A Day At Home School

I got all paparazzi-ish on my kids yesterday trying to document a "normal" school day. Easier said than done. Not a-one of them wanted to cooperate. My pleas and begs and bribes fell on deaf ears. What's a mom to do? Well, I strapped on the camera and snapped away. I would love to show all of the outtakes, but I want to rest peacefully at night without worrying about my sleeping, drooling face showing up on facebook the next morning because of teenage retribution. 

This desk is is seldom sat in to do school work. Let's be honest, who can
concentrate on grammar with a window to the outside world teasing you
about all the fun you are missing.

People ask if my kids do school in their jammies. The answer: almost every single morning. (See the Captain America pjs?) The girls even do the outside chores in their loungewear. Of course, there are no pictures to prove this. Take it up with the loungers. They shower and dress sometime during the day. Unless they don't.

You won't find me in my night clothes. Besides the fact that I don't own true pajamas, I'm much more comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt. You never know who will show up at your doorstep when you're wearing your husband's old t-shirt (that should have bypassed your drawer and went straight to the rag bin) and a pair of shorts from the 90s. 

Austin's schooling is more of an eclectic approach. I have no worries he will go and do whatever he sets his heart on. He is thinking about finishing his last year in public school. He needs to get deciding. 

He's the reason I decided to home school way back when. Twelve years ago, I had a little boy who couldn't sit still and loved to clown around to get a good laugh. He was already reading and could count past 100. There was no way I was going to put this ornery kid in kindergarten to be labeled as the bored trouble maker. And more importantly, I wasn't ready to share my little mischief-maker. 

I decided to try it out and take it a year at a time. Here we are, four schooling kids later, and still at it.

I'm not going to say it's all fun and games, because it's not. Really, most days there isn't much fun involved at all. Sometimes there are even tears involved. And not just from me. We can have a good time, but I don't think any of my "students" will tell you school is cool.

Did that sell you on homeschooling? :) Honestly, I love the freedom of school at home. I like hand picking the curriculum that I want my sponges to soak in. I like being able to drop it all and go to the park or do Friday's lessons on Thursday. I like being able to vacation anytime of the year without needing permission. I love the bonds they have with each other.

That farmer-boy pocketknife would be a big no no at school

Kodi and Brooklyn attend a virtual academy online. So, I teach them absolutely nothing. Well, I hope they are learning things of life and faith from me, but my hands are free of teaching geometry. Hallelujah! Most all of their work is done on the computer. There is still some busyness on my part as the "learning coach" but I'm not there teacher! (Yes, I just spelled their wrong. I was going to delete it, but isn't it funny in that sentence?! I can't handle misspelled words. Don't even get me started on texting lingo.)

This girl definitely did not appreciate Mamarazzi.

I am not anti-public school, especially the school district we live in. My kids would attend the same small school I grew up in. And I loved school, everything about it (except getting up early...some things never change). In fact, two of my kids are very likely going there next year. I'm pushing them from the homeschooling nest and looking forward to watching them fly. I'm encouraging all my teens to, at least, try it but one wants nothing to do with it. I'm really okay with that too. She is an excellent student and already has colleges knocking. 

Don't make me laugh by asking about socialization. First of all, the definition of socialization is an individual acquiring the language, knowledge, social skills and values to conform to the norms of a community. What comes to my mind is Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will." So, no thank you on socialization. But if what you are really asking is do my kids have friends, then come on over and see the bustling Bitting house. They have many, many wonderful friends- public school friends, private school friends, home school friends, and friends of all ages. I love that my kids are unique and have the mindset that individuality is acceptable, even preferred.

In the beginning years, part of my homeschooling preference was trying to keep only good influences around my kids' impressionable minds. That's the easy life. But life isn't easy. I now want my kids to see the fallen world. They need to experience first hand why we need Jesus. They need to be the kids that are the good influence. They are God's children first, mine second.

never leave computers unattended in this house

she can work a mouse like no one's business, and delete  files
and freeze computers...and drive me crazy

one of my smarty pants girls thought it would be funny to take a picture of me
doing my "school of words with friends" My defense: It's multitasking.  

I have kids that are exceptional learners and kids that are slower learners, whom I still think are brilliant. I have learned when to push a little harder and when to stop pushing. I think that is the secret to a child's success.....being involved and really knowing your child, no matter what kind of school you decide for them. 

