tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87261189641096192962024-02-20T23:36:44.842-08:00Anchored In His GraceDiscovering the importance of anchoring my life in the grace of Jesus Christ.CNixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11404450118995636848noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726118964109619296.post-3786367386519113682013-09-22T14:08:00.001-07:002013-09-22T14:08:20.771-07:00I've Moved!Please take notice that <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">Anchored In His Grace</a> has moved to a new website! Come check out the new site; can't wait to see ya'll there!<br />
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CNixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11404450118995636848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726118964109619296.post-55632834105148251242013-09-20T03:58:00.000-07:002013-09-23T10:37:16.376-07:00Classical Christian Education Explained Simply<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTprz82JCkponuY8GToVSYIQC1EbvCsi0lcQSEqchOAHzoyOqZJ16syGFeJ8QGAVYcCNlhGimoVEjk7owWSgybzIwnpfWy3adUbARfdDSHZuYPuwta3XZiQoSkC1RbR3ZZzsLGKiGmyUeV/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTprz82JCkponuY8GToVSYIQC1EbvCsi0lcQSEqchOAHzoyOqZJ16syGFeJ8QGAVYcCNlhGimoVEjk7owWSgybzIwnpfWy3adUbARfdDSHZuYPuwta3XZiQoSkC1RbR3ZZzsLGKiGmyUeV/s320/005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our entire homeschool experience has been laced with pregnancies, new babies, and even a broken foot for ten weeks. Keeping our schooling simple has been my primary focus over the years. If you know my story, you know that I wasn't all that crazy about homeschooling, which you can read about <a href="http://anchoredinhisgrace.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-journey-to-homeschooling.html">here.</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In order to execute this wonderful model of simplicity, I use <a href="http://www.classicalconversations.com/">Classical Conversations.</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>What follows is my collaboration of what I’ve
learned & how I understand the Classical Christian Model of Education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not perfect, and I’m still
learning. But, I've enjoyed learning it, and implementing it in our home.</span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Classical Education is a specific method of educating your child.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Classical Education puts more emphasis on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how</i> to learn rather than <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">what</i> to learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using this method, you are doing more than
just providing information for the student.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are practicing a method that can be applied to anything needing to
be learned in life: riding a bike, driving a car, cooking a meal, mechanics,
becoming a doctor, etc…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This method does
not have to be confined within the boundaries of academics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, you can use academics to teach your
child how to develop the <em>skill of learning</em>, so that in adulthood your child can
apply this method effortlessly (without even thinking about it) to all aspects
of his or her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What’s the method?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The method is very simple, yet might need
explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are three steps:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gather your information. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>This is also called the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">grammar stage</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is when you gather, and store
facts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you don’t want to just pick
up some facts here and there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want
to be able to retain your facts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This first
step uses the tool of memorizing to pound in the facts for long term use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You work on memorizing facts, and then review
these facts so that years down the road the facts are still there ready to be
used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This process takes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">time</i>—expect the child to forget, and
have to be reminded; that’s part of the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This stage does not focus on understanding
because it’s not always necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although, it’s not forbidden either!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Children like to explore their facts, and what’s the fun in learning if
you can’t play with your information?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, a child can (and should) still memorize facts even if he
doesn’t know what it means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That can
come later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, we’re not spending just
today learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re spending a
lifetime of learning, and we get to spend many years focusing on academics with
our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, this stage is simply
memorizing facts; and in general hits preschool-elementary years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">b.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dialogue about and explore your
information.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is also called the
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dialectic stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>This is a time of wrestling with ideas
pertaining to the information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a
time of questions, answers, and making connections between one topic and
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An understanding of the
information is beginning to solidify in the child’s brain during this time
