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8/10/05 LEARNING/PLAY, BACK TO SCHOOL, LUNCHES, HOMESCHOOL

#1 · August 10, 2005, 1:50 pm

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Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman

~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

8/10/05 LEARNING/PLAY, BACK TO SCHOOL, LUNCHES, HOMESCHOOL

~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

IN THIS ISSUE:
FEELING OVERWHELMED?

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

CHILDREN LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZATION

LUNCH PACKING IDEAS

ZUCCHINI-PINEAPPLE NUT BREAD

HOMESCHOOLING QUOTES
HELPFUL NEWSLETTERS BY "HEART TO HEART" HOMESCHOOLING MOMS

CHRISTMAS TIP: A SPECIAL HANGING ORNAMENT FOR GRANDPARENTS

GOOD TIMES AROUND GOD'S WORD

FEELING OVERWHELMED?

By Lori Seaborg ~ Used by permission

Over a year and a half ago, I was teaching children's choir, teaching adult education classes two nights a week, singing in the adult choir at church, homeschooling two children with two babies underfoot, taking the children two full days a week to extra classes, preparing to move to a new location for dh's job, and running my website as a business. I was overwhelmed!

Knowing that I was reaching my sanity's limit, I prayed for God to help me, please!

One night, I walked into our six-year-old daughter's room and saw a basket hanging from her bunkbed with a stuffed animal and a note in it. I remembered that she had told me that she had a surprise for me, and to please come and look at it, but I was too busy filling an order for my business. Later, after I had sent her to bed, she called me from her bedroom to see her surprise, but again I was too busy and said I'd come later.

Much later in the evening, I remembered that I hadn't ever gone back to see Britty's surprise. Feeling a little saddened that I was seeing it after she was asleep, I opened the note.

On it was written: "I want to do 100 things for you."

For Brittany, a brand-new 6 year old who had four ear surgeries by then, writing that note would have been very difficult. It touched me to the core. In tears, I said aloud, "I want to do 100 things for you, too."

It was as if a light turned on in that moment as I saw how busy I had made my life. Each activity was noble, of course, and worthy of someone's time, but it was not to be my time that was used.

That night, in my little girl's room, I felt God's whisper. I heard Him whisper that I am to be first a wife, then a mother for this moment. He reminded me how quickly children grow up. It is only for a blink of time that they live with us.

With my focus cleared, I immediately closed my website. I had always given it to God, so I didn't question that he could provide for us financially without my side business. Since we were moving for dh's new job, I was able to gracefully bow out of my choir, children's choir, the extra classes, and teaching commitments.

It has been a year and a half since that night. My focus is still on my husband and my children. Recently I have felt that God wants me to start writing again, but I know that writing, even though I do it as a "ministry," as a way to help other mothers, is never to be more important than my jobs as a wife and mother.

We don't venture out very often, for I have discovered that it is very hard to manage a home when you are not in it! Before agreeing to do anything, I weigh each activity and make sure it does not take away from family and home. We choose only the best of activities to do, knowing that our time at that activity is worth leaving home. Our children are young (10, 7, 5, 2), so they thrive on the security that staying home brings.

If we young mothers talked to older mothers more often, they'd tell us that children grow up quickly. We already know that, but do we realize it? We fill our days to overflowing with activities; we run after ways that we can work in the church; we seek to minister to others. Meanwhile, our family, the very ones that God specifically gave us to minister to, are set aside.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Ask God to help you, please. He just might whisper in your ear, too.

Lori Seaborg is a wife and a homeschooling mom of four. She enjoys writing and homemaking in the countryside of the Florida-Alabama Gulf Coast. You may subscribe to her monthly newsletter, Keeping the Home, by sending an email to: [email protected] . You may also read her blog at: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/KeepingtheHome .

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Written by a Father but Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Amy Curtis of Virginia

Dear World:

I bequeath to you today one little girl ... in a crispy dress ... with two blue eyes ... and a happy laugh that ripples all day long ... and a flash of light blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs. I trust you'll treat her well.

            She's slipping out of the backyard of my heart this morning ... and skipping off down the street to her first day of school. And never again will she be completely mine. Prim and proud she'll wave her young and independent hand this morning and say, "Good-bye"... and walk with little lady steps to the schoolhouse.

            Now she'll learn to stand in line ... and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called. She'll learn to tune her ears to the sounds of school bells ... and deadlines ... and she'll learn to giggle ... and gossip ... and look at the ceiling in a disinterested way when the little boy across the aisle sticks out his tongue at her. And now she'll learn to be jealous. And now she'll learn how it is to feel hurt inside. And now she'll learn how not to cry.