Friendship Can Be Seen On Every Face

I love spending time with my friends. The problem is that it doesn't happen very often. With children, spouses, jobs, and other responsibilities, it's surprising we gals ever get time together. Distance is also a factor with several of my best girls living hours away.

This weekend I got to hang with my favorite red head (just don't count my red headed nephew and niece).  This girl and I became friends way back when cabbage patch kids were growing in the garden and "We Are the World" was being sung by all as we held hands and willed starvation to become a thing of the past.

Kelly knows my secrets and my dreams. We were in each other's weddings and held each other's newborns. We talk of the past and look to the future. Laughter meets us at every get together. We know the One who holds our future, which makes our bond even stronger.

As much as I love my girl friends, I have a hard time making new ones. My heart is guarded. It's not the way I want it to be. Losing loved ones has made me reserved in sharing myself. It's difficult to give my love to others when I know how it feels to have them go away. Or not return the feelings.

But isn't life about taking chances and giving of yourself? If I get over my selfish insecurities, I can see others hurting. I see sadness. I see lonely. Friendship is helping an exhausted mom unload her grocery cart while she is bouncing a screaming infant. It's listening to the cashier talk of her bunions and offer sympathy. It's smiling and say hello to the lady wearing too little clothing while wearing too much make-up.

Jesus doesn't teach us to offer our friendship only if they are like us or if we get something in return. He commands us to love one another as He as loved us (John 13:34). And boy, does He love us. He is personally telling me to get out of my comfort zone, become vulnerable, and reach out to others.

Though my best friends will always be my soul sisters, everywhere I look I see friends just waiting to be noticed.



More pics from Kelly's:

    Kelly and I try to get together once a month, though it doesn't always work that way. This time we flaunted our youthfulness by dancing to Just Dance 3. If you want to see star quality rockers, our daughters took video footage. (ruh roh!) We require our husbands to be friends too. :-) And we may or may not have arranged marriages with our children. I hope everyone has a friend like my Kelly. Life is so much sweeter for sure.  The saying is true...friendships are one of life's greatest gifts!

Confusion in the Barn

It's that time of year when our number of pigs and cattle begins to multiply. It's always exciting when we wake to new babies. We got word that two cows gave birth this morning at my grandparent's farm. We keep some of our herd at his place because Grandpa loves farming and is still a young cowboy at heart.

When we got there Grandpa had the new mommas and their calves in a pen away from the rest of the expecting cows. One calf seemed a little shy and her mother was not being very motherly. In fact, so unmotherly we questioned her maternity. You'd think as somewhat seasoned cow farmers we would know all the marks of a new mother. The signs weren't all there but Grandpa saw her with the calf.  The biggest red flag was she didn't seem to have milk.

We let the poor, unwanted calf go out with the soon-to-be-moms hoping one would claim her. She went from one cow to the next trying to nurse. Not one was interested in her and some were down right mean.  We were starting to wonder if we would have to bottle raise her. Before we decided, Court was determined to find out which cow was orphaning her baby by manually milking each of them to see who had the goods. (They are all previous 4H heifers or that task would have been a little tricky.)

While Court was taking inventory, the real momma stepped forward. It was the same momma as calf number one. Twins!! The thought crossed our minds but Grandpa was sure that big Momma was locked in the pen before almost-orphan Annie was born outside. Grandpa must have overlooked her until later in the day.

It's all good now. Mom and her twin girls are together and doing well.

My Birthday Boy

Week 7:

Austin Matthew:   Gracious.   Loyal.   Giver.   Adventurous.   Intelligent.   Generous.   Compassionate.   Energetic.   Hopeful.   Responsible.   Encourager.   Honest.   Mischievous.   Charming.   Easy-going.   Respectful.   Determined.   Funny.   Independent.   Loving.   Courageous.   Industrious.   Reliable.   Faithful.  

I'm blessed to be your mom. Keep seeking God's will for your life. I love you and am so proud of you.
xo

Best Apology Ever

Am I the only mom with sassy teens? Surely not. Am I? Secretly, I like a little bit of sass. But please, let it come out respectfully. Sassy respect....is that an oxymoron? It's not back talk that I like, it's witty responses. (It's a good thing that I am amused by them because I'm married to King Cheeky Monkey.)  I know I wasn't the most pleasant-mouthed teen either but I knew when to bite my tongue. Right, Mom?

