Suffering

Our blog, thus far, has been an update on the going-ons of our home school. Generally, we think of school as something done either K-12, or as formal secondary education. However, as we all know, there are many lessons in life that we as adults get "schooled in". Often, these lessons come in the form of suffering. At times, it is the result of our sin, and we come under the discipline of the Lord (see Hebrews 12:3-17); but yet, we are also told by Christ that it may not be the result of sin, but in order for God to be glorified through His works (see John 9). The Scriptures are replete with statements that in this life, we are going to suffer; if the Master suffered, then surely the students will, too (John 15:20). Whatever the purpose, or cause, we are told that all things work for the good of those who are called unto salvation by the Lord (Romans 8:28). What are we to make of this? How is it that our suffering is for our good?
We have recently dealt with pain resulting from slander. I am finding it very difficult to want to show love and forgiveness towards this person, as I feel as if I have been betrayed. However, in the midst of my anger and bitterness, I read a sermon dealing with Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Christ. Even though Judas was about to betray Jesus, our Lord nonetheless washed his feet. Through this, I am learning to pray as Jesus did, "Father, forgive [him], for [he] knows not what he does." Perhaps I need to learn, or be reminded, of the great debt that God has forgiven me...

Costumes

Although "Hider-man" considers himself too old for dressing up, he did sport a Bronco jersey this evening at the party. No-the wrap on his hand was not for effect, but was from a bee sting in which his hand has been somewhat swollen. "Bed-bug" dressed up in a kitty costume; unfortunately in this photo you can't see her "tail"- but it was still lots of fun!
Sola Deo Gloria!

Celebrating the 490th Anniversary of the Reformation

While October 31 is the day that most of America celebrates Halloween, our family (along with four other families) gathered this evening for a Reformation Day party. Perhaps many of you are asking yourself, "what is Reformation Day?" Well, on this date in 1517, a monk by the name of Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, and in doing so sparked the Protestant Reformation which would change not only the church, but the whole world. As Presbyterians whose roots are in the reformation with men such as Calvin and Knox (who, in turn taught the same gospel of grace that Jesus, the apostle Paul, and St. Augustine taught), we use this day to teach our children about Luther, John Tetzel and the indulgences he sold, Pope Leo X, the Diet of Worms, and the like. We also thank God for the incredible witness of those men and women who in the ensuing years would lose their lives for the sake of the gospel of Christ.

So-what did we do at the party? Well, there was a relay race called "trash the indulgences",
bobbed for apples, played "pin the theses on the door at Wittenberg", ate a "Diet of Worms" cake, and had the kids hit a pinata that was disguised as the 95 Theses (and filled with candy, of course!).

Post Tenebras Lux, "After Darkness, Light"


Links for further reading:
Here I Stand- a phenomenal biography of Martin Luther
Luther- an entertaining movie on Luther (2004)
Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World- excellent resource for teaching younger children about Luther
The State of the Church Before the Reformation- an article from Modern Reformation magazine. Excellent!
The Cambridge Declaration- another great article from Modern Reformation. This one covers the Five Solas of the Reformation (Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Deo Gloria).

Stuffed Animals

Like most children, some of "Bed-bug's" favorite toys are her stuffed animals (or, as she pronounces the word, "aminals"). They provide friendship, comfort, and an opportunity for the child to use their imagination. Last week, we spent time reading and discussing the classic "Corduroy". Corduroy, of course, is a bear who lived in the toy department of a big store, who is purchased by a girl named Lisa. In the stories touching end, we see both parties declare they always wanted a friend.At the end of the week, "Bed-bug" drew a picture of Jerry-her favorite stuffed animal. Jerry, in the words of "Bed-bug", is a kitty whose fur is white and orange.

Eternal Life Lost Forever pt.II by Levi

"Hider-man" recently finished the second half of his Epic of Gilgamesh writing...
As Gilgamesh placed the plant on a rock, he went to bathe in a refreshing pond-overjoyed he had obtained his lifelong dream. Slyly, an aged serpent started approaching him. Frightened about what the serpent was going to do, Gilgamesh sat helplessly as he watched it slither over and swallow his most prized possession. Amazingly, this famished serpents skin was shed and he grew new, luminous scales. Watching the young snake slide away, Gilgamesh shrieked in despair, knowing that he could do nothing. His treasure was permanently gone.