period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this time period you’ll
see the importance of having your facts memorized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t remember when, where, or what
happened in history, how can you discuss its effects on science or mathematics
or language development?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know your
facts!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s very important!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The memorizing is just as important as the
understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want the
understanding to last a long time, a lifetime even.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So having the facts there, ready to be used,
makes this stage easier and more fun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
this stage is an understanding stage; and generally hits the later elementary,
middle, and early high school years.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">c.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make the application, and give it to
others.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is also called the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rhetoric stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>It’s tempting to say this is the time
when you apply your information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
true, but simply applying the information stops short of the beauty of the
rhetoric stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rhetoric stage is
when you’re able to see the big picture of the information well enough to break
it down for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re now able to
teach the information back to someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">This</i> is the beauty of the
classical model; because at this stage you can now develop your own thoughts on
the information as well as walk someone else through their own thought process
of the information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, this stage is
applying & giving it away; and generally hits the later high school
extending into adulthood.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
Classical Christian Model puts God as the focus of education, and integrates the subject
matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God reveals himself to us
through all subject matter: science impacts math, which impacts history, which
impacts English and so forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
learn more about the subject matter we discover an important aspect—<strong>it all points back to God!</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proverbs 8:17 “…and
those who seek me find me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is ready,
and willing to reveal himself to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The question is, <em>are you willing to seek him?<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></em></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Classical
Education is “big picture” focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
like to think of it as a puzzle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
gathering information we are handing out puzzle pieces to our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in memorizing the information we’re
ensuring our children can hold on to the pieces for later use; we don’t want
them to drop the pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For if they
drop the pieces, they can’t put the puzzle together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In dialoging, and exploring your information
they are beginning to put the pieces together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Different parts of the puzzle are being put together at different
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this stage children will get
glimpses of the big picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Applying, and giving the information away, is the point where the puzzle is
completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A child can look at the
completed puzzle, ooooh and ahhhh over the completed puzzle, explain the
aspects of the puzzle, and then take the puzzle apart and assist someone else
in how to put the puzzle together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Often
times I’ve heard, and experienced, that these different stages overlap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, even if your child is in the grammar
stage, he will try and play with the dialectic stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or there may be times in the rhetoric stage
you find your child is lacking in knowing his facts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, you may decide, let’s go back and work on
the facts again so that we can reason through this easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The age ranges aren’t necessarily concrete,
just a guide.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<div align="left" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You</i>
can use this same method of learning right now with anything you wish to
learn!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it is to further your own
academic development, or learning a new skill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This method applies and is a very useful tool.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once again, after
spending several years learning, and experimenting with this method, this is the
best way I have come up with to explain Classical Christian Education. As you can see in some areas I added the term "Christian" and other times I did not. This is simply because you can use the Classical Model without God, but you do need to ask yourself, "what is the focus of our education?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I hope this has helped you have a clearer understanding of the Classical Model. I love using this method, I can see the benefits of
it, and I can also see how anyone can apply it to their lives. And it has helped me keep my focus of school, as well as obtaining efficiency in my homeschool.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Caroline</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please note that <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">Anchored In His Grace</a> has moved to a new web address.</span></strong></div>
CNixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11404450118995636848noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726118964109619296.post-9289694033171259832013-09-18T05:12:00.002-07:002013-09-23T10:38:50.000-07:00Adventures in Potty Training Part 1: Potty What?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPt6EQ-BWAVUf02CVVW4YEvPX5_yrghfA_VsTZtAkilkWhHAMSgtx-fQsX7YrzFcqtGuq8LCWicYN1720mdl5hC0B47fer1tc4kA1V56SNqTNxUL80aj3825y8USKFfLXfA5Ry0xsD7rky/s1600/056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPt6EQ-BWAVUf02CVVW4YEvPX5_yrghfA_VsTZtAkilkWhHAMSgtx-fQsX7YrzFcqtGuq8LCWicYN1720mdl5hC0B47fer1tc4kA1V56SNqTNxUL80aj3825y8USKFfLXfA5Ry0xsD7rky/s320/056.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>
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Well, since this is my 4th go-round of potty training I figure I should have this one in the bag, right? </div>
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So...last July, I decided to take the plunge with my then, almost 3 year old. So, I gathered my supplies...<br />
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Potty..................check!</div>
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Training Pants.....................check!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFvkZKtH_ojiQw11uS0I2suTfBmElp6ALUxsj6rq1EyLjvvYU_ear73SG12sCXLgDHw4L9kjqfQdlA188mEytrrBeyI-Lstc736xcBGjwe8ymZVWdLuNi9ppXu83t8uP3Ef-gVMFx0q1n/s1600/067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFvkZKtH_ojiQw11uS0I2suTfBmElp6ALUxsj6rq1EyLjvvYU_ear73SG12sCXLgDHw4L9kjqfQdlA188mEytrrBeyI-Lstc736xcBGjwe8ymZVWdLuNi9ppXu83t8uP3Ef-gVMFx0q1n/s320/067.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Motivating rewards.................check! </div>
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(Junk food goes a long way in our house.)</div>
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Toddler ready to use the potty..................check!</div>
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Cleaning supplies..................check!</div>
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Well, off we went! I've done this before; this shouldn't be too hard!<br />
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In all actuality, I was putting it off as long as I could for one reason, and one reason only...I <em>hate</em> potty training!<br />
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Even though three of my five children are potty trained, I really have no idea how I did it. Probably because I didn't <em>do </em>it. It was my children who finally decided to use the potty. Eventually they decided it was worth it. So, how do I get my child to decide it's worth it? <br />
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I can tell you, I've tried many things. I've tried potty training in a day/weekend, I've tried training pants, regular underwear, waiting till they were almost 4, I've tried treats, prizes, snacks, charts, I've tried, I've tried, I've tried...<br />
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You get the point. It's been a few months, and do you know what? Just like all the other children, we're still cleaning up accidents...daily.<br />
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I'm tired of pee on the floor, tired of trying to keep the baby <em>out </em>of the pee on the floor, tired of discovering pee stained pants tucked away in a cabinet (so <em>that's </em>where the smell was coming from), and I'm mostly tired of the books claiming to have the secret to potty training. I don't think there is a secret...<em>just survival.</em><br />
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Back to the drawing board we go, and I'm testing out a different approach. I value my child learning the skill of taking herself to the potty, without mommy's suggestion. After all, if I'm constantly telling her <em>when</em> to go potty, who's really being trained? However, I may have to re-adjust my philosophy. <br />
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My new idea? Requiring her to use the potty before designated events of the day (such as meal time.) We already implement this for nap time, so I'm just adding in meal time. My hope is that these events will remind her to go on her own. But I'm not <em>telling</em> her to go potty, just reminding her what she needs to do before eating....right?<br />
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I'll keep you updated on how this works, but until then...potty on my friends, potty on.<br />
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Caroline<br />
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<em>Do you make adjustments in your potty training theories, or do you stick with the same method every time?</em></div>
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<strong>Please note that <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">Anchored In His Grace</a> has moved to a new web address.</strong></div>
CNixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11404450118995636848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726118964109619296.post-14311846370982920572013-09-16T11:35:00.001-07:002013-09-23T10:40:31.248-07:00How to do Babies and Bible StudySince adding children to our family, I have consistently struggled with carving time out during the day to spend with God. There are some concepts that I now implement that help me, and I'd like to share them with you. These ideas are simply what I've come up with over the past 8 years as I've struggled in this area. <br />
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In no order of importance...<br />
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<strong>1. Take captive every opportunity.</strong> For a long time I thought that my growth in the Lord was tied to how many mornings I spent studying the word. And even though I still see that there is value in that kind of consistency, I discovered that I can still grow in the Lord when I don't have consistent Bible study every morning. As babies were added to the family, that meant more sleepless nights for mommy, and less ability to wake early enough to get in a personal Bible study. God knew about my circumstances, and the time I had available. As I sought him on the issue, he made it clear to me that he placed me in this position of raising these children; he's well aware of my circumstances. He reassured me that he will provide opportunities during the day for refreshment from him.<br />