Tonight one of my saucy gals (blondie) didn't know when enough was enough. She was sent to her room pronto. During her go-upstairs-not-another-word-or-you'll-really-be-sorry downtime, she wrote a little ditty.

I've been given permission to share, in exchange for an extra hour of computer time for her. Come on! I won this, not her. You decide.

"Sitting right here.....writing this song.....thinking of what I might have done wrong....to get sent away...on such a fine day....today."

I should mention that this apology came complete with singing.

"Maybe I spoke out of my place?.....Or maybe my parents were just tired of seeing my face?..... Although I wish someone would text me.....so I wouldn't be so bored and lonely......I think these words are so convincing...... I should have just shut my big fat front door.......and then I wouldn't be lying here so bored.
To conclude this song......I'd like to say.....that I'm sorry......I wish I could go back and erase...those...things that I said so meanly..........It really doesn't define-------------me--------! Please accept my apology!!

Apology accepted.

My Brown Eyed Girl

I love having a house full of girls. The boys aren't so bad either, but in this house pink and purple dominate. There is a constant hum of giggling and singing. Hearts and rainbows can be found doodled on foggy windows. Skirt twirling is the dance of choice, along with jitterbugging from one room to the next. Sometimes my girls dress girly and fru fru and other times they are farmy or sporty. They have challenged me to redefine style.

I'm regularly engrossed in the teen scene of my big girls;

 dealing with things like make-up, geometry, future plans, facebook, algebra, relationships, volleyball, youth group, literature, boys, texting, science, clothes, history, morality,.....did I mention schooling?

And, of course, I'm up to my eye balls in toddler shenanigans.

Often there is a little girl who feels left out, and rightly so. First off, she got "stuck" with the brown eyes while all three sisters have baby blues. I know where she's coming from. I, too, had the boring brown while my sister's eyes are a stunning sky blue. But I look into those dark brown eyes and all I see is beauty,

a deep beauty that goes beyond her outward appearance.  Her compassionate heart and love for Jesus shines for all to see. I don't purposely neglect this tenderhearted child of mine. She does well at staying out of trouble and entertaining herself. She doesn't require constant attention and rarely does she seem to need me. She feels left out from jokes and secrets from her older sisters who think she is too young to understand. And she feels unwanted from her baby sister who is too busy to be bothered by one more bossy caretaker. Em is trying to find where she belongs in this family and where she fits in life. I pray that God helps me be the  mom that she needs and that she sees her value and worth through His eyes. I love my little M&M. She is a blessing beyond measure. You're an angel waiting for wings, Emmaly.

My Toddler is Perfect, How About Yours?

Who says raising toddlers is a difficult job? Not me. I have a dream child.

She treats her brothers and sisters with the utmost respect and kindness.

She is obedient when I tell her not to touch things that are special to others, like Mommy's camera.

photo courtesy of Toddler Photographer

She is a modest child whom you will never see streaking across the room....especially not more than once a day. Her clothes are always put away where they belong because she loves order. She rearranges her drawers, unfolding all her shirts and pants, because she is trying to learn to put together her own outfits. She is perfectly well behaved, never making messes.

There are no toddler temper tantrums in this house. The few times she needs redirection she is compliant and understanding. "Let's be friends." is her favorite thing to say, not "Leave me alone" and "Go away!"

The nursery workers at church rejoice when they see her walk in the door. They get to relax and enjoy their Sunday morning and not be vigilant about the babies not getting pinched. Or bit. 

I'm thankful for restful nights. I have plenty of room in my bed since she sleeps well in her OWN bed every night. She is a peach to get to sleep too. Just give her a smooch, lay her down and turn off the light. No crying and screaming until puke happens. When she has a runny nose, like today, she brings me tissues and patiently lets me wipe her nose. No pushing me away or wiping snot all over my shoulder.

What an independent girl she is. If bored she will make up her own games, like Pick Up Sticks. With pretzels.

 She is very good at feeding herself. Very rarely does she need a napkin.

I love her self expression! Her creative capabilities amaze even the finest artists.

She allows me to accomplish my daily chores without any interruptions. I consider myself lucky on the days she declares naps unnecessary. Those are the days I sit around with my feet up and let her entertain me with her quiet play. Unfortunately, she decided to take a nap today. How bored I am.

All these wonderfully fun pictures were taken this week. See how much fun I have? I suppose I could share the joy. If any of you would like to spend time (or a weekend) with my perfect toddler, give me a call!

Favorite picture (snot and all) for week 5: