Well, we have been on the road in our RV for 6 weeks now. We have seen and experienced much during our time together. It never ceases to amaze me what I learn during our sojourns out and about this country. Some are significant "aha" moments, while others are just simple learning moments.
I have decided to compile my top 10 lessons that I have learned while on the road with 5 kids, 2 adults, a (very large) dog in a 320 square foot RV (thanks Linda for correcting me!)...
1. A family that gets sick together stays sick together - I believe the velocity of a sneeze is 10 times stronger in a small home. We share everything in such a small space.
Lesson learned: Expect to get sick and don't leave home without essentials oils, diffuser and lots of NyQuil.
2. Everyone needs their own space - see #1 above. Seriously though, if each of the kids didn't have "their space" to go to and keep all their personal belongings, you would be reading about us in the newspaper. Yes, each child has their own bunk and no, that is not essential for travel but, oh, does it ever help keep my sanity!
Lesson learned: Help everyone respect each other's private space and property - including parents.
3. Stick to a schedule - some of us really like schedules. It is comfortable, predictable. Others of us, NEED a schedule. Travelling by RV can disrupt even the most basic schedule like eating and bedtimes. It is so important to be aware of those family members that may totally disintegrate without a schedule and try to stay to a basic schedule like wake up, bedtimes and school days/hours.
Lesson learned: Don't get mad when child #3 breaks down because I did not recognize his basic needs.
4. Allow the kids to help plan the trip - allowing them to choose between 2 activities or have a say in what the family sees or does gives them a sense of importance and responsibility. I can get too controlling and plan everything out but when I stop to ask what my kids would like to do I engage them and tell them that I value their input.
Lesson learned: Let go of control a bit and ask for help deciding family events.
5. Plan a buffer when travelling - staying in Rawlins, Wyoming for the night was not on anyone's "To Do" list for this trip. But it happens.
Lesson learned: Schedule extra travel days 'just in case.'
6. Take advantage of Teaching Moments - stop the bus for great teaching moments where the kids can get hands on education about something they (maybe) learned in their books. Also, living in less than 1000 sf with 7 people tends to magnify everyone's - ah, shall we say - flawed sin nature? (yeah, that covers it). Take time to talk with and work through character issues when they arise.
Lesson learned: God provides the lesson plan - go with it!
7. There is more than one way to organize an RV kitchen! - and I have discovered many of them (but not all of them)!
Lesson learned: Stop before you drive your husband crazy.
8. Share the work - at home each child has their own chores that they are responsible for. Why should being on our home on wheels be any different? Each child has their chorepack outlining each chore. The nice thing that in a space this small chores are accomplished quickly which frees us all up to go outdoors and enjoy our time together.
Lesson learned: Complete chores first thing in the morning.... if they wait until after they've ventured outside, chores won't get done.
9. A place for everything and everything in it's place - See #7. Lots of people+lots of stuff = no space. Everything has to go somewhere. I enjoy organizing which is a bonus when figuring out a home for everything.
Lesson learned: Make sure everything returns to it's rightful home.
10. Don't get bogged down to where you don't enjoy the road - Sometimes just being away from the regular chaos brings about more chaos. It is easy to get distracted with remembering all the different schedules and forget to stop and enjoy the road. Our time as a family is priceless. Come to think of it, this applies no matter where we call home.
Lesson learned: Enjoy the time on the Road to Righteousness!
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Friday, February 20, 2015
Home Away From Home - Before and After
Okay - so we finished the renovation on the RV over a year ago and I realized I never posted the final project. Enjoy!