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Sometimes it only came in 5 minute spurts over the course of the day. But they came, and I could utilize those spurts as time with him. These are the times I spent more in prayer than personal study. But there were moments when I had more time available to me, so personal study was practical. And I have to say, there were many nights spent in prayer while nursing my babies. I would also tuck away a small devotional next to the nursing chair, so that I could have some time with the Lord while feeding my baby. I even placed a devotional in the bathroom. This worked well after my third child was born, but has been more difficult to implement since. So, instead of checking facebook when everyone is quiet (I'm guilty of that), I spend these few minutes with him.<br />
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<strong>2. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.</strong> Don't give up personal study just because you can't keep it up consistently. I discovered that giving up on personal study time really did me no good. I even used to complain, "But I'm so tired that when I open my Bible, I fall asleep!" It seemed pointless to me to even try to read the Word, let alone study it, if all I did was fall asleep. However, a good friend pointed out that this was God's gift to me...<em>sleep</em>. In my effort to seek him, he gave me rest. And if I'm implementing the first point, I will have an opportunity later in the day to seek him out. Regardless of what's going on, if you're falling asleep, or miss a few days of study, just get back into it, and keep on going. You will find blessing in this.<br />
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<strong>3. Read the Bible with your children.</strong> Years ago, a friend pointed out to me that in my effort to teach my children the Word, God is also using that time to build into me. God is very good at multi-tasking and being efficient. He is capable of teaching me and my children at the same time, during the same lesson! So, as I read the Bible with my children, it can turn into a study time for me as well. This is fun, because there have been a few "aha" moments for me personally, and I get to share these with my children. They get to see, first hand, mommy experiencing God's goodness and getting excited about his word. This doesn't happen every time, but when it does, it's really cool!<br />
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<strong>4. Growing in the Lord doesn't have to be formal.</strong> Personal study, and growth in the Lord, doesn't always have to involve a notebook, and various study books. There is definitely a time and place for that, but it's happening less as more children are added to the family. So, just because I don't have the quiet place with a notebook, doesn't mean I can't grow or study his word; it'll just look different for a time.<br />
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<strong>5. Attend a Bible study.</strong> "But I can't keep up with a Bible study, I never do! And didn't you just say that it doesn't have to be formal?" Don't worry! I don't think I've ever completed a Bible study, but I showed up anyway. Why? Because God still used those women to encourage me, support me, and send me back to him. Showing up at a Bible study, even uncompleted, gave me the opportunity to let God use those women in my life. He still chose to speak to me, even though the study wasn't "done." We can do the formal part of study if we <em>want </em>to, but we're not <em>obligated </em>to formal study. Being at a Bible study with other Godly women is just as important as <em>doing</em> the study.<br />
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This one is huge. Yes, the other ones are important too, but I'm convinced God designed us for relationships. The support, and impact I've received from Godly women that I met with regularly, has encouraged me to just keep seeking him. There is something special that happens when a group of people seeking the Lord come together to share life with each other. This is where I receive the most encouragement, and it has helped me immensely. And the best part? I'm always encouraged or challenged to keep going back to the Lord, and to keep trying. <br />
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<strong>6. Consider the difficulties as blessings.</strong> Ok, I know this is tough! But I only say this because, it has been in the most overwhelming and difficult circumstances that I have cried out to the Lord. And do you know what happened? <em>He showed up!</em> In his arrival, there was always some blessing that I needed. Seek him out during these daily moments, let yourself <em>need </em>him, and let him show you what he wants you to see. Many times, it wasn't what I expected. But he never ceases to surprise me. It's in those difficult moments that I've drawn the closest to him, and I see and hear him more clearly during those times. Those difficulties, as much as I don't want difficulties, truly are blessings. Only because of who <em>he</em> is, and what <em>he </em>is doing.<br />
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These are concepts that help me, but please know that I still struggle with this! Life isn't perfect, and I wish I could say to you that implementing these thoughts has magically given me more consistent Bible study time. But I'm still learning, and I'm sure I'll have other ideas as the years roll by. My hope is that by sharing I will spark an idea or two, or inspire you to persevere in your walk with the Lord.<br />
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Caroline<br />
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<em>How about you? What are things that help you continue your growth in the Lord when life is overwhelming?</em></div>
