Missing in Action

I know its been a little while since my last post! Possibly the longest stretch I've gone without posting at all, I'm not entirely sure. Our computer got hit by a virus - a very ugly virus. Thankfully, my brother-in-law is a computer expert and was able to get us back up and running and also back up all of our important things, like documents and 5 years worth of digital pictures. I'm so thankful those were saved!

I've had a few posts running through my head for a while, so perhaps I'll finally have the time and ability to post them soon!

Thanks to anyone who still might be hanging around, despite my silence! :-)

A Song for Saturday

This one is for moms! (You might want to have tissues handy!!) (HT: Kat at Inspired to Action)



Have a blessed weekend, making "best days" with your children!

An Update

Its been a while since I've been posting or even visiting many blogs. My resolve to stay off the computer more has been blessed as I went to the Lord for His assistance (isn't it amazing how much we try to do in our own strength, but only when we realize how utterly hopeless and weak we are and turn to Him do we actually achieve victory?!) I have found my days more full than ever, especially with the onset of spring and the desire to be OUTSIDE!! :-) So please forgive me for not being as "social" as usual.

I did want to stop in and give a general update on things, for those who are interested!

• Joel is chugging along with learning how to read! That boy was READY. He's on lesson 20 of "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" and loves it! He begs me to do several lessons a day, and I usually oblige. When it comes to learning how to read, I'm all about allowing the child to go at their own pace - fast or slow - because I know its what works best. He's also working on Math-U-See's Primer, which he really enjoys, as well.
  

• Judah started taking his first steps last weekend, and while no actual walking has ensued, he loves the attention it gets him and is always happy to show off his new skills for some applause! He's also trying to talk up a storm - he's always chattering away, and sometimes there's actual words we can understand!

• I fell off the running wagon for about 2 and a half weeks because of a rough chest cold I had gotten. This week I've started back up again, and also decided to alternate days with the "30-Day Shred". I think I need to be building more muscle. This morning I had sleep envy as I looked at how comfy Michael looked, sound asleep, in our dark, cool room, while the glaring red numbers of my clock showed 5:05 am. But overall I really do prefer getting up early and having the time I need to exercise and be in the Word before my busy day begins.

• We've been using Core P3/4 and P4/5 (the preschool Cores) from Sonlight with Joel and Nathan for a few weeks now, and I looooovvvveee them. The boys do, too! They always want MORE, even after we've sat on the couch reading for 45 minutes. 45 minutes! For a 3 and 5 year old?! Yes, the stories are that good. Even the older boys rush to finish their independent work so they can sit on the arms of the couch to listen in. I've also been reading through the books we'll be using once the older boys start Core 3 at the end of the summer, and I have alot of confidence we'll be loving it, as well.

• Speaking of homeschooling, we're just about to wrap up another year! We'll be done with all of our LA and Math by June, and our Geography (My Father's World Exploring Countries and Cultures) will take a little longer. Its been a fun year, but we took too many "little" breaks here and there and now I'm feeling like its dragged out a bit too long. But that might just be spring fever talking ;-)

I think that's about all the news that's fit to print here at the Robinson Household! I hope everyone is having a blessed Springtime!

Saturday Smiles

Here's a few videos from our house lately that are worth a smile!

Judah's attempts at Peek-a-Boo:





And Nathan recites this week's memory verse - one of the things I love so much about homeschooling is how much the younger children pick up from just being around while the older kids "do school". This is an example!



Hope your days have been filled with small blessings such as these!

*Too* True (or... OUCH!)

Mrs. Parunak at Pursuing Titus 2 posted this, and it really hits the nail on the head. Its funny, but very true - and truth can sometimes hurt!



I've posted about this issue before, and this week my mind has been on it alot. Passover began this week, and during the week of Passover, we abstain from leaven, which is also symbolic of sin. Now, I'm not calling blogging or being on the internet a sin by any means, but wasting time and having a lack of self-control IS. So I will be doing a "media fast" for the next week, to refocus my priorities, relearn how to manage my time appropriately, and reconnect with my Lord, whom I feel I've neglected with too much "busy-ness"as of late.

Have a wonderful week, and make sure to spend time doing the things that matter most!

Treasures of March

March was a great month for finding encouraging, interesting and thought-provoking blog posts! Take some time too check these out - it will be worth it! :-)

Loved: How to Speak Truth When Lies Persist at a path made straight

Go Ahead, Make His Day! at Large Family Mothering

Another great series from the boyers:

• What Do You Do With BOYS? Part 1
• What Do you Do With BOYS? Part 2
• What Do You Do With BOYS? Part 3
• What Do You Do With BOYS? Part 4
• What Do You Do With BOYS? Part 5
  

A Mom and Her Boys at At the Well... In Pursuit of Titus 2

In the Beginning... at SpunkyHomeSchool

The Tough Parts of Homeschooling at Heritage Academy

Scheduling your Day Without "Scheduling" your Baby at Pursuing Titus 2

Cultivating Good Theology at Undeception

He Is Able... at I Take Joy

Socialization... Should I be Worried? at Paths to Learning

Boys and Girls Are Different. Really. at The Common Room - EXCELLENT post! I also second the recommendation for anything by Leonard Sax on the subject.

What It Is, and What It's Not at BOOKS and BAIRNS - great post on large family living!

The Most Convincing Argument at Pursuing Titus 2

The Exploring Biblical Womanhood at Breathing Grace. Terry's got some excellent posts - these are my favorite from the series this month (there are more to come next month!):

• Is Working Compatible with Biblical Womanhood? Part 1
• Is Working Compatible with Biblical Womanhood, Part 2

Formula for Disaster at peaceful parenting - An increase in formula feeding and the decrease of breastfeeding in third world countries is being considered a "health epidemic" - and rightly so.

Become a Legalistic Christian in Three Easy Steps! at Banannery Public - good, and funny, too!

simple schooling, part 1 at MommyCoddle - what a fun and easy idea!

Somebody Wants What You Have at The Finer Things in Life - a little perspective

When You're More Than a Customer at BOOKS and BAIRNS - yet another reason I'm thrilled we made the switch :)

Abortion During School Hours?!? at SpunkyHomeSchool

JUST: the best thing you can do for your spouse at holy experience

Adversarial Parenting vs. Advocate Parenting, Part 1 at I Take Joy

Your Child's Heart: How Do you Find the Time? at Raising Olives

• Part 1
• Part 2