah will be sophomores at Pensacola Christian College this fall. Gabriel is studying pre-law and Hannah, graphic design. They love it there and we are blessed that they made the dean's list both semesters of their freshman year. That leaves me with just one at home.

Holly is going into 8th grade this year. Homeschooling one is entirely different than two or three or more! When I had all three at home and we were done with "school" for the day, they would spend time with each other. Even if they were in the same room, doing different things, there was a togetherness.

(Picture taken in the Transylvanian Alps circa 2003)

This year, I found myself analyzing what did and did not work with Gabriel and Hannah and what would be the best options for Holly. She is like them in many ways but in other ways, she is very much her own person. She is very social and needs interaction with others. So, here is what I have decided to do for this year:

Middle School English Composition and Literature - To be taken at a local co-op. I am also hoping this will encourage her to read. She reads well but never chooses to. This will be my first experience with this group of homeschoolers!


Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra - This will be a first for us. I have heard many good things about it.

Abeka History of the World - I like Abeka. It is very thorough!

Abeka Science Order and Design (Life Science)

Band - Continuing to learn the clarinet in a homeschool band group - if we can afford the gas. It is about 45 minutes away.

High School Art - this is also at the co-op. I am a bit apprehensive about her taking a high school class but the teacher said it is for all skill levels and the middle school class is for 5th-7th graders.

Her interests at this time are either journalism or graphic design. In her spare time, should she have any, she will work on keyboarding and blogging. Time will tell what her actual college major will be. At this point in their lives, Gabriel was going to be an author and Hannah had no plans to go to college.

For more Not Back to School plans check out Heart of the Matter {online}

One Thousand Gifts Week 2

Life can be difficult with its many trials and sorrows. But God gives us so many blessings each and every day. Sometimes they are obvious. Other times we have to think about it and remember the thousands of ways we have to say thanks. So I pause on this Monday morning to list a few of them:


21. God's Word to comfort and guide me
22. a little girl safely home from camp
23. the encouragement she found there through friends and God's Word
24. her renewed dedication to God and serving Him
25. texting - so I can easily communicate with my children so far away
26. and digital pictures they can send via the internet


27. time to myself
28. my computer
29. my computer desk
30. our church
31. the preaching of God's Word
32. our youth group with teens dedicated to living for God
33. a grill on my backyard deck
34. the American flag waving proudly by my front door
35. trees that give us shade
36. ice water
37. a phone call from my sweetheart
38. grocery stores
39. coupons
40. God's provision