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