Roller Skating!

Once a month, the Nampa Roller Drome hosts a "home-school" roller-skating day, with many families taking part. Last week, the kids attended their first one, and had a blast! Dad couldn't pay mom enough money, though, to put on a pair of skates-but she still went out in her shoes so that she could give Bed-bug a hand. Thankfully, big brother was able to give her a hand so that mom could get this photo.As far as getting "Farm-girl" on skates, it's probably for the best; the last thing we need is for mom to be out of commission for a while!

If We Ever Get Lost....

We do not camp very often, but the next time we go we'll have to bring a needle and some paper with us. "Bed-bug", in a recent geography lesson, learned about compasses and had the opportunity to make one (see photo). Good thing too, because dad isn't very good about which direction he's heading (unless it's morning or dusk)!

Ancient Egypt

This week, we are beginning a three-week study of Ancient Egypt. This study, Lord willing, will help the kids understand the culture in which Moses was raised, as well as the significance of the plagues which Yahweh brought upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians in the book of Exodus . We are beginning by learning of the importance of the Nile River- how it was considered the "lifeblood of Egypt". During this time, we are creating a salt-relief map of the country,


as well as building a model shaduf, which was used for irrigation. Future studies of Egypt will include pyramids, mummies, hieroglyphs, and Pharaohs.

Tonight, we finished the salt-relief map and built the model shaduf- which didn't turn out as well as the one "Gecko"(Oldest son), "Hider-man", and I made a few years ago.

The Great Experiment

Well, the "great experiment" has ended. I have come to the conclusion that the Omnibus program that we were trying to implement in Hider-man's" studies this year is not going to work. As I looked at some of the upcoming things we would be studying, I realized the reading was going to be way above level for him. For a while I have had my eye on a program called Tapestry of Grace. I was close to choosing it for our classroom this year, but decided on the Omnibus program. One advantage with the TOG program is that it is multi-level, so we are beginning to use it with "Bed-bug" as well. This way, the kids will be taught together- with L having more difficult reading assignments, etc...Geography is included, as is Bible, Literature, and Art. This will take us through a four-year cycle in the study of history.

Writing

One of the most difficult roles I have as the "headmaster" of our home-school is deciding on which books and materials we are going to use. Over the last few years I have decided that we're going to use "Curriculum A", only to find out that it isn't a good fit, is just the latest "flavor of the month"and not all that it's cracked up to be, or is just way above level. For this reason, I have made some poor choices in which good money was wasted. However, I do believe that two of our most recent purchases could very well be the best money we've spent on educational materials. The IEW program IS all it's cracked up to be. I cannot believe the difference in "Hider-man's" writing lately. We have always had a difficult time getting much out of him-writing wise- but this past week we've seen an amazing transformation. I am completely sold on their techniques on key-word outlines, dressing up the sentences, etc...Plus, the suggestion of purchasing an electronic Thesaurus/Dictionary was a work of genius (remember, we have a twelve-year old son who: a) hasn't enjoyed writing b) enjoys electronics). So, it is my pleasure to introduce "Hider-man's" first published work, based upon the Epic of Gilgamesh...

Eternal Life Lost Forever

Gilgamesh was on his last quest, to find out how to live forever. He was searching the tops of broad, towering mountains, and through scorching, barren deserts for a plant that would give him eternal life. When he came across a roaring river, he tied rocks to his ankles and, after taking his longest breath, leapt in. Immediately, the raging current carried him around until he finally saw the radiant gleam of a plant. He knew this was his one chance to seize this plant of life. When he got near the plant, he reached out, caught it, and pulled with all his strength. Covered with thorns, the nearly immobile plant didn't move. When Gilgamesh finally loosened the plant, he swam to the surface of the sea, gasping for breath. Gilgamesh had succeeded!

