Planning and God's perfect timing...

I was just doing the dishes and thinking... everyone is doing their curriculum planning and blogging about it.  I have done the same in the past.  Each year, I get less rigid and more 'fluid.'  But I was lamenting (to myself) a bit about how we are doing Alpha and Gamma MathUSee for Andrew- at the SAME time.  For those that don't know MUS, Alpha is basic addition and subtraction facts (8+6, 19-5).  Gamma is basic multiplication and division (3X4, 9/3).  We have been doing basics for years.

Today I drilled Andrew on +8 facts.  And I was thinking, with hopeful thoughts, that this is the first time I have been able to SPEED drill him for math.  Now I could go down the path of thinking, "we have been working on this for YEARS."  But in fact, I now feel God was guiding me AWAY from drilling and into learning concepts and now returning us to drilling.  (Drilling created GREAT anxiety in Andrew and it was so counterproductive.)  Beta in MUS is more complicated addition and subtraction with regrouping.  We had made our way all the way to the subtraction with re-grouping. I feel that, although I had worries and angst along the way, I finally gave in to God giving me direction.  This is NOT the path that ANY math program takes you.  And believe me, I know because I have them all.  (Singapore, Developmental, Righstart, Miquon, various workbooks.)  I bought all the levels for all the programs in a panic about a year and a half ago.  At some point someone else will get blessed with them or we will use them to reinforce our work.   But I know that we will breeze through Beta and probably Delta (complicated multiplication and division) once we go back and re-do the facts.

Mr. Demme, in MUS says both concepts and facts are important.  I agree.  Typically though they suggest to not go on to the next unit until you do have the facts and the concept.  If I did that we'd still be at the very beginning with very little concept work.  This round-about way has worked for us.  (They DO say in their videos that especially if you have special needs kids, you might not follow the path directly.)

I have many favorite Scriptures but two come to mind here and I bet some of you can guess the first one.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6.

So straight up to you Jesus... thanks for the guidance.

I also am thankful for his grace and forgiveness when I didn't specifically ASK for guidance.  Lets face it, I probably have wasted time trying to drill Andrew before he was ready.

A few years ago I read a book about a woman whose child has ODD and he is now doing well.  She used a Scripture I had never read before but I love it for these situations:

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten...  Joel 2:25.

I believe that in God's economy, nothing is wasted, and he can make up for any time that was lost.  (We were just talking about that at our small group last night..but that part doesn't quite fit with math.)

Whispers from God...

Definition (according to Amy's dictionary):

Whis.per from God 
Verb: An active speaking from our Lord and Savior letting you know that He is there and active in your daily life.

I had three of these yesterday but sometime during the middle of the night, one of them got lost.  I have asked the Lord to bring it back to memory and at some point He will.

The first one was listening to Joyce Meyer which I had on the DVR.  The air date was 8/4/2011.  That is kind of funny because 4 and 8 are two of my favorite numbers.  I had a bit of OCD to those numbers when I was a kid but thankfully I have been healed of that.  (Praise the Lord!)  I think it is funny though that He kind of highlighted this for me with the numbers.   But I was listening...and Joyce was talking.  (Sometimes I talk back at her but that is another post..or maybe I'll just keep that private.)    Her audience was actually Grand Rapids Michigan.  And she was talking about how it can be hard in a bad financial climate but that we have to hold tight to the Lord.  I was doing dishes and just felt sad...thinking in my head..that's all nice Joyce but I have other issues.

Then...

Then Joyce says (paraphrase)... "God doesn't just give you strength in times of financial trouble."  (At that point I was figuring she'd say something else that didn't effect me presently.  I was not high in faith at that moment.)  "You might have a very difficult child.  Or a special needs child.  God will give you the strength you need to get through that day."  It was as if Joyce knew my mind.  And of course in a way she did because we are connected through the Holy Spirit.  AJ has been a bit more difficult than usual.  God knew WHEN I'd need to hear that message.  And at that EXACT moment, when I needed it most, I do honestly believe He arranged for me to hear those EXACT words.   It is not coincidence to me.