Okay - so we finished the renovation on the RV over a year ago and I realized I never posted the final project. Enjoy!
 |
| Before Wow - that's all I can say... |
 After - Wow! New couches, flooring, paint, window coverings.  Before - out with the old...  After - In with the NEW! These couches are great! American made, inexpensive and custom...  And did I mention storage!!!! Each of our kids has their own seat with storage where they store their homeschool supplies. In a space this small, every inch counts! |
 Go, Skip go!  After - much better! I love that this kitchen actually gives me room to COOK! (What a concept!)  I even tiled the backsplash myself!  One of my favorite renovations is the addition of a pantry/counter pull-out. The pantry pulls out for extra counter space and the countertop lifts up for spice and knife storage. NO INCH WASTED!  Before - don't know what they were thinking here...  But here we were thinking "Where are we going to sleep 5 kids? Built in bunks!   Before - not so romantic.  After - B&B anyone? After all Mom and Dad need to have their space too! Hope you have enjoyed the tour! |
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Course Study for Homeschool Moms
Ah, homeschool! What a wonderful way to teach and train our children for His honor and glory. But seriously homeschool moms, what are you learning?
Look at how God has shown His hand all throughout history... or the laws of science that He has set into place.... how about all the math skills that we have forgotten since we were in school? These are not the lessons I am referring to though. These are great, but my major seems to be in Faith with a minor in Character. Let me share the curriculum my Master Instructor uses with me....
Patience 101
This class is one of the toughest and since I am always telling my kids to tackle the hard stuff first, I place it first here. Let's just say patience is not one of my virtues but homeschooling and parenting force me to learn these important lessons. For example, what do you do when you have the same child ask you about the same math concept on the same day for the 10th time? My instinct is to say, "I've already gone over this with you," or "I cannot do every problem with you," or "Are you ever going to learn this?"
Did I mention that patience isn't one of my virtues? I obviously need help! Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord! (Psalm 121:2)
James 1:4 says, "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
According to the Greek Lexicon, patience means "steadfastness, constancy, endurance; in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings."
Intro to Grace
To begin, grace is defined as something we don't deserve. Think about receiving a gift you didn't earn or deserve. Think about treating your husband in a wrong manner, snapping at him or saying hurtful words, only to hear him say, "I forgive you and love you." That's grace!
None of us deserve grace. Jesus Christ is the Master at giving grace when He died on the Cross for us. None of us deserve it, we didn't (and can't) earn it, and we can never be good enough for it. Ouch. Unfortunately, I get so caught up in the grace I've received that I forget to extend it to those around me that (also) don't deserve it.
In Matthew 18, Jesus tells us about the forgiven servant who is unwilling to forgive. Oh, how I often find myself unwilling to forgive and extend grace when I have been so richly blessed with those gifts!
I have been forgiven much.... I should be willing to show the grace that Christ has shown me - especially to my children.
Basics in Discipleship
Each student will be like his master.... think about the traits in the people that (ahem) "challenge" you the most? You know, the behaviors that drive you a little crazy? Chances are they are behaviors that you struggle with as well. Why do I get so upset with a middle child that has issues with anger? Do I struggle with anger as well? Do I see my temperament in him? When my child gets frustrated, does he yell or stomp off?
Christ is my schoolmaster if I will let Him. If I choose to respond in Godly ways and let my actions flow from His example, my children will see that and learn. If I don't... well, you get the picture.
Who will I allow my master to be? Who do I wish to emulate in my life? Which brings me to my last subject...
Foundational Life Skills
I'm not talking about cooking and housekeeping (although those certainly come in handy as a wife and mom!). But talking about what will actually help you in your day to day life situations. Hint: your text will be the Bible!
Bible reading and study:
We cannot learn if we are not studying! The Bible is our text for learning. There are some great Christian life help books out there but even they won't help if you don't have your nose in your Bible. Ever skip a day from being in the Word? How'd your day go? Often, when things are falling apart, people are yelling and melting down (sometimes even the kids!), my husband and I look at each other and say, "Didn't do our bible reading this morning, did we?"
Oh, I know many who say there just isn't time in the morning. I agree. I am not an early morning person. If I'm up before 7am, the kitchen must be on fire. Here is what I came up with.... ready for it? Mandatory bible time together! I know, it's not revolutionary, but it works! Now, I am reading and studying, I am guaranteeing that my kids are reading and studying and they are seeing me reading and studying (remember the Discipleship course?).
