My Influence on a Sponge

 She is at the age of imitation. 

She duplicates my mannerisms.

  She copies her older sister's fashion and speech. 

She mimics heroines in movies.

  She is a sponge, soaking up the worldview and culture which we set before her. 

We are modeling the image of woman that will shape her philosophy.

It is terrifying and motivating all at once.

"What we want to do with our children is not merely

control them and keep them in order,

but implant true principles deep in their hearts

which shall rule their whole lives; 

to shape their character from within into Christlike beauty,

and to make of them noble men and women, strong for battle and duty. 

They are to be trained rather than governed.

  Growth of character, not merely good behavior, 

is the object of all home governing and teaching. 

Therefore, the home influence is far more important than the home laws,

and the parents' lives are of more moment than their teachings." 

- J. R. miller-Homemaking pg 107

She's graduated, now what?

Our daughter, Anna, completed her high school education recently. 

So, the big question is, Now What?

Bible College?

We talked about it.

Our premise in home educating our children was that by the time they completed high school,

they would have the equivalent of a year of Bible School already under their belt.

  Having mostly accomplished that,

why pay thousands of dollars to continue at college when we can do that here at home?

  Anna would like to continue her education here at home,

as well as helping with the little one's schooling,

assisting her daddy in his ministry,

teaching a young ladies Bible study,

and preparing for the future.

We have been talking about what this would look like.

First, the quest to learn should never cease.

Endless possibilities for study abound all around us.

  Keeping up with current events, politics, the economy and what that means to the family

is one subject all the older children will engage in.

Reading some great works on Christian theology, as well as Christian biographies is in the plans;

books like "Bonhoffer", "The Imitation of Christ", and "John Knox".

She will be studying herbal remedies along with planting a medicinal garden. 

                                             Lessons in music will continue, both piano and voice.

I think she will stay productively busy just with those plans,

but, becoming accomplished at skill sets is also in the works.

Skills such as sewing a garment,

completing her second quilt,

pursuing Spanish,

making salves and tinctures,

taking a tactical handgun class with her 38 revolver,

and being a great contributor to the family gardening endeavor.

We do not plan on completely isolating her here at the lodge, however,

she has the opportunity to travel with an aunt to South Africa,

visit friends and relatives in other states,

and the undetermined senior trip.

Our goal in home based higher education

is to pursue many avenues of interest that will enable each student to be well rounded, 

with profitable skills, and most of all,

be well armed with a great knowledge of God's Word. 

It is an exciting time. 

Our older son, John has been learning all winter as well. 

His job is seasonal, which allows him to pursue interests and continue his learning.  

This concept of training a student to teach themselves is called "autodidacticism."

I love that they become responsible for their learning, given a bit of direction from parents.

With the vast wealth of information online, and books readily available shipped to your door,

   a wonderful opportunity for the dominion-minded homeschooling family awaits. 

Vacation Highlights

The children were so grateful for one sunny day in which we could enjoy the beach!

They found crabs, large and tiny. 

They located clams by their spit through the rocky beach. 

Bethany loved the sand. 

Gabe would have stayed all day throwing rocks in the "pond..." I believe he found his life- calling. 

Brian relaxed just watching it all, the roll of the waves,

the children delightedly playing, the calls of the gulls, the occasional boat. 

All the sounds and smells, so unlike what we are usually acquainted with, 

it was perfectly romantic.

  Rose discovered it to be the perfect photo opportunity.

  Anna thought she would rather be int he mountains, but enjoyed the children's comical antics anyway.

  I found the entire day to be almost surreal, like watching a scene from a movie unfold before me.

I adore watching the children having a good time of it, and they LOVED the beach!

Ahhh a most glorious day.

Christian Heiritage Conference

If you have never attended a homeschooling conference,

you are definitely missing out.

  The Washington Home Educators Conference is very worthwhile. 

This year, Kevin Swanson was the keynote speaker,

and the Geoffrey Botkin family the featured session speakers.

  Both were outstanding.

  Besides the great teaching on topics such as higher education, courtship, what our father taught us about boys, Jane Austin, quadravocational vision, and sibling rivialry,

there were many other sessions taught by a variety of noteworthy people. 

Then, there is the sheer encouragement of seeing thousands of Christian families there, worshipping together.

  Our older girls enjoyed being in the chorale, led by Neil Craig. 

Hearing the concert on Saturday is worth the entire cost of the concert alone. 

The memory of last year's concert will stay in my mind forever, I believe,

as the 200 voice choir of young people rang out in beautiful harmony singing Fairest Lord Jesus,

I had no choice but to burst into tears, as the goosebumps rippled up my spine.

Also, there is the rarity of seeing hundreds of modestly dressed girls

and respectful young men in attendance. 

We have met several families whom we see each year.

  Catching up with each other's lives is also very encouraging. 

Lastly, there is a huge vendor hall where you can see, touch, and look

through that curriculum you've been contemplating. 

The vendors generally have great sales,

so you are able to purchase your choices at much less than catalog orders.

Our children are already talking about next year. 

If you haven't made plans yet,

the 2012 conference is in Kirkland, Washington

and will be held the last weekend in April.

The keynote speaker will be Voddie Bauchuam.

If you are interested in the cd's from this year, or other event information, check out the web page: 

christianheritageonline

Overall, the week was a tremendous blessing,

great fun, inspiring, and life altering. 

God is so good to give us just what we need at just the right moment!