The Monthly Chat


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Printable bits of wisdom, ideas, and reflections for your friends and
homeschool group, from the members of HomeschoolClassifieds.com
Opinions expressed are those of the individual authors.
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Other
Our Last Christmas Together

I can hardly believe it - this is our last Christmas with all our
kids home. My oldest is a senior, and will be off to college
next Fall. So, this is a rather tough Christmas for me.

I love my kids. I have homeschooled them for most of their
lives, and frankly, I don't want to let them go. But, I know I
will have to, and the day is coming, soon. I have a great
relationship with them. They are just so fun to be with. I had
never wanted to homeschool them. It was never something I
desired. I remember when the kids were little and it was just
SO hard. I was so tempted to just say FORGET IT, and throw
in the towel. But, we didn't. We kept on, and, now he's a
senior! It used to seem so far away! Well, I'm here to say it
was so worth it, and I'm so glad I never gave up. I'm so
grateful for who my son has turned out to be; for the years
we have had together despite the hard times.

So, if you're feeling like you think this is your last year of
homeschooling and feel like giving up, just relax. Rethink it
all later. I'm here to tell you there is a great reason to keep
going - the joy of having your last Christmas with your
children home, and knowing looking back that you never
missed a minute of life with them! Merry Christmas!!
mamma_mia
 
Other
Christmas Book Review

Book review
An Angel’s Story
By Max Lucado

Long ago, God gave the angel, Gabriel, instructions to go find a young woman named Mary? “This vial will contain the essence of Myself; a Seed . . . Take it to her.” An Angel’s Story is the story of the birth of our Savior from Gabriel’s perspective.

Gabriel must travel through the galaxies to reach Earth and he describes his journey vividly. I was reminded of a planetarium show at the Creation Museum called Created Cosmos that takes you on a tour through the known universe. Gabriel finds Mary in a little town and delivers the vial containing the Seed of God creating the miraculous life of Immanuel (God with us). He must explain to the young girl what is about to happen and tell her she should name her son Jesus. All the while, Lucifer, the fallen angel, tries to foil the plan and destroy the vial.

Max Lucado has taken the accounts of Christ’s birth and imagined what Gabriel might have witnessed. What his assignment might have entailed. What battles he might have faced. An Angel’s Story is a fictional tale of Gabriel’s struggle to complete his task and the words of God that help guide him through.

A friend introduced me to this story a few years ago and we’ve made it a tradition to read it aloud each Christmas season since.

Also, check out The Star of Bethlehem with Rick Larson on DVD. You’ll explore the possible explanations for the “star” that led the wise men to Christ; Another Christmas favorite for our family.
kgheckman
 
Other
Family Fun....Your Way

Now that the holiday season is over and I have been criticized by more people than I can count for shopping on Black Friday, I want to encourage some moms out there!

Yes I am one of those people that go out on Black Friday and go shopping, but not because of stuff, because my kids enjoy being out and being together as a family. It is a tradition that started with my sisters and my mom years ago!! We have all kept the tradition going whether we are together or in different states calling each other on the phone as we wait in lines. Giggling and laughing as the cousins text each other about the crazy hats or the great pajamas that they see in line!!

Yes I understand some moms that say it is such a materialistic time, but I also feel the words they say can also make another mom feel guilty about going out and being involved on that big shopping day. Some go on Black Friday to get those one or two items that really go on sale, some just go to be out there and people watch and some go to uphold traditions.

So go ahead and state your feelings how you don't like Black Friday, but let's be cautious that we don't inadvertently make it sound like we are knocking down another person. You don't know their life, so let's not make it sound like they are just out for stuff.

Peace Moms, and know that we are all different and we all are doing the very best we can to instill our values into our kids.
rajacandle

Other
Moving on!

With one graduate of homeschool heading to New Zealand for 3 months, one senior, one kindergartner, and a 3 year old, I am re-evaluating how we educate our children! Will we do things the same way we did when our older ones were just starting out with 'formal school'? So far with our littles we have done a lot of early childhood Montessori & Waldorf, especially the simplification stuff! That itself is an ongoing effort that must be made very conciously (sp?). Beyond that - the 5 1/2 year old if very ready to read and do some early math, so we are jumping right into those! I think we will likely continue with our love of of the classical method, with a few tweaks here & there :0)
kauaii