            No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch steps on a summer day and watch an ant scurry across the crack in a sidewalk. Nor will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn to kiss lilac blossoms in the morning dew. No, now she'll worry about important things. Like grades ... and which dress to wear ... and whose best friend is whose. And the magic of books and learning will replace the magic of her blocks and dolls. And now she'll find new heroes.

            For five full years now I've been her sage and Santa Claus and pal and playmate and father and friend. Now she'll learn to share her worship with her teachers, which is only right. But, no longer will I be the smartest man in the whole world. Today when that school bell rings for the first time ... she'll learn what it means to be a member of a group. With all its privileges. And its disadvantages too.

            She'll learn in time that proper young ladies do not laugh out loud. Or kiss dogs. Or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms. Or even watch ants scurry across cracks in the summer sidewalk.

            Today she'll learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends. And I'll stand on the front porch and watch her start out on the long, lonely journey to become a woman.

            So, World. I bequeath to you today one little girl ... in a crispy dress ... with two blue eyes and a happy laugh that ripples all day long ... and a flash of light blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs. I trust you'll treat her well.

CHILDREN LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

By Lois Breneman, © 2003, Revised 2005, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]

There are so many activities that can be done with your children and grandchildren to help them learn and grow physically, mentally and spiritually. These are just a few.

Scripture Songs and other Good Music ~ As your children play, fill their minds with scripture and other good things by way of music. They learn so fast at this young age, so take advantage of it.

Books and Audio Stories ~ It goes without saying that reading books to your children should be at the top of this list, but I'll add it anyway, to be sure it isn't overlooked. Bible stories and other good stories on audio that teach lessons in good character are absorbed quickly as a child simultaneously listens while he plays or does art work.

Mixing Colors ~ You may find you have a budding artist after this activity! Make playdoh

(recipe below, but omit food coloring). The playdoh will be white. Divide up into four sections and color three of the sections red, yellow and blue, using food coloring, by kneading in the colors. Leave one white. Then mix the colors, observing how two different colors make a new one!

Mix blue with yellow to make green
Mix red with blue to make purple
Mix yellow with red to make orange
Mix blue with green to make teal
Mix each color with white to make it lighter - pink, peach, lavender, aqua, etc!
Now have your child find the crayons in his box that match the colors he made!
Try mixing colors using water colors another day!
Thank God for the beautiful colors He made for us all to enjoy!

Playdoh ~ I like this playdoh better than store-bought. It's a fun and inexpensive recipe and you can make peach, lavender and teal playdoh - any color you want!

1 cup flour                          1/2 cup salt
1 cup water                        2 tsp. cream of tartar
food coloring                   1 Tbsp. oil

Blend in blender. Cook about 5 minutes in a Teflon pan sprayed with Pam.  Let cool. Wrap well in plastic wrap and it will last a long time. If it dries a bit, just add a few drops of water and work into the dough. This does not need refrigerated. It is fun to make blue, yellow and pink ~ then mix colors to make orange, purple and green. Add flavorings such as coconut or peppermint, but be sure your child knows this isn't for eating!

Beanbags ~ Sew up some round beanbags, about 3-5" in diameter, leaving a 2-3" opening. Turn right side out. Let the children fill the beanbags with dried beans or rice, using a spoon. Hand sew shut securely with a double thread or a single heavy thread. Toss back and forth to each other.

Ring Toss ~ Using beanbags and a hoola hoop, toss the beanbags into the circle. You can also make a circle with a ribbon or jump rope. Do not leave a ribbon, rope or cord with young children unattended, however, as it is can be a hazard if it gets around a little neck. Have your child stand behind a yardstick to toss the beanbag.  As he masters that distance, lengthen it by moving the yardstick.

Jump Over the River ~ Lay out two ropes on the floor, parallel to each other. Put them close together at first. Have the children jump over the river! Move them farther and farther apart and see who keeps his feet dry the longest! To add more adventure, you could put a stuffed animal, a toy snake or alligator in the river, pretending he is just waiting to grab a foot! Of course, only do this if it's not too scary for the children. You be the judge.

Dump Truck Alphabet Game ~ Using toy letters of the alphabet, ask your child to drive to the "Alphabet Store" to buy you an "A," then drive back home. Your girls may want to use a baby buggy to shop!