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<strong>Please note that <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">Anchored In His Grace</a> has moved to a new web address. <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">www.carolinenixonsblog.com</a> </strong></div>
CNixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11404450118995636848noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726118964109619296.post-28742666481754434552013-09-12T14:29:00.001-07:002013-09-23T10:41:48.039-07:00Baked SandwichA friend talked me into sharing this recipe with you, and honestly I really don't know what it's called. So at our house it's just called the baked sandwich, or sometimes we call it the giant hot pocket. It's super easy, something the whole family enjoys, and easy to pair with soup or vegetables. <br />
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Ingredients:<br />
<ul>
<li>Frozen bread dough (or you can make your own dough)</li>
<li>Meat and cheese of your choice</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
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Well, lets get started...<br />
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About mid-day, take out the rolls to thaw and rise (loaves are easier to work with, but today I had rolls.) Cover with plastic wrap, sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to prevent drying.</div>
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Once the rolls have risen, usually by the end of the day, take them out and work out the air bubbles. Shape it into a ball or rectangle and start rolling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5pMMNviCekEzAaeSE9Dqc-fsNsgaHQ_QlPTG3k5-H4pIt-FJGUZYHAXvW0w7JGTy-9-cURAqpFBpRXLtRpcl-6L1iasLVk7bsp-SID2HE8pM2aDUGgnbB6rOsYChOxKnRxlqGhv6rkZY/s1600/sandwich6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5pMMNviCekEzAaeSE9Dqc-fsNsgaHQ_QlPTG3k5-H4pIt-FJGUZYHAXvW0w7JGTy-9-cURAqpFBpRXLtRpcl-6L1iasLVk7bsp-SID2HE8pM2aDUGgnbB6rOsYChOxKnRxlqGhv6rkZY/s400/sandwich6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVGh1IKGCh5svP8FqM6hl71Z4fYYQakJ8JvF8TRIpB8xNnh5AqNd4casMDFRq-2ttpc3MBwS7ijlpStxgTDcyjx2O32ruThHbNBBnPqlXm3wadGbRbtaUk8m-dBvmfiHHx6JqJmGegGU8/s1600/sandwich7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVGh1IKGCh5svP8FqM6hl71Z4fYYQakJ8JvF8TRIpB8xNnh5AqNd4casMDFRq-2ttpc3MBwS7ijlpStxgTDcyjx2O32ruThHbNBBnPqlXm3wadGbRbtaUk8m-dBvmfiHHx6JqJmGegGU8/s400/sandwich7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aim to roll the dough into a large rectangle; then fill with the meat and cheese of your choice down the center of the dough. If you're wanting to be super healthy, throw in some veggies as well. Or you can make this a vegetarian dish. Experiment with it, and have fun! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinS2OgGekha0c3w3UEASpVF4HyMXSeSzj6lUx-iDG2gUava9oD7TrcWUYDbLUvwXjtZpx9vPpojMgrLGtp-m0FYVISquZi2upIztuQvW8G3Dd7ZJUDQ_JxIOHYM9-n-_8suM5BeKBih4c/s1600/sandwich5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjinS2OgGekha0c3w3UEASpVF4HyMXSeSzj6lUx-iDG2gUava9oD7TrcWUYDbLUvwXjtZpx9vPpojMgrLGtp-m0FYVISquZi2upIztuQvW8G3Dd7ZJUDQ_JxIOHYM9-n-_8suM5BeKBih4c/s400/sandwich5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once it's filled slice the dough on both sides into strips. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBJm83Q1nkiyK71C8r81WQny83vRys9puF-RlVAxsOssC8dXw6uWAvetoPaDaurZbiMTEdtM5_S2MJpyausNfsrPvj8EcWGKTaz_78GpxpJjazgq8Xc8JWXZvthj09-QWfwvf5bIafThL/s1600/sandwich8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBJm83Q1nkiyK71C8r81WQny83vRys9puF-RlVAxsOssC8dXw6uWAvetoPaDaurZbiMTEdtM5_S2MJpyausNfsrPvj8EcWGKTaz_78GpxpJjazgq8Xc8JWXZvthj09-QWfwvf5bIafThL/s400/sandwich8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once you have your strips, start from the top and fold a strip from one side to the other while alternating sides. Basically you'll take the top strip from the right side, fold it over your filling to the left side, pinch it to the dough, and repeat the process but this time from the left to the right. Pinch the ends closed, but I like to pinch all the openings closed. You'll end up with a braided look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzg-bltTB8yDcv8Tiv9ruzsmzp3pNFkm1oW0WwhTFAQP6mdNPE087ZvW5RIoBBZXrju2QxRgimRQKyW3bkbHj6KTV_LDp_vj_daxuKGT_G4CewPafuBKNSyts14z7kpLTOpozmbTDANh-/s1600/sandwich9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzg-bltTB8yDcv8Tiv9ruzsmzp3pNFkm1oW0WwhTFAQP6mdNPE087ZvW5RIoBBZXrju2QxRgimRQKyW3bkbHj6KTV_LDp_vj_daxuKGT_G4CewPafuBKNSyts14z7kpLTOpozmbTDANh-/s400/sandwich9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xQ9gGu1WHy4nWM0bPSv1_SjFrDAg5dnkbUgHPJSBxFaVlh6FewoTjdydU4RSuJwLmbKZTu20PZ0RYu4JCFXaLfLWeGj1xbrnQ2raCaV0fdVWGKoij2t3oReml4NOScWvV9swRsAfw_RM/s1600/sandwich10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xQ9gGu1WHy4nWM0bPSv1_SjFrDAg5dnkbUgHPJSBxFaVlh6FewoTjdydU4RSuJwLmbKZTu20PZ0RYu4JCFXaLfLWeGj1xbrnQ2raCaV0fdVWGKoij2t3oReml4NOScWvV9swRsAfw_RM/s400/sandwich10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In a bowl, mix one egg with a little bit of water. Brush the egg wash on the top, sides, and ends of the sandwich. This will give it a glossy sheen after it's baked. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipB7OSEsaMcF3r3Qh0lyMyB-xCet8dVqqw-NBJu5Pw8WzNbBI0cL3CMYyNFk-J9sIhiRKFoX1LKMdzOa2v0M78lwfiZr4ThyphenhyphenwcnMD9ZIjsqPWFNo9ZIakzaMAiqmV-7s7vwZLRkx-3lxW/s1600/sandwich11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipB7OSEsaMcF3r3Qh0lyMyB-xCet8dVqqw-NBJu5Pw8WzNbBI0cL3CMYyNFk-J9sIhiRKFoX1LKMdzOa2v0M78lwfiZr4ThyphenhyphenwcnMD9ZIjsqPWFNo9ZIakzaMAiqmV-7s7vwZLRkx-3lxW/s400/sandwich11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pop that bad boy in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes, and your done! <br />
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Give the sandwich a chance to cool a bit before slicing. If you cut into it right away the juices will run all over. I hope you enjoy this!<br />
<br />
Caroline<br />
<br />