Looking for Joyce's teaching that I listened to?  Go to this page and scroll down to the 8/4/2011 broadcast.  I haven't listened to the 8/5 one but it is a continuation.  Honestly though, a different one might be a blessing to you.  So pray and let the Holy Spirit guide you.

My second whisper was a bit less dramatic but I still see God's hand at play.  I took a roast out of the freezer.  Roast in summer..blech.  But the gas it out on the grill, and I have much cow in freezer.  So I took it out a couple of days ago.  Yesterday I was going to put it in the crockpot but I didn't much feel like it and it was still partially frozen.  I have recently taken a facebook vacation and although I am trying not to fill that time with more cyberspace, I have been looking at long forgotten blogs that I really enjoyed.  I was looking at Only Sometimes Clever and found this really nice recipe for a Summer Slow Cooker Roast! I have most of the ingredients here at the house- although I will probably use some more fresh herbs.  I was suddenly excited about my roast!   I will blog what I do over on my Settings of Silver blog so stay tuned for that.  I do consider this just a small whisper that He cares about the little things.

I wish I could remember the third whisper.  I guess that will be it's own blog post at some point!

Amy's Agenda...August 2, 2011

Current Mood:  Expectant


Outside:  Muggy...very very muggy.  I think I will spend a few days at the Lake House ;)


Tunes:





Kid is:  Cranky.  Praying for improvement soon.  (Thus the expectant feeling.  I am hoping it gets btter soon.)

A Giggle:  Joel Osteen has a funny every week.  Here is one collection I found on youtube.




Something new:  A new ipod touch.  I heart amazon.   My gyroscope feature stopped working and they replaced it for free..no questions asked.  Old one goes back tomorrow.  Still considering that Iphone but it is that $30/month that is stopping me.

Blessings:  My sissy is in town!  I made more Magic Shell tonight.

Reading:  We just finished Henry and Beezus.  I have found books on tape to be wonderful for AJ.  I get both the CD and the book from the library and go to town.  Today I was on Amazon checking out the Audible books and perhaps may download an Audible and a Kindle book next.  I wish the Audibles were cheaper.  They don't give them away.

Accomplishments:  I am whittling away at organization.  I was flipping through some old photos.  About six months ago I pulled EVERYTHING from my desk and re-organized... yikes what happened?  I need a place for everything and everything in it's place.  Perhaps a friend will come help me organize and it will stay that way.  (A few of my friends who have known me a long time know that I get a different type of planner every year in hopes it will make me organized... it never seems to stick.)

Looking forward to:  A few days at the Lake House and perhaps a stop at the Children's Zoo on the way back.

Pic:

Amy's Agenda July 25

Current Mood:  Faith filled.

Outside:  The breeze is divine.  There are over 30 small green grape tomatoes on ONE of my tomato plants.  The others have plenty as well!

Tunes:  I need a new hymn.  One to sing in the shower.  Love Holy Holy Holy but we need variety.  Any suggestions?

Kid is:  Tired.  He only slept 6 1/2 hours last night.  Maybe because it was cooler?  There is quite a bit of time that will be spent on screens today.

A Giggle:

Something New:
A few new recipes on my Settings of Silver blog.  Check it out :)

Blessings:  Thankful today for delicious food on the table....for having energy even though Andrew got up very early today...for numerous answered prayers....  I could go on.

Reading: Magazines for one!  I have them piling up and I really enjoy a few minutes in the backyard (or the bathroom) leafing through a Bon Appetit.  Also reading a Premier Design Jewelry catalog because I went to a party..it was fun.  And I want to have my own party.  Interested?  Let me know.  Considering reading Heaven is for Real. It was suggested by a friend.  I downloaded the first chapter to the Kindle.  Has anyone read it?

Accomplishments:  The first thought that comes to mind here is that anything I have truly accomplished..I give all the glory to God.

Looking forward to:  Mom's night on Tuesday and Bible study on Wednesday.  And a good night's sleep tonight!

Pic:

Amy's Agenda

Last week I started Amy's Logbook.  I got the idea from Lisa..who did Lisa's Logbook.  It occurred to me that perhaps she thought of Logbook because..well..it starts with L.  So I will do Amy's Agenda..until I come up with a better name.