Scrap Paper ~ Call and ask business offices for stacks of scrap paper that they would normally throw out. Let your children draw, color and paint using that paper. Your local newspaper may also have rolls of unused newsprint that they will give to you. The long rolls are great to spread out at the edge of the driveway (with your children's knees in the cool grass) and let them paint with water colors or poster paints. You can also find a roll of freezer paper at dollar stores for drawing on the dull side.

Marching Band ~ Using pots and pans, have a marching band. Wrap the teeth of a comb with wax paper and you have a kazoo to hum out your own tunes.

Classical Music and Musical Instruments ~ Play classical music to your children. Baby Einstein DVD's have many babies and toddlers loving it already! Using tapes from the library, help your children recognize the sounds of various instruments. Even toddlers can master this!

Tent ~ Make a tent by draping a blanket over a card table. Play house or have a puppet show.

Playhouse ~ Using a huge box, cut out windows and a door for endless fun! Decorate with magic markers or poster paints. Play house or put on a puppet show at the windows!

Train ~ Line up boxes or chairs to make a train. Paint the caboose red, if using boxes. Sing songs about trains while going for a ride!

Airplane Control Panel ~ This was a favorite for our boys! Save all kinds of colorful and shiny lids. Using a cardboard box, glue on lids of all colors to make an airplane control panel. Shampoo lids flip open - use those too. Kids love to open and close them. Some cosmetic lids are shiny and will be fun to use too. Hot glue should work well to fasten the lids to the box (not a job for little hands)! Since some lids are small and could be swallowed, however, be sure not to leave a child under three years of age in the pilot's seat unattended! If there are tiny tots in the house, make sure that small lids that may become unglued are not left on the floor to be swallowed.

Small Trampoline ~ Let the kids take turns jumping with supervision - to use up some of their energy!

Exercise Time ~ Jumping Jacks, Touch the Toes, Reach for the Sky! Exercise to music!

Coordination Plus ~ Have your children try rubbing their tummy, while tapping the top of their head at the same time. Teach them how to skip, gallop and jump rope.

In and Out ~ Lay out blocks or objects at 3 or 4 foot intervals (outdoors works best). Have your children run or walk to the left, then to the right - zig-zagging in and out.

Preposition Commands ~ Ask your young child to follow simple commands, which include words such as, "in, out, on, off, over, under, beside, through, below, above, between, around."

Action Commands ~ Ask your young child to follow simple action commands, which include words such as, "walk, run, jump, fly, climb, skip, hop, wobble, limp, smile, cry, laugh, look up, turn around, clap your hands, sit down, stand up, fall down, jump up, lie down, go to sleep!"

Blocks and Legos ~ Build a tower, a house, a road. Creativity will expand the possibilities! One of our sons built several different and very interesting tall Lego towers around his bedroom clock - out of his imagination.

A City in Your Driveway ~ Draw roads in your driveway with chalk. Add a church, school, fire station, your house, etc. Then drive tricycles and Big Wheels on the roads.

Matchbox Play ~ Using a yard or so of fabric, draw roads and a town with permanent markers for your children to drive the cars around. This can also be drawn on a piece of wood. Sort the cars from the trucks. Also line up all the vehicles and count them. Do simple addition and subtraction, using cars and trucks.

Paint the House ~ Paint the outside of your house with water, using large paint brushes.

Squirt or Spray Bottles ~ Squirt or spray each other with water in bottles - outside, of course!

Press Flowers ~ Pick flowers, press between two paper towels and place a few heavy books on top for several days or until they dry. Help your child make a greeting card to send to Grandma and Grandpa!

Playgroups ~ If your young child is not in a small playgroup, you may want to form one with close friends. At ages 2-5, a group of two to four children is about the right size. Even numbers work best. All of these activities work well in a playgroup, as a once-a-week/month special time of learning through play with friends. This is a good alternative to preschool, if this is your choice, with lots of godly and loving learning taking place in your own home on a daily basis. I believe those who lovingly teach their own children in the home are doing a top-notch job, and the end results show how successful it can be.

BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
By Rachel Webb Copyright ©2001 ~ Used by permission

From a relaxing summer with no definite schedule to tight schedules - often the whole back to school experience becomes a juggling act for both kids and parents. In my crazy household it all stems from un-organization. Here are some preventative medicine and time saving tips that may help you avoid hearing, "Mom, where is my homework?"

