My journey towards a Christ-centered life focused on hospitality,
cultural awareness, and community through the power of the Holy Spirit.
November 30, 2009
Term 2 Begins
We are studying Modern World History this year (AO Year 11 lite), and are just starting to move into WWII. This is my son's favorite period in history. He has read a lot of military history and biography already, but still has a keen interest for more detail. I am trying to give him a well-rounded perspective, to make sure he sees the horror, and not just the glory of war. Our term 2 reading list is as follows:
Devotions - The Cost of Discipleship (terms 2 and 3)
History US - Carson's Basic History series, vol. 5
History Bio - Mein Kampf by Adolph Hitler
History Bio - The Diary of Anne Frank
History Supplement - The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman (all terms)
History Speeches - various per the AO website
Geography - The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig
Worldviews - Seven Men Who Ruled the World by David Breese
Literature - The Chosen by Chaim Potok
Literature - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Critical Thinking - Critical Thinking course
Government - Power Basics US Government
Economics - A Beka's Work and Prosperity text
Shakespeare - Much Ado About Nothing
Poetry - Edna St. Millay
Math - Thinkwell Precalculus
Science - Introduction to Geology and Earth Revealed video series
Nature Study - Six Easy Pieces: Essentials of Physics Explained by Richard Fenyman
Foreign Language - Russian
Music - Music study along with hymns and worship/praise songs
Composition - The Elegant Essay, a 10 week course
Our goal this term is to progress through Math so that we are prepared for the ACT test this spring. Focus will be on writing well, hence the essay course, and also making good progress in all our other subject areas. My goal: consistency and discipline (making sure that the assigned work is completed). My son's goal: doing the work (LOL!)
November 29, 2009
Christmas Lights

Our house is very small so we just go for big lights (the old fashioned bulb ones) with icicles. We put mini lights in various colors on all our shrubs. I have a lighted wreath that goes on the front of the house too. I usually put white lights in the windows, but last window ended up breaking my front window doing it. I am a bit gun-shy this year! LOL!
What is Your Rock?

The illustration he shared was this: Suffering of all sorts, trials, temptations, etc. are like rocks, rocks that are sharp and ugly and heavy and often very unpleastant to look at and very difficult to bear. Through the course of our life, we collect these so-called ugly rocks. We keep them, we carry them with us, and over time, they are refined, they are cleaned up, purified, and made into something beautiful. Someday, we will reach into our cache of ugly rocks only to pull out a beautiful polished stone, a stone that has been changed, has been made pure.
Our Pastor asked us to think about what our rock might say, once we pull it out after it has had time to be refined. He said his rock will say REST because that is what he struggles with most, and most desparately needs (rest from worry, rest from anxiety, rest from stress). I thought about what my greatest need is (or biggest struggle) and my rock will say LOVE.
My greatest fear is fear. It is something deep inside of me and something that has ruled my life since I was a child. I grew up in fear, lived in fear, and never really settled into any other kind of life. I am fearful of not having enough (of anything), of not being protected, of not knowing (what will be or happen). I live in fear -- fear controls me.

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection]. 1 John 4:18
What I long for and need most is complete, perfect love. This is the type of love that will drive all fear away, cast it out (expel it) doors, and remove every trace of terror. It is the perfect love of the Father, as seen through His Son Jesus. It is perfect, complete and lacking in nothing. It is love that is fully mature -- it is the love I need now, the love I long for, and the love that will enable me, once and for all, to no longer fear anything (any person, any place, any thing).
Yes, I need God's Perfect Love to replace the fear that still lives within my heart and in the innermost recesses of my mind. God's Perfect Love. Jesus Christ.
November 28, 2009
November 26, 2009
Giving Thanks