<strong>Please note that <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">Anchored In His Grace</a> has moved to a new web address. <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">www.carolinenixonsblog.com</a> </strong>CNixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11404450118995636848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726118964109619296.post-14474418705504327552013-09-03T11:38:00.003-07:002013-09-23T10:44:36.054-07:00The Mark of a Big Family<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUZ4fBTQFAkqH42r9vzuf7-zWsrZ861P4tFkGpj77UQcbvnMcHz6yC-MnV_EtH7Ks7-BXGxqbiCZDfGpTW0ob-hem3c2sl0SjBnQvfxi_aHSCKwDYd8wudhyqTpnbEn8BkmNgUF376H_p/s1600/Scarlet+b-day+057+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUZ4fBTQFAkqH42r9vzuf7-zWsrZ861P4tFkGpj77UQcbvnMcHz6yC-MnV_EtH7Ks7-BXGxqbiCZDfGpTW0ob-hem3c2sl0SjBnQvfxi_aHSCKwDYd8wudhyqTpnbEn8BkmNgUF376H_p/s320/Scarlet+b-day+057+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>I've taken it upon myself to create a list of things that big families commonly experience. This is an unscientific study, but my own personal observations. If you can relate to most of these, congratulations you're probably a big family! However, if you can relate to many of these items, but have an only child...I say just wave the white flag of surrender and have more children. </o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>1. One package of the family car decals just isn't enough.</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>2. One person's idea of stocking up is your idea of a week's worth of groceries.</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>3. A full size van is luxurious.</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>4. You either have, or have contemplated answering your phone with: "thank you for calling the funny farm"</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>5. Your 6 year old can change a diaper, while your 4 year old makes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, while you're having a conversation with your 8 year old about why it's important to <em>lift </em>the potty seat while he pees <strike>on</strike> in the potty. (That's a whole 'nother post.)</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>6. You're used to getting stared at when you go out.</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>7. Strangers ask you strange questions about your personal life.</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>8. You have a handful of witty comments for these strange questions.</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>9. When you get together with other big families, you compare notes on who has gotten the strangest question.</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>10. You can't remember your children's birthday's and may have gotten them confused on legal documents.</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>11. You can't afford to have birthday parties at those fun places, because your children make up at least 1/2 the guest list included in the package.</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>12. Other children will attach themselves to your entourage when you're out...<em>and you don't notice.</em></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><em></em></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>13. You have to count heads when you're out to make sure everyone is with you, and then ask yourself "wait, how many kids do I have again?"</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>14. Going out with 2 kids is not that big of a deal...anymore.</o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>15. When people marvel at how many kids you have, you smile and think, "You have no idea what you're missing."</o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdShqCxNQOMgfarZbp-xRWgBlL31voRE5Z_3sgXzIPxUqcNN4l1-wJdElAYd8ou1qjRFS2SM-0xKmf1vwCKf_klIvQ91JH-uplN8hkXeZjVx4v4QF3nTukSWWJrN5ZhpzOGzoWve0mGAJ/s1600/Scarlet+b-day+059+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdShqCxNQOMgfarZbp-xRWgBlL31voRE5Z_3sgXzIPxUqcNN4l1-wJdElAYd8ou1qjRFS2SM-0xKmf1vwCKf_klIvQ91JH-uplN8hkXeZjVx4v4QF3nTukSWWJrN5ZhpzOGzoWve0mGAJ/s320/Scarlet+b-day+059+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How about my fellow large families chime in, what are some other things
that are common to large families?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Please note that <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">Anchored In His Grace</a> has moved to a new web address. <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">www.carolinenixonsblog.com</a> <o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
CNixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11404450118995636848noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726118964109619296.post-34116592836570767602013-08-26T05:47:00.000-07:002013-09-23T10:45:39.070-07:00From Overwhelmed To Anxiety...What's A Mom To Do?<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything</i>, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (emphasis mine)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the beginning of the school year last year, my baby was two months
old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, I knew that I would be
schooling my kids on a flexible schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I knew there would be interruptions, delays, and I knew that there would
be some days with no school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that
schedules would change…often; and that I needed to take advantage of schooling
the children when things were going well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This made our schooling more “spur of the moment” than I’d like. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being the scheduled, structure-needy person that I am, this frightened
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just the thought of all that could
happen in the day overwhelmed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
was sharing this with my husband, he quoted Philippians 4:6-7 to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first this annoyed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as I thought about it, I discovered how
much I needed that scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I thought
was a feeling of being overwhelmed, was really anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, let me tell you how God used this verse
to transform the anxiety I faced when the events of the day unraveled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I posted this verse in the kitchen, and when the anxiety started, I
spoke the verse…aloud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, I could