1. Mark the Stuff!
Put your child's name on the back of everything...most of you probably figured this one out and already mark the backpack, books & jackets but what about their shoes? Last year my 7 year old daughter wore 4 different pairs of shoes home that were not hers and couldn't figure out why they didn't fit right! I gave up trying to figure out how that could possibly happen and just started writing her name on the bottom of the shoes!

2. Notes from Home
A friend of mine who is an elementary school secretary, spends most of her morning sorting
through a "ga-zillion" unmarked notes and wads of lunch money. She suggests that before the school year starts, pre-mark envelopes with your child's name and grade on it. You may want to get a rubber stamp made up or order personalized address labels. Get Free labels at http://www.FreeAddressLabels.com. You can use them for lunch money envelopes, identifying books, returning field trip permission slips, etc.

3. Photocopy Parental Release Forms
How many times are you going to fill out the emergency medical form, you know, the one required by every school. One for every child. I have 4 children x 13 years of school = 52 times! What a waste of time! This tip was shared by Anita from Ohio. She pointed out that It can be very tedious looking up address and phone number of the doctor, dentist, hospital, family friend to call in an emergency, etc. Do it once, and file photocopy's on hand for the next year.

4. Magnetic Fridge Calendar
As the kids bring home a note about an event, transfer the information to a Fridge Calendar where everyone in the household can see planned activities and that is easy to write-on/wipe-off. Last year I wanted one that included a notes area that would match my kitchen so I made my own. You can see examples at : www.Note-Ables.com Calendars should be made entirely of flexible magnetic material so it won't slide off when the kids slam the fridge door!

5. Pre-Pick Daily Clothes
90% of our school morning battles take place regarding what to wear. Laying out clothes the night before helps, but if that hasn't solved your problem try this idea from Tandy a mom of four. She bought a 5 compartment sweater hanger for the closet and helps the child choose the wardrobe for the whole week. Even socks and underwear get put in each day's "cubby" Sunday afternoon. OK Moms, that creates your deadline for getting the laundry all caught up!

6. File System for School Papers
In preparing for the multitude of papers your kids will be bringing home keep a three tired wire basket by their bedroom door, or your kitchen counter. Teach your kids basic organizational skills by having them sort through their own backpacks and put papers that need "To Be Signed" by mom in the top basket, Another basket is for "Important Stuff Mom Needs" (PTA info., fund-raisers, school policies, etc.) and a basket for "Art & Awards" to be used as scrapbooking ideas and keepers. One mom has a Rule for the top basket, if it's not in the top basket by bedtime, it doesn't get signed that night. This eliminates the last minute papers waving in mom's face as you rush out the door and gives you a chance to actually READ what you are signing! ____________________________________________________________________

Rachel Webb is a WAHM of 4 and designs write-on/wipe-off Magnetic Fridge Calendars. Made entirely of flexible magnetic material, her organizational calendars are guaranteed no to slide off when the kids slam the fridge door! Visit: www.Note-Ables.com or E-mail and ask for a $2 off coupon: [email protected]

LUNCH PACKING IDEAS

By Lois Breneman, © 2005, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]

Fresh fruit ~ Always try to include a fresh fruit in your child's lunch. Apples seem to be a favorite. If oranges are too messy or difficult to handle during lunchtime, have an "Orange Peeling Party" around the kitchen table as you listen to music, review scripture verses or call out your child's spelling words for a quiz. Then divide each orange into smaller child-size servings for the week's lunches. Zipped snack bags work well.

Walking Apple ~ This great idea was shared with me by my sister-in-law, June Walker, in the 70's and used by our family many times! Core an apple. Stuff with various combinations of foods such as peanut butter, raisins, sesame or sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, and plug both ends with a dried apricot, prune, or dip into sesame seeds or sunflower seeds to cover the gooey peanut butter. This is a great treat wrapped in plastic wrap for lunches and can be made ahead up to 3 days in advance, if refrigerated. This is called a "Walking Apple," because it can be eaten without litter while taking a walk!

Peanut Butter Balls ~ Also a great toddler treat for kids over a year of age. Babies under one should never be given honey, as it can cause botulism in children under one year of age.
1/2 cup peanut butter                        2 Tbsp. honey              Mix all ingredients except sesame
2 1/2 Tbsp. nonfat dry milk              1/4 cup coconut           seeds. Form small balls and roll

2 Tbsp. raisins                                  sesame seeds            into sesame seeds.

Goody Cups or Goody Packs ~ Get a jump on packing nutritious lunches by filling Tupperware midget cups with peanuts, other nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, granola, or peanut butter for dipping apple slices or celery sticks into, etc. Have lots of these types of snacks prepared ahead of time to save time in packing lunches. Veggie dips and salad dressings in midget cups can also be prepared in advance, but of course, need refrigerated.