Prayer:
Also, we need to be talking with our Mentor daily, checking in with Him and making sure we are on the right page. Prayer is when we get to talk to God, but have you ever stopped and listened during prayer? Next time you are in prayer, ask God to reveal something to you... then wait. No seriously, be still. Wait for the Holy Spirit to bring to mind what He wants you to know. It blows my mind!
There are many other Life Skills that you can learn and develop but without these two, it's like being on a creek in a canoe with no paddles. You're not going anywhere. Prayer and bible reading are your two sides of the canoe and if you only paddle on one side, you will end up going in circles. Only when you are constantly utilizing both sides effectively will you continue to travel on your journey.
The above list makes a full load at college seem like a breeze! (unless you're going to college and homeschooling - yikes!) The message here is that we are not perfect yet. We will continue to learn and grow and God will continue to teach and disciple as long as we have breath. I hope I never quit learning about who my Savior is and who I am in Him. With that goal in mind, I can effectively, graciously, and patiently disciple my own children in the life skills they need in their lives to glorify Him. Praise God!
Look at how God has shown His hand all throughout history... or the laws of science that He has set into place.... how about all the math skills that we have forgotten since we were in school? These are not the lessons I am referring to though. These are great, but my major seems to be in Faith with a minor in Character. Let me share the curriculum my Master Instructor uses with me....
Patience 101
This class is one of the toughest and since I am always telling my kids to tackle the hard stuff first, I place it first here. Let's just say patience is not one of my virtues but homeschooling and parenting force me to learn these important lessons. For example, what do you do when you have the same child ask you about the same math concept on the same day for the 10th time? My instinct is to say, "I've already gone over this with you," or "I cannot do every problem with you," or "Are you ever going to learn this?"
Did I mention that patience isn't one of my virtues? I obviously need help! Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord! (Psalm 121:2)
James 1:4 says, "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
According to the Greek Lexicon, patience means "steadfastness, constancy, endurance; in the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings."
Perfect is defined this way, "brought to its end, finished; wanting nothing necessary to completeness; mature."
Since I am not yet 'perfect,' I will continue working on this subject - Course 101, 201... 3,576,432,101.
Intro to Grace
To begin, grace is defined as something we don't deserve. Think about receiving a gift you didn't earn or deserve. Think about treating your husband in a wrong manner, snapping at him or saying hurtful words, only to hear him say, "I forgive you and love you." That's grace!
None of us deserve grace. Jesus Christ is the Master at giving grace when He died on the Cross for us. None of us deserve it, we didn't (and can't) earn it, and we can never be good enough for it. Ouch. Unfortunately, I get so caught up in the grace I've received that I forget to extend it to those around me that (also) don't deserve it.
In Matthew 18, Jesus tells us about the forgiven servant who is unwilling to forgive. Oh, how I often find myself unwilling to forgive and extend grace when I have been so richly blessed with those gifts!
I have been forgiven much.... I should be willing to show the grace that Christ has shown me - especially to my children.
Basics in Discipleship
A disciple is defined as a learner, pupil or disciple. The Greek lexicon defines it as "one who follows one's teachings." This is why I need this course! Do I always follow my Teacher's teachings? Am I modeling His example for my life?
What's worse is that our children learn not just from our teachings but our actions as well. If I tell my children to behave in a certain way and they don't do it, is it just their sinful nature or did they learn from my actions? Oh, wise Teacher! Do I yell at my kids to stop yelling? (done it) Do I get angry at them for being selfish and then get angry that my selfish desires are not being met? Ok, this is where I have to go back and study grace...
“It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!" Matt. 10:25
Each student will be like his master.... think about the traits in the people that (ahem) "challenge" you the most? You know, the behaviors that drive you a little crazy? Chances are they are behaviors that you struggle with as well. Why do I get so upset with a middle child that has issues with anger? Do I struggle with anger as well? Do I see my temperament in him? When my child gets frustrated, does he yell or stomp off?