Our day is pretty well planned. After football, we are hanging out at home until it is time to head to the inlaws for dinner. I am bringing the green bean casserole and raspberry jello (jello is made; green beans go into the oven later this afternoon.) In the mean time, I am enjoying the quite morning, doing some laundry, having coffee and muffin, and blogging on my computer. Just a nice quiet morning for me...thank you, Lord!
Update: Cello
My son has written a cello solo for me to learn. It is the beginning part to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's song, "Christmas Eve/Sarajeva 12/14". This song is a medly of several well-known Christmas carols. I get to play the "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" intro. Fun! You can hear the original version on YouTube (click below):
We will have three violins, one cello (me), piano and electric guitar (my son). It sounds pretty good (not as well as the original, but still fairly decent arrangement). My son wrote the arrangement and I have to admit that he did a fine job with it. I am excited to play my part (other than the solo and one other part, I mostly just keep the bass line going - dum, dum, dum, dum -- I can do that!! LOL!!!)
So this Thanksgiving day, I am giving thanks. I am thanking the Lord for the usual things (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness), but also for the little things...like quiet mornings (and coffee); like flag football (and reaching the neighbors); like playing the cello (and loving it); like knowing that today is the day the Lord has made (and that I am covered under His marvelous wings, safe, secure, and abundantly loved and provided for). God is Good and it is to Him that I give my Thanks!
This is the day which the LORD hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
November 25, 2009
Today

Thanksgiving is such a forgotten holiday. Our local stores have had their Christmas decorations up before Halloween. We barely got through October, before there were lights, tinsel and holly being put up. I realize that the economy has merchants worried, but really...will starting THAT early make a difference for them?
At our local mall, I have watched the shoppers go in and out, mostly without any bags or purchases. It seems people are window shopping or just enjoying the mall. They don't seem in any big hurry to get gifts. Maybe they are just waiting, so time will tell, but it does seem that folks are doing what they always do: looking for good deals and taking their time.
The GFWC Paradise Valley Woman's Club hosts a gift wrap booth each year at the mall. This is probably our 30th year. Each year our profits go either up or down, based solely on the economy. After 9/11, our profits were huge. It seemed like folks wanted to give gifts and spend money. During tighter times, we make less money. All our proceeds go to charity, and we keep very little to cover expenses (boxes, bows, ribbon and wrapping paper). This year will be interesting to figure out. Last year, we did OK, even in such a strong recession. It is hard to say whether or not folks will indulge in having their gifts wrapped. We cater to men, mostly, and to older folks who cannot wrap or are travelling and want to ship their packages ahead of time. We also get a lot of kids -- cute! They generally want bows to put on a package for Mom or Dad.
Oh well...Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat (sorry, that song just popped into my head -- with the Muppets singing it! LOL!)
I am thankful for the opportunity to be at home, to share in the holidays with my family, and to know that whatever the rush, the real reason for thanksgiving and Christmas is Him, the One who died to save me. I am thankful for all the bountiful goodness that comes from God's hand. He has blessed me, He has saved me, and He has loved me with a love that is so complete. He is good to me, and I give Him thanks and praise today!
I survived Chamber!
After my initial success, I faltered badly. My son's teacher suggested some other easy pieces, but my sight reading skill is not good enough yet. I did my best, but couldn't follow along. They are just too good for me! LOL!
I came home a little dejected, feeling low. However, after some time to think on it, I actually accomplished my goal: to be able to play a piece of music with other musicians -- and do it in the proper timing. I did it and I am very proud of myself. I have some more music to learn, so I will see if I can play through it this week. I am not sure if I can learn more than one piece per week, but I will give it a try. It was a good, positive experience for me.
I learned that performing in a group is not as easy as it seems. It takes patience and practice. I need more of both. In time, I think I will be able to play cello as a small group.
November 24, 2009
I'm Dreaming of a New Cello...

So now I am on the hunt for a new cello. Don't get me wrong, I love my Kay Cello. It has been the perfect instrument to begin on. It sounds OK, but my ear is getting better and I can tell where it lacks emphasis. It is a laminate-type instrument, you know, the old "beat um' up and trash um" that the schools used to hand out to kids. I am ready to play a cello that actually plays like a cello should play, kwim?
My son, the pianist, can tell you what I mean. He plays on a Korg studio piano. It is all digital and is good for making digital music. When he goes to lessons or for recitals, he plays on a Steinway. Yep, there is a big difference between a digital grand and a real Steinway.
I have been looking online for cellos and they are pricey. Southwest Strings is close to me (in Tuscon), so I guess I will go there and give their cellos a try-out (the cello pictured is a Scott Cao, a Chinese made cello. It has a very good reputation as being playable and resonant -- a good beginner to intermediate cello). I have done some research online as well, and have in mind what I would like to spend as well as what features I want it to have. I am leary of buying without trying, so I think SW Strings is probably my best option. I know many people buy instruments online and are satisfied with them. I don't know if I am that good yet, to where I would know the difference. I think going into a warehouse (yep, that is what SW Strings is like) is better than just buying something I see online.
A cello I really like and would someday like to own is the Soloist II or Kallo