Current Mood:  Not quite as peace filled as last week.  I'm a work in progress and apparently the work is a bit of a roller coaster.

Outside:  Last week..it was hot!  This week.. REALLY hot!  And REALLY muggy.  Oppressive.  It's Michigan...I should enjoy it :)

Tunes:



Kid is: Apparently on a roller coaster as well.  Grumpies continue.  Yet today we had an amazing moment where I realized how important positive reinforcement is to him.

A giggle:
This is rough cut but worth a listen!  Funny stuff.




Something new: hmmm..  We have a new ring on the toilet.  It was leaking.

Something yummy:  Aarti's Banh Mi!  (See picture below.)

Blessings:  Well, I am blessed because I have an Abba Father that loves me.   I am blessed to have a husband that loves God, loves me and loves his family.

Reading:  Acts.  I am also reading a book about the life of Paul so trying to read along in the Bible at the same time.

Watching:  Well, I just bought the last episode of Lie To Me.  I liked that show and apparently it is not returning in the fall.  Oh well.  In a few minutes I will turn on Switched at Birth.  It is interesting because one of the girls in the shows is deaf.  We shall see how the hearing impaired / cochlear implant angle turns out...

Working on:  Eating healthier..and less.  

Accomplishments:  Keeping the kitchen and dining room clean..most days..but not right now.

Looking forward to:  Jewelry party tomorrow night.

Pic:  Banh Mi

Summer Small Group...

For the past 2 years, I have done a small group for women.  Two years ago, it started as part of Beth Moore's Summer Siestas.  Beth is a hoot and a half.  She picks another author's book and then does several videos over the summer to help facilitate the groups and she posts them on her blog.  You can read when we did that two years ago here.  Last year we didn't do that...we did Captivating by Staci and John Eldrige.

This year I was all ready to go back to Beth's Summer Siestas and she was NOT going to do one!!!!  booooo :(  I cried.  But then I just "happened" to spy on my shelf a book by her called To Live is Christ.  I purchased it 2 summers ago and the book itself was published back in 2000.  This fit quite nicely with some other things I have been studying including Jewish culture.  God is good.

This book has DVDs and a study that goes along with it but mostly we are reading, and discussing.   It is a very easy read and yet meaty.

But what I LOVE about these summer sessions is the way God brings women together..at just the right time.   I have a story from last year and you can read that here.  We all have expectations of how things should be... on everything.. and when we give them to God then He can do it exceedingly abundantly.  And I had thoughts on how God would bring together certain people at this first session.  I was pretty sure I knew who would show up and who wouldn't.  God had other plans and put the perfect people right next to each other.

About an hour into conversation, one of the women realized that all last year she was going by the room of the other woman who happens to be a special ed teacher in the public schools.  It was just one small whisper from God on how he brings it all together.  Last year he brought a single gal to our gathering amongst 3 women with young children.  This year he brought a woman whose children are out of the home and she is an empty nester looking forward to what God's plan is next.  I don't know what these connections will end up meaning at the end of the day, but I just love thinking about the possibilities.

When we start out I always feel a bit tentative and scared...will it work out?  will the ladies gel? Why do I concern myself with these things??  (Even if it didn't go well- giving it to God means it isn't up to us anyway.. but I still pray it goes well!)

Other weeks may look different as there are four other women who may join us from time to time. But I was reminded how God truly does about work all things for good!  He knows who needs to be where at what time and if we listen and keep in step with the Spirit, it is good.  Very good.

One last final funny note.  We were discussing that Barnabas was Paul's encourager at the beginning of his ministry.  And so we wondered..what is the plural of Barnabas?  Barnabi?

Amy's Logbook

Trying to get back into the blogging groove.  A friend does Lisa's Logbook... so going to try my own for a few weeks perhaps.

Current Mood:  Peace filled!

Outside:  Hot!  Hopefully today little guy and his teenage buddy will be getting out the super soakers!

Tunes:  Hymns!  Just downloaded a new ap for the ipod touch that gives the lyrics to hymns.  Loving to sing the hymns lately.

Kid is:   Working through some stuff.  He has had the grumpiess a few days.  Not sure what is going on.

