April Encouragement Night - Housework

At our April homeschool mother’s encouragement night we talked about home organisation.

Although this is a topic relevant to many households, home organisation and homeschooling have special challenges.

Melissa (house management extraordinaire) shared with us many ideas to help us get things more ordered in our home.

I would like to share with you 10 tips that helped me.

1.    Work is good for us. It is a God given privilege (Gen 2) and we should not be lazy (Prov 21:5). Christian’s should do our work heartily as unto the Lord. (Col 3:23).

2.    Home is a training ground for our children. We are to teach our children not to be afraid of hard work. Training is part of our parental responsibility.

3.    Make time to plan your home management. Have a planner. Make your own planner or use your electronic calendar.  I personally prefer a  paper version. Look at your calendar and see what you can realistically achieve. Plan a way to keep the mess under control. Set aside a weekly time to menu plan, decide when to shop, and decide when the chores will get done.

4.    Routine and habits are the backbone of setting up a good system for home management. Do you have one? I personally got my jobs done on a more of an ad hoc basis when I thought they needed it. I decide the bathroom looks dirty or the floor needs a sweep but I didn’t have a routine for cleaning it. I would just decide that can’t wait any longer. Melissa challenged us to set up a good morning and afternoon routine. I decided to make sure I swept the floor and made my bed every morning before breakfast. (Day 10 and its still happening.)Ask yourself what do you need done every morning and every day.

5.    Menu planning requires its own little category. I’m a big menu planner but I’ve slackened recently. After our planning night I sat down and planned the dinners for a month. It’s so freeing. I keep my previous plans to give me ideas. It also helps with eating healthily. Here’s my menu planner ideas and a free menu planner.

6.    Take control of your diary. Don’t plan to go out just to get away from the mess. Know your capacity and stick to it. Plan the big things first, then work out how to get the other things accomplished.

7.    Share the household work. Get your kids involved. Give them structure and a routine. This is part of the training that they need and it is also a way to get it all done. Little kids can do so much more than we often let them. Here is a list of Age Appropriate Chores for kids to do.

8.    Get birthdays onto the list and shop online for cards and gifts.

9.    Reward yourself with a job well done. Make time to enjoy time with friends, play with your kids and sit down to read a good book.

10.    Live a quiet and peaceful life. I Thess 4:11.

Melissa and her husband are partners in a financial planning business that is run from their home in the Upper Hunter NSW. She has been homeschooling three girls for seven years and has found ways to incorporate the demands of homeschooling and business successfully.

Our First Night Back -Encouragement 2012

Last night we had a lovely encouraging night at Kim's place. We had 9 mums and 7 teenage girls.We heard lots of giggling from the teenage girls and we all agreed it's worth getting together.

The pink cupcakes were a hit!

Annette shared a lovely story about raisin toast and how its fragrance spreads throughout the house without even trying to. She reminded us that we didn't have to make the fragrance of Christ spread thoughout our home; if we are in Christ, it should be there. Does that make sense?

We also nutted out the schedule for the year which I have published on the sidebar so we can keep a reference as the year goes on.

Then we had a quick Q and A time talking about some issues that individuals are having.

We finished with a time of prayer.

I hope other mums who are hoping to come can make it next time.

Smiles

Michelle

Mum Heart Conference

Some of us will be making the pilgrimage up to Noosa for the Mum Heart Conference. I hope others will come also.

We will be getting a cheap flight from Williamtown to Brisbane and then driving. It should be a great time of encouragement.

Here are the details!

Do you ever wish you could go to a special conference for input and inspiration specifically for Christian homeschooling mothers?

Come away for a special dose of encouragement in a beautiful setting on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast!

   NOVOTEL RESORT TWIN WATERS

Meet other homeschooling mums from across Australia and be refreshed and renewed for your journey.

We are planning a conference with inspiring input from guest speakers, delicious meals and food for the soul as we take time out to fellowship and relax near the beach with like-minded friends. Conference package includes Saturday night accommodation, a gourmet luncheon in the resort restaurant plus a beautiful buffet breakfast on Sunday morning.

All this for $165.00

Visit the Mum Heart website to find out more and register.

10 Real Helps For Busy Mums

10 Real Helps For Busy Mums + 10 Grace Prayers For Joyful Parenting by Anne Voskamp

Simplify Homeschool

10 Ways To Simplify Homeschool by Colette Longo

What is key to simplifying your homeschool year?

Are you making any momentous changes this year?

Are you trying a whole new method or style?

We would love to hear from you.

May you have a fresh simple beginning to the homeschool year.

No, I Do Not Need A Break!

One of our Hunter homeschoolers has kindly offered to share a Blog post she  recently wrote. Thank you for sharing, Tricia.

No, I Do Not Need A Break!

I have often wondered why almost everyone who does not homeschool their children seem to think two things about me. One, that I must be saintly to want to spend all day, every day with my children, and two, that I need a break from them as often as possible in order to maintain my sanity. People worry about me, and enquire with concerned looks as to how often I am able to get away for a break from my children. I do enjoy time on my own, but it is not a pressing need that must be met on a weekly basis! People often exclaim that they could never do what I do, and often say that being with their children all day would drive them crazy! But do they react in the same way to women who work full time?

I know from experience that what I do day in and day out, is a walk in the park compared to going out to work full time. I no longer rush around packing lunches, arranging child care, making sure the washing is out before 7am, rush in the door in the evening to put on dinner and to find that by the children's bed time I haven't spent so much as ten minutes with my children. I do not need to sit up into the small hours marking exams, writing reports or planning lessons as I did when I worked as a high school English and History teacher.

Back then no one ever insisted that I needed to get away, despite the fact that as a teacher I spent most of my day with children, exactly as I do now! No one looked at me with pity or incredulity because they couldn't imagine how I could possibly manage! After six years of astounded looks, and concern for my lack of "me time" I feel for women who work full time. Do people continually question their ability to cope with the obvious demands of a forty hour week, and caring for their home and family? Do people genuinely believe that what I do as a homeschooler is so much more challenging than full time employment that it warrants all the concern and worry? Why wasn't I overwhelmed with concerns for my welfare when I was teaching other people's children all day?

There simply can be no comparison between what I do all day, and what women who work full time do during their days. I do not need to rush in the morning, I have no deadlines except for arriving at archery on time one morning a week, and Mass on a Sunday. I am able to leisurely learn with my children, enjoy their company (yes it is possible!) and keep house at the same time, whilst in my pyjamas if I feel like it!

I have lived both realities, and I know which is easier. We may have less money, but we certainly have more than enough despite one modest income. We do not go without, and excepting a small mortgage, we have no debt. So where is the need for concern? I lead a blessed life which I wish more women could share in.

The only conclusion I can come to is that many dislike children so much that the thought that someone would gladly choose to teach their children at home is incomprehensible to them. One only has to reflect on how many people put off having children so that they can "have a life" as if a full life is impossible once one is "burdened" with children.

I find it indescribably sad that people would think that choosing to be with my children each day could be anything other than what it is. An incredibly privileged and joyful experience. My children are not a burden, and I most certainly do not need a break from them!

(Apologies for the lack of paragraphing. Blogger seems to be playing up on me again.)

A Philosophy of Parenting

My Philosophy of Parenting: Pondering Christ by Sally Clarkson at I Take It Joy Blog

This is another simple, insightful and encouraging post on Christlike parenting.

It's really important for me not to be deterred from my most important role on this earth to love and disciple my children.

Since being away for nearly 2 weeks, from technology in particular, I found I was more focused on my family. I think for me it has been an important lesson on being more discerning about what I spend my time doing. May you feel blessed as you read this article and many other words of inspired wisdom that Sally posts.

Blessings, Renelle

Christmas Party Breakup for 2011

Last evening those who were able met for a special dinner at Cafe P'CINOs at East Maitland. The cafe was lit with an assortment of fairy lights, flowers and had a lovely ambience. Some people chose desserts, some a special cup of tea or coffee and some had entire meals. We were all spoilt once again by Rae our host with special Christmas star shortbread dusted with icing sugar wrapped and tied with a bow, as well as chocolate Christmas pudding chocolates. Unfortunately I neglected to take a camera so I have no real life photo's but trust me it was a lovely place to chat and be served with fine food. For those interested the menu ranged from  $15-$19 for main meals.