Fill ziplock-type snack bags with sesame sticks, banana chips and other healthy snacks found in the health food section of your grocery store or a natural foods coop. Also fill with baby carrots or carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber sticks, pickles, cheese blocks, wedges or strips to have ready for packing lunches in quick time.

Personal Notes ~ Type out some special notes of encouragement on your computer, print in multiples, cut and save to secretly tuck in lunches. First sign the notes from Mom, Dad or a sibling. Grandparents could make some notes to be tucked into their grandchildren's lunches too! If your grandchildren live far from you, this would really be a fun surprise for them!

"Jesus loves you and so do I!"                    "I'm praying for you to well in your test today!"

"Remember how much I love you!"             "I'm praying for your friendships."

"I'm so proud of you!"                                   "I'm praying for you today, as always!"

Write out encouraging scripture verses to tuck in as well.

Quick Breads and Muffins ~ Bake ahead for lunches. After your home baked breads have cooled, slice into individual servings, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze for lunches. Banana bread made with about 1/3 part whole wheat flour makes it even more nutritious. You can use other healthy "additives," such as wheat germ or brewers yeast in quick breads for added nutrition. Cut back on sugar too. To cut down on fat, applesauce can be substituted for at least part of the cooking oil in most recipes for baked goods.

ZUCCHINI-PINEAPPLE NUT BREAD
3 eggs                                                            1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups light brown sugar                             1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup canola oil                                             1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 tsp. vanilla                                                 2 overflowing cups of shredded zucchini
1/4 cup crushed pineapple                        1 tsp. orange or lemon zest (rind), grated
2 cups plus 1-2 Tbsp. unbleached flour       1/2 cup coconut, raisins or crasins (optional)
1 tps. baking soda

Mix in a bowl (wet ingredients first, then add dry). Bake in a tube pan or two loaf pans at 350º for approximately 50 minutes. Insert a toothpick to see if it comes out dry. It will slice best after it cools. Eat it plain, sprinkle powdered sugar on top, or add a cream cheese icing to dress it up. Freeze it in individual slices for packed lunches. Freezes well.

HOMESCHOOLING QUOTES
Contributed by Tammy Cline of Maryland

The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom. -- Henry Ward Beecher

Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality. -- Beatrix Potter

Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not; a sense of humor to console him for what he is.   -- Sir Francis Bacon

HELPFUL NEWSLETTERS BY "HEART TO HEART" HOMESCHOOLING MOMS

A Heart for Home by Julie Druck -         [email protected]

Along the Journey by Debbie Klinect and Tinea Bradley

                                                                   [email protected]

Hope Chest by Virginia Knowles -        [email protected]

Time for Tea by Cindy Rushton -         [email protected]

Keeping the Home by Lori Seaborg - [email protected]

Robert Krampf's Experiment of the Week - Note: This is not from a "Heart to Heart" mom, but is a great way from Robert Krampf's Science Education Company (www.krampf.com) to teach children as well.  [email protected]

You or your children could try to come up with a spiritual object lesson to match experiments!

CHRISTMAS TIP: A SPECIAL HANGING ORNAMENT FOR GRANDPARENTS

Grandparents love to receive special gifts from their grandchildren!  Here's one you can make for Christmas or anytime for just pennies. Grandparent's Day comes in September! Make a hand print of your young child. If you have a baby, a footprint might work better, since it's more difficult to get a baby's hand print with their fingers wiggling, but you could always give it a try. If it doesn't work, the same clay mixture can be used for a wee baby footprint!

Here's how! Simply mix the following together:

* 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 cup water *

Heat mixture over medium heat until boiling, then lower heat and stir until thick. Spread the mixture into a mold - like a plastic lid from a small margarine for a tiny print or from a larger lid for a larger print. When clay is cool, press your child's hand or baby's foot into the soft gooey clay to form a hand print or footprint. Using a large needle or a toothpick, make a hole at the top center for inserting a ribbon when dry and hardened. Write your child's name and the date on the mold with a needle or toothpick, or use a permanent pen to do the writing after it is completely dry and hardened. At that point, string a pink or blue ribbon through the hole for hanging. For Christmas, you may want to choose a Christmas ribbon or one that matches Grandma's home decorating, because she will probably want to keep it hanging all year! J

GOOD TIMES AROUND GOD'S WORD

Check out some interesting games you can play with your family as you learn more about the Bible - www.backtothebible.org/challenge/games1.htm

Have you met the Savior?, Bible Studies Online, Devotions, Articles on Christian Living, etc.

www.backtothebible.org/challenge/index.htm

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." -- Romans 10:13

(¨`·.·´¨)                         God bless you and your family in a special way!

`·.¸(¨`·.·´¨)                                      Your Heart to Heart friend,

       `·.¸.·´                                                            Lois



The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more. You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at [email protected].
  --  To unsubscribe, send ANY message to: [email protected]  

Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>

HEART TO HEART NEWSLETTER
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman

~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

8/10/05 LEARNING/PLAY, BACK TO SCHOOL, LUNCHES, HOMESCHOOL

~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~:~*~

IN THIS ISSUE:
FEELING OVERWHELMED?

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

CHILDREN LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZATION

LUNCH PACKING IDEAS

ZUCCHINI-PINEAPPLE NUT BREAD

HOMESCHOOLING QUOTES
HELPFUL NEWSLETTERS BY "HEART TO HEART" HOMESCHOOLING MOMS

CHRISTMAS TIP: A SPECIAL HANGING ORNAMENT FOR GRANDPARENTS

GOOD TIMES AROUND GOD'S WORD

FEELING OVERWHELMED?

By Lori Seaborg ~ Used by permission

Over a year and a half ago, I was teaching children's choir, teaching adult education classes two nights a week, singing in the adult choir at church, homeschooling two children with two babies underfoot, taking the children two full days a week to extra classes, preparing to move to a new location for dh's job, and running my website as a business. I was overwhelmed!

Knowing that I was reaching my sanity's limit, I prayed for God to help me, please!

One night, I walked into our six-year-old daughter's room and saw a basket hanging from her bunkbed with a stuffed animal and a note in it. I remembered that she had told me that she had a surprise for me, and to please come and look at it, but I was too busy filling an order for my business. Later, after I had sent her to bed, she called me from her bedroom to see her surprise, but again I was too busy and said I'd come later.

Much later in the evening, I remembered that I hadn't ever gone back to see Britty's surprise. Feeling a little saddened that I was seeing it after she was asleep, I opened the note.

On it was written: "I want to do 100 things for you."

For Brittany, a brand-new 6 year old who had four ear surgeries by then, writing that note would have been very difficult. It touched me to the core. In tears, I said aloud, "I want to do 100 things for you, too."

It was as if a light turned on in that moment as I saw how busy I had made my life. Each activity was noble, of course, and worthy of someone's time, but it was not to be my time that was used.

That night, in my little girl's room, I felt God's whisper. I heard Him whisper that I am to be first a wife, then a mother for this moment. He reminded me how quickly children grow up. It is only for a blink of time that they live with us.

With my focus cleared, I immediately closed my website. I had always given it to God, so I didn't question that he could provide for us financially without my side business. Since we were moving for dh's new job, I was able to gracefully bow out of my choir, children's choir, the extra classes, and teaching commitments.

It has been a year and a half since that night. My focus is still on my husband and my children. Recently I have felt that God wants me to start writing again, but I know that writing, even though I do it as a "ministry," as a way to help other mothers, is never to be more important than my jobs as a wife and mother.

We don't venture out very often, for I have discovered that it is very hard to manage a home when you are not in it! Before agreeing to do anything, I weigh each activity and make sure it does not take away from family and home. We choose only the best of activities to do, knowing that our time at that activity is worth leaving home. Our children are young (10, 7, 5, 2), so they thrive on the security that staying home brings.

If we young mothers talked to older mothers more often, they'd tell us that children grow up quickly. We already know that, but do we realize it? We fill our days to overflowing with activities; we run after ways that we can work in the church; we seek to minister to others. Meanwhile, our family, the very ones that God specifically gave us to minister to, are set aside.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Ask God to help you, please. He just might whisper in your ear, too.

Lori Seaborg is a wife and a homeschooling mom of four. She enjoys writing and homemaking in the countryside of the Florida-Alabama Gulf Coast. You may subscribe to her monthly newsletter, Keeping the Home, by sending an email to: [email protected] . You may also read her blog at: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/KeepingtheHome .