A giggle:  Even though the kid is working through some stuff, he still comes out with the greatest stuff.  He cracks me up.

Something new:  This blog post! I have done a logbook before but it has been awhile so I count this as new.  I would love however, those popsicle makers- not the dollar store ones, but the fancy one that you plug in and instantly have a popsicle.  Zoku Quick Pop Makers....  That would be new.

Something yummy: That one is easy..the Magic Shell....home made version.

Blessings:  So many answered prayers lately.  Waiting in expectation for a few more!!!  I know God is good... all the time.

Reading:  To Live is Christ by Beth Moore.  First group meet up tonight!  In the last month I have read The Hiding Place (Corrie TenBoom), The Duggars new book, and Dancing with Max by Emily Colson.  All wonderful reads.  I guess you could say I am in the reading groove and it took the place of blogging for awhile.  I'm good with that :)

Watching:  Food Network Star and other FN shows!  Aarti's Party just started a new season.  Love her show.   Hubby also put a bunch of great Christian speakers on the DVR and looking forward to filling myself with good stuff this week.

Considering:   A camp for kid.  Still looking.  Should you want to create a camp for a week and have my son, please let me know.  I will pay.  Also considering various school options.  If God wants it to happen, the right option will appear.

Working on:  Time with God.  Trying to focus on working on what He wants me to.

Accomplishments:  Doing this blog today.

Looking forward to:  Small group tonight, Kid's mentor coming today, lots of things....

Pic:  (from the garden)

TOS Special Needs Planner

I had the opportunity to review The Old Schoolhouse Special Needs Planner.  This is set up similar to their other PDF planners but contains a variety of new information that could be very helpful to those working with special needs children.  It sells for $29 and can be found HERE.

After a basic calendar section where there are oodles of calendar types to choose from, the next section has some wonderful articles written by many authors; some you may have heard of before such as Cynthia Tobias, Melinda Boring and a personal favorite Carol Barnier.   There are many articles by lesser known authors too that are very insightful. Great stuff...

Many people with children on the autism spectrum follow a gluten and casein free diet.  The planner contains some very yummy recipes!  There is even a recipe that says, "A taste of Cinnabon®."  Now if they could just perfect that application where you click on the recipe and it appears on your counter!!!

I have last year's 'regular' planner from TOS and the forms section is unique and adapted in this selection.  There are places to work on an IEP, whether that be with the school as part of your homeschooling or one you do at home.  There are vaious ways to map out goals and objectives.  In addition, there is even a place where you can write information on your child's learning styles.

There is also a medical section that gives places to write down doctor information, therapy schedules, medical history and more.  I can't tell you the number of times I have been asked for information on a doctor form such as, "when did he first crawl" and I have no idea because I just didn't keep a record.  This might be a good place to keep track of that type of info as well.  This section of forms is quite extensive.  There are also 'diary' pages to keep track of diet or behavior.

At the end there are some very nice sequence cards for things such as washing your hands and charts that help show you and your child accomplishments they have made in these areas. Print these out on card stock, maybe laminate, and you are good to go.

At the very end is a list of picture books.  I love picture books. Even though Andrew is a great reader he still loves them.  And did you know that WORDLESS books are a GREAT way to work on READING!  It is true!  They make you think and discuss and have a GRAND CONVERSATION.  You can find one article on them here and have fun googling 'wordless books' and taking rabbit trails from the link. If you have a reader, even in middle school, and still have Hop on Pop on the bookshelf, pull it off for some good experience sharing.  I think sometimes that the older teaching the younger works so well for some because the older gets to 're-experience' some of the FUN that they missed the first time around because it was 'work' to them at the time.

You can find a sample of the planner here.  I received this planner in exchange for my honest opinion.

She Has HAND MAIDENS!!!!

A few days ago I picked up a post on Proverbs 31.. it was great.  I posted it on my facebook and another friend read and and noodled on it and came up with her own thoughts.  I just loved them!  And so with permission, I post Liana's take on Proverbs 31..She Has HAND MAIDENS!