I also like the sound of the Emil Gillet cello. These are avaiable online as well at http://www.emilegillet.com/
Lastly, there are other good Chinese, German and Italian cellos out there. I have a limited budget so some of the nicer ones will have to wait a long while. Right now, I am looking for a good intermediate-advanced cello, a cello that I can play for many years with good success!
Oh well...I will have to wait awhile to get a new instrument, but in the meantime, I will just dream about getting one. LOL!
November 23, 2009
Cello and Christmas

Well, yesterday I started practicing it with my son's computer (he wrote the score so it is available to listen to in Finale). I have to tell you that it is not easy to play along with another instrument. So far, I have only played by myself. I have not had any other accompianment. Oh my!! I played through my part (which is very small) about a dozen times and still do not having the timing right. UGH!
I will be playing through it again today and tomorrow...hopefully, I can do this and not throw off the violins or piano too much (my greatest fear is just freezing and not being able to play a note OR playing so horribly that everyone just stops and stares at me!) LOL! In truth, I doubt either will happen. My son's teacher is sweet and very nurturing. The other students (3 high schoolers and one eighth grader -- I think they will be just fine with a beginner cellist sitting in).
Still...this Mom is having nerves and is feeling like she was back in 7-8th grade tryouts for choir! Ewh!!
Winter's Arrival is late


So here I am thinking about cold and Christmas. I guess my childhood memories of snow and icicles, just goes together with the timing of this season.
November 21, 2009
Looking at Colleges
We have already checked out a couple music programs near us. They are all good, but each has it's own flavor or focus. Some are more performance oriented; while others offer a more general education approach (for music education or ministry).
Up to now, our son has been leaning towards a more general music degree (BA in Music). He has recently decided to focus more on composition, and therefore, needs to start looking at schools that offer that as a specific concentration. These schools offer BS in Music and typically are more challenging on acceptance.
He has good grades (from home school), but many schools look down on parent given grades, so he will have to score high on the ACT test. He has already been seeking scholarship money (a big need), and we are hopefully that he will receive some assistance based on his ability (versus purely academic standing).

Either way, we are delighted that he will have the opportunity to study music and pursue something he is passionate about. Our hope is that whatever he does eventually, he will find his purpose and come to know the Lord's plans for his life. God has created him uniquely, and has equipped him with great skill and ability. We are confident that the Lord has something special in mind for him.
November 20, 2009
SONrise