Friends

One of "Hider-man's" required readings this year is the re-telling of the Epic of Gilgamesh called Gilgamesh the Hero. Two of the themes which we are covering in our discussions are those of "Friends" and “Immortality.” In the story, Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, meets a half-man, half-beast named Enkidu. This "beast-man" is sent by the gods (at the citizens' request) in order to turn Gilgamesh's attention away from all the women of the city. After a fierce struggle, in which neither man wins, the two become friends. After the duo’s victory against the Bull of Heaven and Enkidu’s obedience to one of the gods’ request of him cutting down a cedar, it is determined by these capricious gods’ that one of them must die. That someone is Enkidu. His judgment is unjust. After this death, Gilgamesh faces his own mortality and the reality of no longer finding comfort from his friend. Which leads me to this...Our family has dealt with many changes over the past three years. We have had to make a heart-wrenching decision of sending one of our children to live with family out of state. We have seen the death of loved ones. Many of our closest friends have either moved or have left our church body. Yet in the midst of it, we can take comfort that we do not worship and serve gods who are capricious, or who quarrel with one another. The Triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- does not deal unjustly in these circumstances, for His ways are perfect. Even though we cannot understand why He ordains the events in our lives that takes place, we can take comfort in knowing that “all things work together for those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Gilgamesh did not have this hope; his chief end was to bring glory to himself-not, as the Westminster Confession of Faith states it, “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Gilgamesh’s comfort was lost in Enkidu’s death; how sad that he never knew the beautiful words of the Heidelberg Catechism, no.1, “What is your only comfort in life and in death?” “That I am not my own, but belong-body and soul, in life and in death- to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil…” He did not have the physical resurrection to look forward to, only that his body was subjected to decay (just as his friend Enkidu’s body was)-as was so richly pictured in the worm falling out of Enkidu’s nose. His hope of immortality fails when he could not stay awake for a week; nor when given a second chance by finding the flower-only to lose it to a serpent.

The beauty of home-educating our children is the opportunity for discussion in things like this which we read. Sure, we can, and did, discuss friendships: what makes a good friend, how should we choose our friends, the friendship of David and Jonathan, etc…but more importantly, we have the opportunity to really disciple our children.

Finally, I was reminded this week that “Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is Lord of them.” That brought a smile to my face, because we really miss you Corey and Rachel, Bob and Georgie, Scott and Allison, & John and Adrian, Tom and Cheryl. It brings a smile to my face, because I know that we will once again have to say good-bye to other loved ones-perhaps in the not so distant future. Oh, Father, forgive me of being so focused on the here and now-for not having eternity in my heart and on my mind.

Balloons

"Hider-man" is becoming quite the science enthusiast. We have previously studied life science and astronomy, and he showed some interest-particularly with animals (it's hard for the kids to escape "Farm-girl's" (their Mom) love for animals!). However, now that we're moving into the study of "general science", he's getting more exposure to some of the other branches of science which we have not yet covered, and he seems to really like it. The first week of school included three experiments, in which we used common household goods. In experiment one, he learned about density in nature by pouring vegetable oil, water, maple syrup, a rock, grape, ice cube, and a piece of cork in a glass. Experiment two taught him about atomic motion, and how atoms in hot water move fast than they do in cold water. Finally, in the third experiment, we saw how the chemical reaction of vinegar, baking soda, water, and a few cabbage leaves can blow up a balloon. How exciting!
The Omnibus lessons have been the most difficult, as I suspected they would be (well, let's not forget composition!). In week 1, he read through Genesis (from Catherine Vos' The Children's Story Bible-an excellent story Bible for children!) and now is reading through Exodus (from that same title). Each session usually contains a reading assignment, a Text Analysis section, Cultural Analysis section, and Biblical Analysis section. The purpose for this, and one of the reasons I chose this Omnibus program, is to have the student see the world through the lens of Scripture. This will become very important as we begin to read pagan works such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, Homer, etc...in which the authors were not writing from a Trinitarian worldview. Speaking of Gilgamesh, we will begin that next week as we continue in our Mesopotamian section. I found a great children's book called Gilgamesh the Hero. It is age appropriate for 9-12 year olds-which will work well for us, as the Epic is a little bit more than I want to cover with him. At least he will receive a good introduction to it, and see how the flood story changed after the dispersion at Babel.
"Bed-bug"is becoming quite the little organizer. She has spent time in her first grammar lessons learning how to categorize as she is preparing for her parsing. I'm sure "Farm-girl" will appreciate the end of the first few weeks-she seems to be constantly cutting pictures for these lessons. "Bed-bug" also spent the first week reading Curious George (with mom's help) in her literature lessons. After finishing the book, she spent some time drawing the balloons (I see a theme here) that carried George away, as well as doing some copywork (handwriting) telling us that "Curious George was a good little monkey who lived in Africa." This week, it's "Caps For Sale" for her literature class, as well as learning/reviewing "ing/ang/ong" in her phonics lessons. By the time she is done with this section of phonics, she will be ready to read "Ella Sings Jazz", a reader in the Phonics Museum about jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald. There are other aspects of her "education" that we need to continue working on: tying her shoe laces, and riding her bike without the training wheels. Hopefully, she will learn how to balance herself as she rides, so she isn't leaning too far to one side!