The conversation was delightful, happy and meaningful. It was a blessing to see mum's supporting and sharing with each other from their own experiences. We laughed, we dreamed and sometimes asked others opinions. It was a simple celebration of the year gone by, with prayers and hopes for the year to come. We all take different approaches to our home educating lifestyles and there was no judgement. Acceptance for individuality is a wonderful thing and God is a God of variety so it only seems natural that we should all be different.

Keep tuned to the Hunter Home Educators Pro-board for details for next years get-togethers and if you can push past that desire to get into your jammies, slippers & cosy chair/bed at night and make it out to the Mum's Encouragement Nights please do we would love to see you, EVERYONE is welcome and it is worth the 1 1/2 hours a month to meet with others.

Have a wonderful, joyous, peaceful and blessed Christmas for 2011. Hope you are able to hang onto that sense of holiday joy to take into the new year. Blessings to you and all yours.

Warmest wishes, Renelle

What Fruits Would You Like To See?

If I asked you what is the most important thing in home education to impart to your children, what would it be?

This was the main topic of discussion at the most recent Mother's Encouragement Night (Wed 26th Oct 2011). The night was led by Annette M she spoke of what and how she overcame her teaching background in order to home educate and what are the fruits of home education. Annette has been home educating for 10 years, has 5 children, one of them at university and another graduating this year.

So back to the question. Here's a comprehensive list of some of the fruits that would be most desirable:

Adaptability
Appreciation
Attentiveness
Availability
Caring
Commitment
Compassion
Concern
Confidence
Consideration
Consistency
Contentment
Cooperation
Courage
Creativity
Decisiveness
Deference
Dependability
Determination
Diligence
Disconcertment
Discretion
Efficiency

Equitableness

Fairness

Faith

Fearlessness

Flexibility

Forgiveness

Friendliness

Generosity

Gentleness

Gratitude

Honesty
Humility
Integrity
Joyfulness
Kindness
Love
Loyalty
Meekness
Mercy
Observance
Optimism
Patience
Peace
Persistence
Persuasiveness
Prudence
Punctuality
Purpose
Resourcefulness
Respect
Responsibility
Self-confidence
Self-control
Sincerity
Submission
Tact
Temperance
Thoroughness
Thriftiness
Tolerance
Trustworthy
Truthfulness
Virtue

Not a bad list! Do any of these ring true? Did you notice academics haven't even made the list? There is no way we can be or do all at once, these are goals for a lifetime.

What is in a mans heart comes forth through his mouth and his true nature is revealed. The heart is the centre of our intellect, our emotions and our will.

We can understand with our heart - Deuteronomy 8:5,
we can pray with our heart -  Isaiah 1:12-13,
we can meditate with our heart - Psalm 19:14,
we can hide God's word in our hearts - Psalm 119:11,
we can doubt in our heart - Mark 11:23,
we can ponder in our heart - Luke 2:19,
we can believe in our heart - Romans 10:19,
we can sing in our heart - Ephesian 5:19,
the heart provides wisdom - 1 Kings 3:12,
we can have joy in our hearts - Deuteronomy 28:47, Acts 2:26,
we can have grief in our hearts - Psalm 13:2,
we can harbour an ill-temper - Deuteronomy 15:10,
we can love - Deuteronomy 6:5, Philippians 1:7,
we can have courage - 2 Samuel 17:10, Psalm 27:14,
we can be fearful - Genesis 42:28,
we can have gladness - Exodus 4:14,
the heart can be yielded to God - Joshua 24:23,
we can discern good and evil with our heart - 1 Kings 2:44,
we can request a pure heart - Psalm 51:10,Matthew 5:8,
the heart can be devoted to seeking God - 1 Chronicles 22:19,
the heart receives from God - Psalm 21:1-2,
the heart can be turned to God's statutes - Psalm 119:36

THE HEART IS A POWERFUL THING

Ministering to the hearts of our children is one of the most important ingredients in an unbeatable home ed lifestyle recipe, US and OUR relationship with God and each other is the most influential ingredient. Like in the story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt, a family can be delivered from the land of oppression and slavery to a system and led to freedom. If God did it using Moses (who was slow of tongue!) for the slaves in Egypt, surely he can do it for us and our families. Trusting in God produces peace, fear produces only worry and anxiety. Home educating our children in Australia isn't nearly as hard as Moses' task was. God knows what our children will face in the future and He will give you what you need to educate them in the way they need to be educated. After 2 years home educating I finally realise that it is not by my power or understanding but by God's that all will work out. Chase after God and His wisdom.