only make it out in a whisper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my
heart pounding, sweat beading up, noises spinning, tears chocking in my throat,
I whispered, “I renounce all anxiety and take hold of the peace of Jesus Christ
to guard my heart and my mind.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then
I gave thanks, as the verse leads us to do, and specifically stated what I
wanted (present your requests.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted
my baby to stop crying and go to sleep, I wanted my son to understand his math
lesson, I wanted my daughter to stop asking the same question for the fiftieth
time, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and I wanted wisdom to know what to
do</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can’t tell you if the baby went to sleep, or if the lesson got done,
because I don’t remember that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what
I can tell you is that God provided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
gave me the peace I so desperately needed for that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shed my tears to the Lord, made some
decisions, and no one got yelled at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mommy was able to keep her cool, not because the circumstances had changed,
but because <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God showed up.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m guessing there are Christians out there who can relate to me when I
say that I know scripture and understand it to be a good thing; but often times
I overlook the power of God’s word in my daily life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture gives examples of the spiritual
influences around us that we can’t see with our eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s God’s word that has power over
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not my words, not my pastors’
words, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God’s word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I am doing myself a disservice when I
don’t speak his word when I need it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s so easy to be overwhelmed and succumb to the anxiety of a day gone
wild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between family needs, schedules,
activities, school, serving others, and don’t forget to cook dinner tonight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life gets chaotic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still have to use this verse on a daily
basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try it out yourself; speak this
verse the next time anxiety rears its ugly head in your direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you don’t receive the peace soon after
verbally claiming the scripture, do it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And again if necessary!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the
children are around, tell them why you’re reciting scripture, and invite them
to pray with and for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Won’t it be
wonderful if they get to see God moving in your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life may be overwhelming for you, but you are
not without hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We find our hope in
Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death when he died on the cross and rose
from death on the third day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he has
the power to conquer sin and death, he has the power to conquer anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go to him, keep going to him, and watch him
show up and take over.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Please note that <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">Anchored In His Grace</a> has moved to a new web address. <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">www.carolinenixonsblog.com</a> </strong></span></span></div>
CNixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11404450118995636848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726118964109619296.post-35759553517634778732013-08-21T13:20:00.000-07:002013-09-23T10:46:53.603-07:00Pre-school or Pre-training?Last week I shared with you how my heart made a shift to homeschool my children. However, I didn't share that my son wasn't as crazy about the idea. Since my oldest was almost four, I was encouraged to just have fun with the preschool years. So I began to make plans. I gathered art supplies, crafts, and activities, all with an educational focus. The thought of providing activities with an educational bent, seemed thrilling to me. But wouldn't you know it; he hated it and told me he wanted to go play.<br />
<br />
What? This <em>is </em>playing! What are you talking about? Maybe he doesn't like the activity. <br />
<br />
So the next day I chose a different activity...but got the same response. The moment I said, "Time to do our activity" he started whining, crying, and banging the table. Even though this continued, I still required him to at least participate in the activity for 10-15 minutes. I figured he has all day to play! He can make his own play time choices the rest of the day; and he can handle 10-15 minutes of mom guiding his activities! <br />
<br />
As the weeks moved on, I realized this was more about training him than just preschool activities.<br />
<br />
But I thought we were supposed to be having fun, yet he doesn't want to have fun! How am I going to educated this child who doesn't like school when it's fun? How will he respond when school requires work and is boring?<br />
<br />
I had to make a decision to stand firm and consistently train him to come to activity time with a happy, obedient heart. Things got better as time rolled by, and I even snagged a picture of him during activity time! I will say, however; five years later I still struggle with this sweet boy when it comes to doing something he doesn't want to do. He's my in-charge, take over the world child; and he wants to make all the decisions. Therefore, we clash when I make a decision that he doesn't like. Especially if that decision means it's time for school. <br />
<br />