--------


Have any of you really considered the life of the Proverbs 31 woman? Seriously, I read it this week differently than I've ever read it before. Before, I've always seen her as a Victorian work-horse, cleanliness is next to godliness, idle hands are a sin, oppressed, sacrificing her health for the good of her family and pampered autocratic husband. But this week, thanks to Amy's facebook post, I took a second look from within the context of ancient middle-eastern culture and the writer's perspective. And I was EXCITED!!!

First of all, this woman has HAND MAIDENS!!!!! That right there is the first clue to this woman's life. She's wealthy. She has women around her taking care of all the mundane details, providing daily support, while she focuses on the BIG PICTURE. LOL. I want that.

Secondly, her ancient middle-eastern husband trusts her in all things. I.E. -- she's EMPOWERED. She's esteemed and respected. 

Thirdly, she has enough cash flow to make large impulse purchases -- such as a field. They are landowners, and she can acquire MORE LAND on IMPULSE when she spots a good deal. And you know what... it's her OWN CASH. Which means she didn't have to wait to consult her middle-eastern husband, she simply purchased it. THEN... she was able to DECIDE what she wants to do with it. She gets to not only dream and plan, but implement -- hiring workers to prepare, plant, and harvest the best cash crops. Realize, this woman has hand-maidens. She's not out there with a shovel, planting summer squash. She's creating a vineyard and winery. She's a "Rich Dad" developer. No kidding.

She also uses her creativity. She's a clothing designer, and sells her work in the market place. Not only is she out in the community, interacting with her world, but I'm guessing she enjoys it too, because she's using her skills and gifts. And she has time to do this, because she has HAND MAIDENS!!!!!

She gets up early and makes sure her staff is taken care of. Consider the opposite from a king's perspective -- she's not sleeping off her hangover until noon, because she's a spoiled brat princess debutant habitually partying her life away. She takes care of herself and others, and is responsible.

She sees her trading is profitable, and her lamp never goes out at night -- I heard a sermon on this once. It doesn't mean she stays up late, it means she knows how to barter and get good deals. She shops at Costco. Lamp oil was expensive and a luxury of the rich, and if you didn't stock enough, you had to ration the amount of time the lamps were on, especially in the long winter when it gets dark early.

Her staff wears scarlet and she wears purple. Two very expensive colors. In other words, they were ALL well heeled, and she herself wears Prada. And remember... this lady has STAFF!!!!!!

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar... SHE EATS WELL. They have imported bananas from the tropics, and spices from India. Today's equivalent would be organic, grass-fed beef and local free-range chicken eggs...

She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction -- she's educated and wise, Charlotte Mason and Rich Dad combined... and people want her advice!

She gives to the poor and needy, she's also compassionate, instead of having princess like entitlement issues.

She laughs at the future... because she's so good at creating wealth.

Her husband is respected at the city gates. He has positions of importance, and probably studies the Torah and philosophy and judges the people. Their whole household has respect, in part, because of her, and her husband is also a noble man. A leader in the community. The kind of guy we all want.

She's a noble woman. She's the middle eastern equivalent of a duchess or at least a lady of a great estate. 

Sign me up! LOL!

Sharing.....

I loved our vacation.  I mean, my kid goes everywhere and yells.. "HEY!  WE ARE TOURISTS!!"  And then he proceeds to take pictures of things big and small. (If you are my facebook friend you can see about 100 pictures!)  We had to stop at every state line to get out, take a picture and then proceed.  Illinois didn't have one but you can see where we have been.

 

And even little things give this kid a thrill.  The cereal dispenser, four slice toaster and pancake making machine were 'epic.'  (And they weren't even gluten free!)  It was a thrill and a thrill to share.

 

We have been to a factory that makes giant fiberglass sculpture.  We saw two men taking GREAT care in detail of this pumpkin which will be on the water tower on our ride back.   It was a thrill to share.  And I loved how they gave attention to detail in a place that was basically a graveyard of past used fiberglass sculpture.  Here is a link to their website.

One of the best parts so far is that I received an email from a friend who I haven't spoken to in many months.  She said I was on her heart and she was praying for God to be large.  He has been large...very very large...I know others prayed as well.  He has provided exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or imagine.

And it goes to show that it is the VERY simple things that can be experience sharing.   It is not about what you do- but about the sharing together.

God is good.