November 18, 2009
Feeling Blue
Winston is also two. He is a great cat. He is a little pouncy, likes to jump and climb a lot. He mostly is good in the mornings, though he will give a good chase if the mood suits him.
I have changed my bedroom around to keep them from crossing over me all the time. They still do it, but now with my nightstand out of the picture, it is less of a tempation to them. They jump from dresser to bed (with me in the middle) often, especially in the am hours.
Oh well...perhaps the blues will fade as the day wears on.
November 17, 2009
Celloing again...an update!
I played through my Carl Fisher book and can play almost all the exercises slowly (I was having to stop, reposition my fingers, bow). This is a great improvement and I am beginning to sound like I am actually playing music (versus just notes). My next hurdle is working on timing, and learning how to bow in time (half bows, quarter bows, slurred notes, etc.) Slurring notes is really hard, and is like "rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time!" Oh, I am not ambidextrous!!
My goal in cello is to learn to play well. I am learning for enjoyment, not to attend school or perform as a professional. I have always wanted to play an instrument, and have loved the sound of the cello for so long. I want to be able to play classical, Christian hymns, as well as other favorite tunes. I am hoping to learn to play it well enough so that my son and I can play together (either as two cellos, a guitar and cello or piano and cello).
November 16, 2009
Unschooling...does it really work?
My son was a good candidate for the "better late than early"method. He was not eager to begin school, even though he was "ready" for it. He had no interest in reading. He had no interest in math or numbers. He had no interest in sitting still for long periods of time. He wanted to play, to create, and to dream/imagine. He was a little boy filled with endless curiosity about his world. He spents hours in imaginary play, never stopping to ask anything of me. From the time he got up until it was lights out, he was a non-stop ball of energy.
We kept him busy, that is for sure. We did preschool (with little success). We did Awana (with little success), and we arranged play dates with other children (again with little success). Our child, it seemed, preferred to be at home and wanted to play independently.
Mind you, we did have a routine at home. He got up at the same time each morning. We did breakfast, followed by our morning routine. We did lunch, also followed by our afternoon routine. We did dinner, and yes, followed by evening and then bedtime routine. Our life was fairly scheduled, and he seemed happy and content within the boundaries of our home and our daily routine.
When he turned five, everyone asked about school. In Arizona, children need to be six to begin 1st grade, and since our son was born in September, he naturally missed the cut off for school. He started kindergarten at age six instead of five. Most people told us that this was GREAT, so much better to start later, especially for a boy. In truth, this was the case. However, once our son got into school, it was quickly noticed that he was far, far, far ahead of his kindergarten peers.
He did know his numbers and the alphabet. He had an incredible vocabulary. He still could not read. He couldn't do math. But something, just something set him apart from the other children. He had a great memory, and through Awana training (Sparks K-1), he had memorized all the required Scripture (including the Extra Credit books). He took whatever instruction was given in his classes, memorized or processed it, and was ready to move on. He didn't need weeks and weeks of Calendar or Numbers -- he got it the first time out.
This was really the first instance where we were confronted by our son's giftedness. He was just our boy, you know, our baby. We were so delighted with him that we never really noticed how different he was from the other children. I will never forget sitting in his kindergarten class and looking around at the other children. Most of them were crying, they were so baby-like. There was our boy, right up front, listening to the teacher (still bobbing and weaving -- never sitting still -- but definitely engaged in whatever the teacher was doing). The other children were lost. They were so young and so scared to be left in the classroom.
As time went on, the difference between our son and the other kids became more and more apparent. Most of the time, you couldn't tell the difference until our son opened his mouth and began to speak on some subject. It didn't matter what the subject, he just seemed to know something about it. His vocabulary continued to be several grades ahead, and his understanding of subjects ranged from a casual conversation to near Ph.D. level intensity! LOL!
This post was to be about unschooling, and as usual, I sidetracked into my own experience. I guess I should get back on topic! LOL!! The thing about unschooling is this...in many ways, we did unschool for a time. We also did traditional public schooling for a time. Now we are ardent home schoolers, blessed and so proud to be coming to the close of this journey. In all, unschooling for us had great benefit. But so did public schooling. Even though our public school experience was less than satisfying, it did bring us round to home schooling. Once we started home schooling, everything just clicked. Our son was finally able to school the way that worked best for him. We have found a happy-medium, someplace between doing your own thing and following a structured program. For us, student-directed learning is possible and works well, so long as it is surrounded by a structured curriculum. We combine the best of both methods -- allowing our son to explore and learn at his own pace, all the while making sure we cover the basics (to enable him to interact socially and academically with his peers).
November 14, 2009
Recital and Nerves
Now...if I could just get my nerves in order. For some reason, I am nervous for him today. Ugh! What is a mother to do?
Minute Waltz - Chopin
November 13, 2009
Understanding Growth