Proverbs 4:7 says - "Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom develop common sense and good judgement."

If you want wisdom you must decide to go after it. It takes resolve - a determination not to abandon the search once you begin no matter how difficult the road may become, this is a daily path of choosing what is good. (Proverbs 4:18)

Choosing what is good. Philippians 4:6-9 says - "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thanks Him for His answers. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind scan understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Jesus Christ. ............. . Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about these things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about." 

If you were to write down under these headings Relationships, Skills & Academic, what you wish for your children what would you write? Our group did this on the night and it was very easy to fill the Relationships and Skills sections but Academic was the least filled heading, which indicates the first two headings are most important.

Example:

RELATIONSHIP
To have honest open relationship with family.
To chose to love over selfish desire.
To be a glass half full type of person.
To understand others point of views.
To chase after God, to know Him, not just acknowledge Him

SKILLS
To specialise in their area of interest.
To use passions to be useful with time.
To lead healthy, practical lives.
To communicate clearly.
To be clear, engaging, truthful story tellers.
To live more sustainably, respecting God's provision in nature.

ACADEMIC
To love reading and learning so as to know God and His wisdom.
To be able to budget.
navigate this ever changing, complex world.
To be inspired by God's people throughout history and learn from human mistakes.
To know how to research any information to learn the above skills.

You might have very different ideas but these were just some of the ideas that came out on the night, there were many more though. It was an interesting exercise to do and it showed most of us that RELATIONSHIPS were at the top of the priority list.

I hope this sheds some light on our last get together. We mums can support each other in prayer and encouragement and living a life guided by the Lord. It was a very real and warm place where those attending were supported in prayer on the night and will continue to be throughout the weeks and months ahead. No judgement, no talking outside of personal things discussed on the night but a place where we mums can love each other by praying for one another as sisters in Jesus Christ.

This post is simply a reflection of mine from the evening and I would love to read others ideas and musings.

Warmest wishes,
Renelle

Journalling

Do you journal?

What type of journal do you keep?
Is it a traditional written Journal,
A nature Journal,
A prayer Journal,
Gratitude Journal.
sketch Journal,
or do you use drawing as your Journal?
We discussed this last night at our monthly encouragement night.
We also  discussed Blogging as journalling as well. I woud say this is where my ideas are journalled.
I know some of us keep a private blog journal. We could have got absorbed there but Journalling was the topic.
So lets get back to journalling.
I keep a drawing journal. Its a way of journalling I was taught when I took a private retreat some years ago. I was meant to draw a circle and keep the drawing within the circle. Ha! I can't do that, so I have developed my own style. Using scripture and words to represent an event, a struggle or an emotion that comes to mind.
We discussed that journalling is very personal and everyone has such individual styles.
It was suggested to draw and journal with your children as well. Even from a young age. Keeping there thoughts alive and to look back on them in the future.
Bernie ran the discussion and showed us her various hand made journals. Wow. She is such an artist.
I would love to make my own journal.
And, in fact I can see myself doing just that.

There were a couple inspiring sites to view, including A Holy Experience , One Thousand Gifts , Remembrance press  .

It was a very inspiring evening that generated much conversation, much like the teens girls in the other room discussing there own topic.

Hopefully we may see more of you at the next Encouragement night on 21st September.

God Bless,
Leanne

Encouragement Nights for Mums and Teen Girls

Our Encouragement Nights have been going on and off for a few years now. They are a great place to connect with other homeschool mums. The topics are often Christian in nature but the core focus is on homeschooling.

Homeschooling Mums (or enquiring) and homeschool teenage girls are welcome to attend.

We start the evening with a light supper and then break up into the mothers and teenage girls discussion groups. The teenage girls discussion group is led by Ali a 17 year old homeschool girl.

We meet from 7pm to 9pm at Rae's place in Thornton. No cost is involved. If you need her address please email hunterhomeed@gmail.com.

Unfortunately we have no facillities for children at this event. We ask that you organise child minding for this event. Breast fed babies are welcome.


Our dates for the rest of the year are:

August 24th Topic Sanity tools Journaling

September 21st Topic TBA

October 26th Topic TBA