I've tried all types of reward systems and different methods to motivate him. But it really boils down to him just needing to practice and learn the skill of disciplining himself to work; even when he doesn't like it. This means I have a job on my hands. I need to be diligent in teaching and training him in self-discipline; yet need to keep a watchful eye on burdening him with too much work.<br />
<br />
My friends I share this to encourage you not to make your homeschooling decisions based on what your child thinks about it. I also want to encourage you to keep training, instructing, and guiding those little characters. I know it's wearing. Long days of tears, children who won't <em>do </em>their work, children who claim to be tired, distracted, bored. It can be so tough to hold your ground, but sometimes there's more at stake than academics. Your child <em>can </em>learn to submit to your authority, without making it a big deal. Don't give up the good work just because you have a stubborn child! You will face many challenges, but the work you invest will bear more fruit than you can imagine. You, your child, and many others will benefit from the time you've chosen to pour into your child.<br />
<br />
Last year my third child (who happened to be four at the time), announced that he loved school. My oldest chimed in with, "of course he does, all his school is just fun stuff" Ha! What a silly kid!<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Look closely! You might spot the beginnings of a smile!</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Please note that <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">Anchored In His Grace</a> has moved to a new web address. <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">www.carolinenixonsblog.com</a> </span></strong></div>
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CNixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11404450118995636848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8726118964109619296.post-69609258560890671792013-08-13T12:19:00.000-07:002013-09-23T10:47:50.755-07:00My Journey to Homeschooling"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your front door. You step into the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." <em>The Fellowship of the Ring</em> J.R.R. Tolkien<br />
<br />
I was once challenged with this idea; open the door to homeschooling and take a step. Although homeschooling isn't exactly the same as plodding around Middle Earth, it definitely does have its adventures. However, adventure wasn't exactly my original thought. Initially my thoughts were more along the lines of, "You <em>must </em>be crazy" when my husband first brought up the topic during our engagement. Experiencing both homeschooling and public school he tried to reassure me with, "my mom was my best teacher." But it really wasn't enough to curtail visions of my children as jobless, social misfits. All because mom decided to keep them home; yet couldn't figure out how to get little Johnny to sound out "cat"<br />
<br />
"Consider it" he said. "You really <em>are </em>insane" I said. But reluctantly, I agreed to consider his request. The door was open.<br />
<br />
As the years rolled on, I was surrounded by friends who were passionate about homeschooling. The more conversations I had with them, the more it became evident that this was a direction God was leading me. Yet I still thought it was a nutty idea.<br />
<br />
Then children came along. They have an effect on how you see things.<br />
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Staying home with them gave me the time to do activities with them, so I did. Next thing I know my oldest turns three; then I heard the preschool questions from others. When? Where? But I had my own questions. What's the rush? Why would I send him away to do all that fun stuff, when we're already doing it at home? Then the wheels started turning.<br />
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<em>Do I really want to send my child away for schooling? Can I really homeschool my child?</em><br />
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I happened to be at a friend's house asking about the homeschool program she used. She gave me some information and invited me to an open house to see what it was like. Because my son was not yet four, I really didn't think I would get involved. But I went anyway. I took one look at this program and I was <em>sold. </em>I saw my son in the class and I knew <em>immediately, </em>"this is the quality I want for my children's education." Right away, I saw the long term benefits that this program would bring for my children. Not just learning something for right now, but immersing them in a system of learning so that they can use that knowledge as adults.<br />
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So, in the blink of an eye, I took that first step and I was homeschooling.<br />
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After homeschooling for just a few years, I love it. Oh, I don't love every single day; trust me there's plenty of challenges to make me wonder if it's really worth it. However, the conversations I have with my children in the middle of the day regardless of lesson content are priceless, and I wouldn't have that if someone else were teaching them. These teaching moments spin off the events of the day, and I'm right there to be the one to converse with the children concerning these topics. I don't think there's any school or teacher in the world who can replace that.<br />
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Now that I've been swept off into the adventure of homeschooling, I find there are many daily challenges that stir doubt. But as my friend once said, "Homeschooling is the most challenging thing I've ever done, but the most rewarding thing I've ever done." I completely agree; and at the end of the day I can breathe a sigh of relief and say...it's worth it.<br />
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<strong>Please note that <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">Anchored In His Grace</a> has moved to a new web address. <a href="http://www.carolinenixonsblog.com/">www.carolinenixonsblog.com</a> </strong>CNixonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11404450118995636848noreply@blogger.com3