First Day of School

Well, today we began our new school year-much to the chagrin of the kids. "Bed-bug" learned a couple of new concepts: classifying and latitude and longitude. The classifying was done in her first English grammar lesson, as she separated photos into groups. Since the Shurley Grammar program does so much sentence analysis, this is a great way to slowly introduce the student to the practice. "Bed-bug" learned not only about latitude and longitude in her geography lesson, but how to draw a strip map as well (which showed how to get to grandpa and grandma M's house). "Hider-man" had a pretty light workload today-I hope he doesn't come to expect it! Like it is with most young men, writing may be the biggest difficulty we encounter this year. After purchasing the IEW program, I am really hopeful that this model of writing (beginning with key-word outlining of text, using dress-ups, imitating well-written material, etc) will have excellent results. We'll see...

2007-2008 School Year

Well, another summer break has come to an end, and we are about to embark on the new school year. This year will be a new challenge for us, as "Bed-bug's" studies will be intensified, and "Hider-man's" studies will increase in difficulty as he enters into the logic stage of his education. Following the classical education model, we will be focusing more on the "why" and "how", rather than the "who, what, when, and where". Perhaps the most challenging aspect of his education will come in the Omnibus program we will be using. We will be studying and reading about the Ancient Civilization (from creation to the early church fathers), and we will combine his history, literature, and bible/theology studies with this program. Here's a list of their courses of study:
"Hider-man"
Omnibus I: Bible/Theology, Ancient History (through fall of Rome), Literature
Math: Fundamentals of Math-Level 7
Grammar and Composition: BJU Press Grammar 7, Institute for Excellence in Writing
Science: Apologia General Science
Logic: The Fallacy Detective
Vocabulary: Worldly Wise 3000
Art/Music Appreciation: study various artists/musicians, continue working on art theory

"Bed-bug"
Bible: New Testament readings, Big Book of Questions/Answers About Jesus, Big Truth's for Little Kids
Math: BJU Press Math 1
English Grammar: Shirley Grammar 1
Phonics/Copywork: Veritas Phonics Museum 1
History/Geography: Veritas Press' Legends and Leagues, Sterling Tie Publishing's Rendezvous with Idaho History
Literature: Veritas Press' First Favorites vol. 1 & 2 to go with many children's classics.
Art/Music: Classical Kid's CD's, basic Art theory

Field Trip #1

Today, our family had it's first field trip of the school year. Mom and the kids went to the Idaho Botanical Garden for Bug Day 2007 and had the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of insects. Some of the activities included games, crafts, and displays-not to mention the live insects. It's too bad we couldn't have done this two years ago as our science studies at that time were the "Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day" and included entomology. What a wonderful world the Lord has given us to exercise dominion over!