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Written by a Father but Author Unknown ~ Contributed by Amy Curtis of Virginia

Dear World:

I bequeath to you today one little girl ... in a crispy dress ... with two blue eyes ... and a happy laugh that ripples all day long ... and a flash of light blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs. I trust you'll treat her well.

She's slipping out of the backyard of my heart this morning ... and skipping off down the street to her first day of school. And never again will she be completely mine. Prim and proud she'll wave her young and independent hand this morning and say, "Good-bye"... and walk with little lady steps to the schoolhouse.

Now she'll learn to stand in line ... and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called. She'll learn to tune her ears to the sounds of school bells ... and deadlines ... and she'll learn to giggle ... and gossip ... and look at the ceiling in a disinterested way when the little boy across the aisle sticks out his tongue at her. And now she'll learn to be jealous. And now she'll learn how it is to feel hurt inside. And now she'll learn how not to cry.

No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch steps on a summer day and watch an ant scurry across the crack in a sidewalk. Nor will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn to kiss lilac blossoms in the morning dew. No, now she'll worry about important things. Like grades ... and which dress to wear ... and whose best friend is whose. And the magic of books and learning will replace the magic of her blocks and dolls. And now she'll find new heroes.

For five full years now I've been her sage and Santa Claus and pal and playmate and father and friend. Now she'll learn to share her worship with her teachers, which is only right. But, no longer will I be the smartest man in the whole world. Today when that school bell rings for the first time ... she'll learn what it means to be a member of a group. With all its privileges. And its disadvantages too.

She'll learn in time that proper young ladies do not laugh out loud. Or kiss dogs. Or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms. Or even watch ants scurry across cracks in the summer sidewalk.

Today she'll learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends. And I'll stand on the front porch and watch her start out on the long, lonely journey to become a woman.

So, World. I bequeath to you today one little girl ... in a crispy dress ... with two blue eyes and a happy laugh that ripples all day long ... and a flash of light blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs. I trust you'll treat her well.

CHILDREN LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

There are so many activities that can be done with your children and grandchildren to help them learn and grow physically, mentally and spiritually. These are just a few.

Scripture Songs and other Good Music ~ As your children play, fill their minds with scripture and other good things by way of music. They learn so fast at this young age, so take advantage of it.

Books and Audio Stories ~ It goes without saying that reading books to your children should be at the top of this list, but I'll add it anyway, to be sure it isn't overlooked. Bible stories and other good stories on audio that teach lessons in good character are absorbed quickly as a child simultaneously listens while he plays or does art work.

Mixing Colors ~ You may find you have a budding artist after this activity! Make playdoh

(recipe below, but omit food coloring). The playdoh will be white. Divide up into four sections and color three of the sections red, yellow and blue, using food coloring, by kneading in the colors. Leave one white. Then mix the colors, observing how two different colors make a new one!

Mix blue with yellow to make green
Mix red with blue to make purple
Mix yellow with red to make orange
Mix blue with green to make teal
Mix each color with white to make it lighter - pink, peach, lavender, aqua, etc!
Now have your child find the crayons in his box that match the colors he made!
Try mixing colors using water colors another day!
Thank God for the beautiful colors He made for us all to enjoy!

Playdoh ~ I like this playdoh better than store-bought. It's a fun and inexpensive recipe and you can make peach, lavender and teal playdoh - any color you want!

1 cup flour                          1/2 cup salt
1 cup water                        2 tsp. cream of tartar
food coloring                   1 Tbsp. oil

Blend in blender. Cook about 5 minutes in a Teflon pan sprayed with Pam. Let cool. Wrap well in plastic wrap and it will last a long time. If it dries a bit, just add a few drops of water and work into the dough. This does not need refrigerated. It is fun to make blue, yellow and pink ~ then mix colors to make orange, purple and green. Add flavorings such as coconut or peppermint, but be sure your child knows this isn't for eating!

Beanbags ~ Sew up some round beanbags, about 3-5" in diameter, leaving a 2-3" opening. Turn right side out. Let the children fill the beanbags with dried beans or rice, using a spoon. Hand sew shut securely with a double thread or a single heavy thread. Toss back and forth to each other.

Ring Toss ~ Using beanbags and a hoola hoop, toss the beanbags into the circle. You can also make a circle with a ribbon or jump rope. Do not leave a ribbon, rope or cord with young children unattended, however, as it is can be a hazard if it gets around a little neck. Have your child stand behind a yardstick to toss the beanbag. As he masters that distance, lengthen it by moving the yardstick.