Christ is my schoolmaster if I will let Him. If I choose to respond in Godly ways and let my actions flow from His example, my children will see that and learn. If I don't... well, you get the picture.
Who will I allow my master to be? Who do I wish to emulate in my life? Which brings me to my last subject...
Foundational Life Skills
I'm not talking about cooking and housekeeping (although those certainly come in handy as a wife and mom!). But talking about what will actually help you in your day to day life situations. Hint: your text will be the Bible!
Bible reading and study:
We cannot learn if we are not studying! The Bible is our text for learning. There are some great Christian life help books out there but even they won't help if you don't have your nose in your Bible. Ever skip a day from being in the Word? How'd your day go? Often, when things are falling apart, people are yelling and melting down (sometimes even the kids!), my husband and I look at each other and say, "Didn't do our bible reading this morning, did we?"
Oh, I know many who say there just isn't time in the morning. I agree. I am not an early morning person. If I'm up before 7am, the kitchen must be on fire. Here is what I came up with.... ready for it? Mandatory bible time together! I know, it's not revolutionary, but it works! Now, I am reading and studying, I am guaranteeing that my kids are reading and studying and they are seeing me reading and studying (remember the Discipleship course?).
Prayer:
Also, we need to be talking with our Mentor daily, checking in with Him and making sure we are on the right page. Prayer is when we get to talk to God, but have you ever stopped and listened during prayer? Next time you are in prayer, ask God to reveal something to you... then wait. No seriously, be still. Wait for the Holy Spirit to bring to mind what He wants you to know. It blows my mind!
There are many other Life Skills that you can learn and develop but without these two, it's like being on a creek in a canoe with no paddles. You're not going anywhere. Prayer and bible reading are your two sides of the canoe and if you only paddle on one side, you will end up going in circles. Only when you are constantly utilizing both sides effectively will you continue to travel on your journey.
The above list makes a full load at college seem like a breeze! (unless you're going to college and homeschooling - yikes!) The message here is that we are not perfect yet. We will continue to learn and grow and God will continue to teach and disciple as long as we have breath. I hope I never quit learning about who my Savior is and who I am in Him. With that goal in mind, I can effectively, graciously, and patiently disciple my own children in the life skills they need in their lives to glorify Him. Praise God!
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
True Tales from a Homeschool Mom....
Truly when we begin homeschooling, we have pictures of snuggling on the couch with our little ones reading, gently guiding our grade-schoolers in math and having deep, meaningful conversations with our high-schoolers. But most days it's more like, "Now serving, Number 57!"
Seriously, I have a longer line at my desk than the DMV.
We are now in the second half of the year. A time when many homeschool moms feel the mid-year slump. The picture above was taken by my dearly beloved hubby during school this week. Wasn't that sweet of him? Notice the piles of curriculum, the math to be graded, 2 computers and my constant cup of coffee? (15 years ago, I didn't drink coffee). But something else struck me as I looked at this picture: Look at what I am doing for my children. No one else has more invested in my children than I do. I cannot blame the teacher or the school system for my children's failures and I cannot take the credit for their successes. As I am forced to step back from feeling like I am doing nothing for them, I am struck by the fact that I am doing EVERYTHING for them. Most people think we are nuts for homeschooling.
Maybe we are.
But I know that what I am investing in my children now, the Lord will harvest later. The more I am willing to pour into them, the more they will be able to pour out. This is what Christ has called me to do and I know that He does not call the equipped but equips the called. He is equipping me (maybe slower than I would like) one day at a time, giving me just enough grace to make it through each day. If I didn't know Him, I am sure that I would crumble under the pressure and I know that I wouldn't even be homeschooling. Am I scared? Shakin' in my boots. But I know that the results are not up to me. My job is to be faithful in what He has called me to do and leave the results to Him. He will fill in all the gaps in my children's education.
And yes, my dreams of cuddling, guiding and conversing are happening and are the highlights of my long days. I am not complaining.
Truly, homeschooling is the hardest job I have ever had. But, it is also the most rewarding. I am truly blessed. And I'm sure I'm not the only one.
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