Teaching the reluctant learner

One of the reasons I love homeschooling is because every child learns differently and when you have a small number of students you are teaching it's fairly easy to accommodate their different learning needs whereas in a public school setting they would likely fail to thrive.

But what do you do when a child is simply not interested? I found a secret weapon that works for us, maybe it will work for you too...

The REAL Saint Patrick

Next Sunday we'll be celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Who is Saint Patrick and why do we celebrate this day? Oddly enough it has nothing to do with little green men or four leaf clovers...I had heard of Saint Patrick before, but never really knew much about him (other than he was a missionary in Ireland) until I was reading the Trial and Triumph story to my sons. We have been studying this as one of our many books in our homeschool and the sad thing is most of these stories I am hearing for the first time.

Patrick was abducted by pirates as a young boy and taken to Ireland as a slave. At first he was bitter and despised his captives, but later began to pray and discovered God. He was taught the ways of Christianity as a young boy, but like many youth, though he paid little attention at the time. However, the teachings of his parents and church leaders eventually came to his mind at this greatest time of desperation.

He said "...I found myself pasturing flocks daily, and I prayed a number of times each day. More and more the love and fear of God came to me, and faith grew and my spirit was exercised, until I was praying up to a hundred times everyday - and in the night nearly as often. So that I would even remain in the woods and on the mountain in snow, frost and rain, waking to pray before first light. And I felt no ill effect, nor was I in any way sluggish - because as I now realise, the Spirit was seething within me."

God later spoke to him in a dream telling him to catch a ship bound for his homeland, Britain. He had several hardships and miracles along the way home, but finally reached his friends and family. He could not settle into a life of ease, however, the people of Ireland called to him in his dreams and he knew he must return to share with them the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He suffered much as a missionary, being tortured, enslaved, and twelve times his enemies nearly killed him. But many were also converted to Christ and Patrick said "...daily I expect murder, fraud, or captivity...but I fear none of these things. I have cast myself into the hands of God Almighty, who rules everywhere, as the prophet says: 'Cast your cares upon God, and He shall sustain you'."

After serving the people of Ireland for more than forty years and suffering untold trials, he said "The greatest gift in my life has been to know and love God; to serve Him is my highest joy." Surely he fulfilled the scripture in Matthew 10:39 "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
Perhaps we can find a better way to honor this man who devoted his entire life to God and to serving his fellow men. I'll start by teaching my children about the great man he was and the lessons we can learn from his life.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana & Winter Quarters, Nebraska Temple Pictures

I realize these two temples have nothing in common except that our friend Barbara Matson is so willingly sharing her images of these two temples with us! Thanks again Barbara! As always, you can download these images for personal use at http://freeldstemplepictures.com

I've got mail...

My boys have been playing postmen for the past few weeks. Every day I get brought a little envelope (or three) filled with handmade love. Olivia gets her fair share of letters too...

Olivia's Blessing Day

We brought Olivia to church today for the first time to receive her name and blessing. It was such a special occasion and I felt of what a precious angel she is and of her great potential. She looked so adorable in her little dress (and even waited until after the blessing to leak through the onesie and diaper all over her back). 

Joshua's Five!

My Joshua boy turns five today! We love his huge smile and tender little feelings. He loves to spend all day drawing and building things. He is quite the creative little boy. We sure love you Joshua!

What are your favorite things to do?
Draw and Build

What are your favorite foods?
Pizza and Noodles

What do you want to do for work when you grow up?
Be an Engineer

What is your favorite color?
Red

What is your favorite poem?
The Owl and the Pussycat

Billings, Montana Temple Pictures

A HUGE thank you to Barbara Matson for sharing these beautiful images of the Billings Montana temple! 

ABCMouse.com Review

I have seen reviews everywhere about ABCmouse.com and finally had to try it out for myself. I resisted trying this for a long time because I was primarily looking for something for my oldest and I knew this would be too easy for him, but it's perfect for my younger boys.

Decorating with Pictures

Have you been following this fabulous series about decorating with pictures? There are some AMAZING ideas out there! I'm guest posting today on a few ideas for decorating with pictures in a temporary home, visit Kristen Duke Photography to check it out!

Catching up...

Here are some random photos of what we've been up to day to day...

We got the boys a trampoline (finally!) and they had a blast putting it up and are thoroughly enjoying it (we just need to finish putting up the net)...

Olivia's first week

Olivia was a week old yesterday! She is such a little angel and it's so cute to see the boys with her. They huddle together and stare down at her telling her how cute she is. Ethan always wants to hold and comfort her and Joshua is always writing notes that say "Olivia I love you so so so much". They are much more gentle with her than I anticipated, even Grant adores her. Such a different scenario! I'm used to bringing a new baby home to other babies who just don't understand.

What's in a Name?

My least favorite thing about preparing for a new little one is picking out a name. I wish babies came with their name tattooed on their foot. For some this may be the most favorite part, but for me it's a unique form of torture. I'm responsible for choosing a name which this child will be stuck with for the rest of his or her life for better or worse. And some parents can be downright cruel in their naming choices. If you want a good laugh (or cry) check out this site of some of the craziest baby names ever chosen.

Baby Olivia

We welcomed little Olivia Abigail into the world on Monday, February 4, 2013 at 8:31am in Landstuhl, Germany! She weighs 6 pounds 11 ounces and is 19 1/2 inches long.

Why Homeschool?

I'm guest posting today over at Teach Beside Me as part of their "Why Homeschool" Series. Check it out!

Creativity

My little guys have been very creative lately. Every morning Joshua wakes up and goes to the school room to paint or draw. He could spend all day drawing if I'd let him.