What did your kids teach you this year?

July 1st, 2009

Interviews with homeschoolers at the Illinois Christian Home Educators 2009 State Convention. Homeschoolers talk about their experiences.

From My Husband’s Notes . . .

June 10th, 2009

What was my husband’s favorite workshop this year? The teaching of J. Mark Fox in his workshop called Prophet, Priest, Protector, Provider won hands down!

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My Beloved spent quite a while Friday night telling me about it from his notes. He missed part two, and is really looking forward to receiving the MP3s so he can hear the rest.

Here is some of what impressed him:

You are not likely to see general reformation until you see family reformation.img_3451

Men as Prophets: A prophet hears from God - we must be listening and hearing from God. A prophet communicates what he hears - we must communicate what we hear to our families.

A plan for family devotions starts with conviction. Something that is merely a preference will not last, but a principle will. There will be days when you don’t feel like leading devotions - ask God for the desire!

Posted by Mrs. Gretchen P.

Vicki Bentley’s Organization Insights

June 8th, 2009

Due to some internet connection difficulties, I was not able to post during the last day of the Convention. However, I heard such helpful things that I’m going to go ahead a share from my notes.

I attended Vicki’s workshop on organization, and what a wealth of practical wisdom she had to share! It was wonderful to glean ideas from a veteran mom. Here were some tips I especially enjoyed.

Some Top Time Wasters:

  • Not being prioritized
  • Inability to say No (this includes the phone and internet!)
  • Doing everything yourself

Don’t forget to create margin!

Margin: the distance between where you are and your own personal limit.

Some keys to creating margin are getting some rest, having a quiet time, eating well and maintaining some amount of order in your home.img_3149

Some practical tips:

  • Keep some crates in the car.
  • When you’re cooking, make “Planned Overs” for another meal.
  • Ask God to free you from bondage to things, then de-clutter.
  • To make laundry sorting easy, put dots on the tags (or toes of socks) to identify the owner, one dot for first child, two for second, etc. As clothes get handed down, you simply add another dot!
  • When making your lesson plan, build in down time and always write in pencil.
  • Keep all library books in one location
  • Have a shelf/cabinet for things relating to errands (items that need to be returned, etc.).
  • Teach your kids to turn their clothing right side out before tossing them in the hamper

Some last thoughts:

  • Ask your husband for advice (what’s important to him?).
  • Your goal in organization is to glorify God (being ready for hospitality, less harried=more gracious spirit)
  • Don’t make organization an idol.

I hope you find this as helpful as I did!

Mrs. Gretchen P.

End of Convention

June 6th, 2009

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<yawn> End of convention and time to go home.

posted by Helena Bluedorn

The Volunteers

June 6th, 2009
jk

Kimberly directs.

fs

Ethan smiles.

Registration.

Registration.

Sandy, Becca, Katrina, Kim, Sarah, and Ellie.

Sandy, Becca, Katrina, Kim, Sarah, and Ellie at registration.

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Volunteers help with set-up.

Cheryl, creator of tea decorations.

Cheryl, creator of tea decorations.

A volunteer bringing in refreshments for the tea.

A volunteer bringing in refreshments for the tea.

Sandy, registration assistant.

Sandy, registration assistant.

Sadie, Haley and Ahna.

Sadie, Haley and Ahna.

John and Jason, official flyer-passer-outers.

John and Jason, official flyer-passer-outers.

Rachel, volunteering for Heritage House Press.

Rachel, volunteering for Heritage House Press.

Nathaniel, one of the two convention photographers.

Nathaniel, one of the two convention photographers.

Emily, exhibit hall coordinator.

Emily, exhibit hall coordinator.

Hans, Jason, Allison and Jeremiah, volunteers at the taping booth.

Hans, Jason, Allison and Jeremiah, volunteers at the taping booth.

Mark, Nate and Tim, relaxing. :)

Mark, Nate and Tim, relaxing. :)

Volunteers at package check.

Volunteers at package check.

Matt, having too much fun to be a real volunteer? :)

Matthew, having too much fun to be a real volunteer? :)

Nathaniel and Linnea filming interviews.

Nathaniel and Linnea filming interviews.

Faith (speaker volunteer) and yours truly, Helena (convention blogger).

Faith (speaker volunteer) and yours truly, Helena (convention blogger).

posted by Helena Bluedorn

Esther’s Place of Fibers

June 6th, 2009

An interesting booth I found in the exhibit hall:

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Spinning wool from their own farm. For more info: www.esthersplacefibers.com

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posted by Helena Bluedorn

Music at the Convention

June 6th, 2009
We have been enjoying the vocal talent of the eight Caswell children.

We have been enjoying the vocal talent of the eight Caswell children.

David Michael (speaker--"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Living with ADHD) Carillo entertains with his guitar.

David Michael Carillo (speaker--"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Living with ADHD) entertains with his guitar.

Melody Hemmer shares her gift on the flute with her sister, Faith, accompanying on the piano.

Melody Hemmer shares her gift on the flute.

posted by Helena Bluedorn

James and Stacy McDonald

June 6th, 2009
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James and Stacy McDonald have been giving workshops on the topics of: "Sacred Mission of Motherhood" and "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God", among others.

Slight clash in time eras.

Slight clash in time eras? :) Mr. McDonald also gave a workshop on: "A Faithful Life: Story of John Knox", complete with cool authentic costume.

One of the books that the McDonald's offer at their book table.

One of the items that the McDonalds offer at their book table.

posted by Helena Bluedorn

Steve Demme

June 6th, 2009
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Steve Demme gives his keynote message: "Renewed Vision for the Family".

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posted by Helena Bluedorn

Dave’s Creation

June 6th, 2009
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Dave D'Armond's Exhibitor Presentation--How to Teach Hands-on Science

Stop by his table in the exhibit hall.

posted by Helena Bluedorn