It seems like just yesterday when we started using this Charlotte Mason inspired curriculum. I had little experience with home education, and found this curriculum after a mad-dash search on the Internet one night. My son, then age 10 and finishing 5th grade, was rashly pulled from public school to be home schooled. Neither my husband nor I were actually ready to school him -- we just knew we didn't want him to remain in the public school any longer than necessary. For us, the entire preceding year was TOO LONG!
When I think back on my experience using Ambleside Online (AO/HEO), I cannot believe that we have actually worked through almost all the upper level book lists. We started off badly, beginning in the wrong year, and then found that we had to divert ourselves mid-stream to try and slow down (to allow maturity to set in). Finally, after several years we seemed to hit our stride and make forward progress. We are now at the end of our high school journey, and have travelled these years with CM and the AO curriculum, and feel confident we will have good success in college.
The funny thing is how the questions posted today are the same questions I (and others) posted nearly six years ago. The transition from traditional schooling or unschooling or public schooling to a CM-type education seems to require parents to pause, take a deep breath, and then divest themselves of everything they know or thought they knew, before they can actually accomplish this type of home education program.
It is not easy, that is for sure. It is one of the best programs available (IMHO), but it is not for everyone. Those who do not want to read classical literature or who do not want to read (period), will find a CM program ill-fitting. Those who love to read or at the least want their children to come to love to read -- will find it a perfect fit. We tend to be in the latter class, even if neither of us are ardent readers. We do read, we do like reading; we just don't read as much as many of the families on our home school group.
Still, with our lack of enthusiasm for reading, we have read a great many classics, delved into historical fiction and non-fiction, delighted in biography of great people, and come to find the study of Nature fascinating. Overall, our time with CM and her "living books" has been well-worth the effort. I am confident that my son will do fine in college and that he has read far more than the average high school student. He is well-read, literate, and highly education...all in part to the curriculum developed by a handful of homeschool Moms who longed to give their children a 19th century education in this modern day and age.
November 12, 2009
Sharing the Holidays

My house is the logical place to host dinner, and since I am younger and able to do it, it should be where we all gather together. However, my home is small, with an almost non-existent dining area. I can host about six people total -- especially for dinners. I do try and have the family over often, but it tends to be more convenient to go to the grandparents house.
The issue this year (and in the previous few) has been whether or not the grandparents were up to the challenge of hosting a dinner. I normally fix dinner at my parents home. My mother is able to do it, but it is taxing on her. I will often cook the dinner and then take it to her home. My MIL is a different story. She is very used to being the hostess and has hosted many large gatherings for years. She is also not able to do this well anymore, but is unwilling to let it go. I understand her feelings, after all, she has enjoyed hosting dinners and other special events, and has always been known as the "life of the party."
As the family ages, the responsibilities of family get-to-gethers change. I am the only child living in close proximity to either set of parents. My brothers and my SIL are on their own, so to speak, and are pretty much able to do whatever they please. They can have dinner, go out to dinner, or go to a friend's house for dinner. There will be no hurt feelings if they don't do a specific thing.
Sigh...it is difficult to navigate the waters of age. I wish it were easier; I wish I had a larger home. I would be happy to host all the family get togthers from now on, if only, I could.
Perhaps...Santa will bring me a new house -- all fit out with a nice size dining room and kitchen!!
November 10, 2009
Thinking More
God's timing (kairos) is always perfect. It is His way of bringing things (circumstances, situations, and events) to pass. God's timing is not always linked to chronological time (chronos). Somethings the two coincide, but often God's timing seems to occur when we least expect it. Almost always it happens when we need it most.
This is how I feel about my future and the plans the Lord has for my life. I have been longing to attend graduate school since before my son was born (even conceived). I was applying to graduate schools when I found out that I was pregnant. I had hoped back then to become a college English professor. The Lord had other intentions at that time (His Kairos). I felt in my heart then that I was supposed to attend graduate school, but God's timing was not right. I now know that I was to go, but not then. I am to go now -- sixteen (will be seventeen) years later. I am just as eager and excited about it now as I was then. I think I am far better prepared -- having home educated my son using a classically inspired curriculum, lead a group of adult readers through a classical studies list (for almost five years), and enjoyed experiencing a Renaissance type of education at home. Yes, God's kairos is perfect. His will is perfect and His timing, well, is always spot on.
The Lord knows when things are to be: we must wait, and some times that means waiting a very long time for them to come to pass. I am so glad that the Lord has proven faithful to me (is He not always faithful?) in this regard. I spent a great many years wondering how to let go of that nagging feeling that said "you are supposed to be doing something different." I never understood that the feeling was telling me the truth -- just that the time was not yet.
I am willing now to follow after the Lord and to do His will. I know that the plans He has for me are so good. I am trusting for Him to bring everything to pass (the acceptance, the financial aid, etc.) so that I can do this thing. If it is truly of the Lord, then it will come to pass. Of this, I have no doubt.
Worldviews
I love these types of books, so much in fact, that I am planning on returning to college to study ethics and worldviews at some point. My plan right now is to pursue a graduate degree in English Literature (with the hope of teaching literature at the local community college). My long term goal is to complete my Ph.D. in Communications (theory and methodologies), another key area of interest to me (understanding how we communicate, and then learning more effective strategies for communication within the church and on the mission field). As part of my graduate work, I would like to study ethics, morals, and worldviews. These are important topics to me and I believe that they are critical to any study of communications.
I have found a great Literature program, fully online, that I hope to begin next fall. It is delivered through Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. It aligns perfectly with my BA in Humanities degree from San Jose State University. It is a good, all-around, Literature program, with readings from all periods in history. The program is only 30-units, so I should be able to complete it in 1 year and a winter/summer session.
For the communications program, I have chosen Regent University. They have a Ph.D. program in Communications that is based solely on research and theory. It is right up my alley -- as I am more of a researcher than a practical communicator. This degree is also online, though residency is required for summer workshops throughout the degree. I don't have a formulated subject for my dissertation yet, but hope that I will think of something interesting, a good research project, over the next couple years.
My desire to study worldviews, ethics, and communication is not new, but is newly formed. I have always been a strong communicator, with a very strong voice and opinion. I loved writing literary criticism in college, and delighted in debate in many of my philosophy classes. I still love to write persuasively, and enjoy spending time blogging online.
I believe that the Lord has equipped me as a writer and thinker, and my heart's desire is to do His will. I believe returning to graduate school is His will for my life (the next portion or season of it). I am excited at the challenge He has brought to me, and know that He will guide me through the entire process (from beginning to end). God is so very good to me.
November 9, 2009
Le Francais

Update on Cello

At first, this book was far too difficult for me -- given that I have had no real prior music instruction. I studied online, using YouTube and eHow.com videos along with some very basic "how to get started with cello" websites. I practiced for about a month -- just open strings (very boring, but beneficial I think0. Since then, I have made good progress through the Fischer method book. I am up to playing on all four strings (I know -- wow!)
I find the cello to be enjoyable and interesting to play. I love the sound of the cello, especially the deep voice and the higher pitch of the A string. I am having a wonderful time learning how to play this instrument and also how to read music.
November 3, 2009
Finishing Out Home School
As I plan for next year, I have so many other things to keep in mind. Mostly, I am gearing up for the ACT test (hopefully taken in January), as well as for some Junior College placement tests (for Math). My plan is for DS to take the math placement test in the fall of 2010 and then enroll in Elements of Statistics for Spring 2010. He will also take two music courses, both on Studio Recording in the fall and spring semesters. I do not plan on having him take a full course load at the JC. More than likely, he will attend Southwestern College here in Phoenix.
Southwestern is a small Christian liberal arts school, located about 5 miles from our home. Though they are local, they have a strong academic record and a very solid Christian education program. My son wants to study Music, and this school is known for it's excellent music curriculum.
My goals for the next year and half are pretty simple: prepare my son to do well on the ACT test, and to pass the placement exam so he can take Math at the community college. In addition to his regular course of study (through AO/HEO), he will also be working on Russian and continuing his music study with his professional music teacher.
All in all, the next year and half will fly by...and it is hard not to whince at the thought of him graduating and beginning college. He is so ready for college, but I cannot help but look at him and see my little boy, the one who was always running around and getting into everything! I think I might cry right now! WHAW!
God is so good, though. He has provided a wonderful education for him, challenging and rigorous, yet thoroughly different than anything out on the market. Our son is well-read, well-spoken, and decidedly Christian. He has strong faith, a deep love for the Lord, and longs to use his music gift to serve and glorify God. What more could a mother ask for?