Jump Over the River ~ Lay out two ropes on the floor, parallel to each other. Put them close together at first. Have the children jump over the river! Move them farther and farther apart and see who keeps his feet dry the longest! To add more adventure, you could put a stuffed animal, a toy snake or alligator in the river, pretending he is just waiting to grab a foot! Of course, only do this if it's not too scary for the children. You be the judge.

Dump Truck Alphabet Game ~ Using toy letters of the alphabet, ask your child to drive to the "Alphabet Store" to buy you an "A," then drive back home. Your girls may want to use a baby buggy to shop!

Scrap Paper ~ Call and ask business offices for stacks of scrap paper that they would normally throw out. Let your children draw, color and paint using that paper. Your local newspaper may also have rolls of unused newsprint that they will give to you. The long rolls are great to spread out at the edge of the driveway (with your children's knees in the cool grass) and let them paint with water colors or poster paints. You can also find a roll of freezer paper at dollar stores for drawing on the dull side.

Marching Band ~ Using pots and pans, have a marching band. Wrap the teeth of a comb with wax paper and you have a kazoo to hum out your own tunes.

Classical Music and Musical Instruments ~ Play classical music to your children. Baby Einstein DVD's have many babies and toddlers loving it already! Using tapes from the library, help your children recognize the sounds of various instruments. Even toddlers can master this!

Tent ~ Make a tent by draping a blanket over a card table. Play house or have a puppet show.

Playhouse ~ Using a huge box, cut out windows and a door for endless fun! Decorate with magic markers or poster paints. Play house or put on a puppet show at the windows!

Train ~ Line up boxes or chairs to make a train. Paint the caboose red, if using boxes. Sing songs about trains while going for a ride!

Airplane Control Panel ~ This was a favorite for our boys! Save all kinds of colorful and shiny lids. Using a cardboard box, glue on lids of all colors to make an airplane control panel. Shampoo lids flip open - use those too. Kids love to open and close them. Some cosmetic lids are shiny and will be fun to use too. Hot glue should work well to fasten the lids to the box (not a job for little hands)! Since some lids are small and could be swallowed, however, be sure not to leave a child under three years of age in the pilot's seat unattended! If there are tiny tots in the house, make sure that small lids that may become unglued are not left on the floor to be swallowed.

Small Trampoline ~ Let the kids take turns jumping with supervision - to use up some of their energy!

Exercise Time ~ Jumping Jacks, Touch the Toes, Reach for the Sky! Exercise to music!

Coordination Plus ~ Have your children try rubbing their tummy, while tapping the top of their head at the same time. Teach them how to skip, gallop and jump rope.

In and Out ~ Lay out blocks or objects at 3 or 4 foot intervals (outdoors works best). Have your children run or walk to the left, then to the right - zig-zagging in and out.

Preposition Commands ~ Ask your young child to follow simple commands, which include words such as, "in, out, on, off, over, under, beside, through, below, above, between, around."

Action Commands ~ Ask your young child to follow simple action commands, which include words such as, "walk, run, jump, fly, climb, skip, hop, wobble, limp, smile, cry, laugh, look up, turn around, clap your hands, sit down, stand up, fall down, jump up, lie down, go to sleep!"

Blocks and Legos ~ Build a tower, a house, a road. Creativity will expand the possibilities! One of our sons built several different and very interesting tall Lego towers around his bedroom clock - out of his imagination.

A City in Your Driveway ~ Draw roads in your driveway with chalk. Add a church, school, fire station, your house, etc. Then drive tricycles and Big Wheels on the roads.

Matchbox Play ~ Using a yard or so of fabric, draw roads and a town with permanent markers for your children to drive the cars around. This can also be drawn on a piece of wood. Sort the cars from the trucks. Also line up all the vehicles and count them. Do simple addition and subtraction, using cars and trucks.

Paint the House ~ Paint the outside of your house with water, using large paint brushes.

Squirt or Spray Bottles ~ Squirt or spray each other with water in bottles - outside, of course!

Press Flowers ~ Pick flowers, press between two paper towels and place a few heavy books on top for several days or until they dry. Help your child make a greeting card to send to Grandma and Grandpa!

Playgroups ~ If your young child is not in a small playgroup, you may want to form one with close friends. At ages 2-5, a group of two to four children is about the right size. Even numbers work best. All of these activities work well in a playgroup, as a once-a-week/month special time of learning through play with friends. This is a good alternative to preschool, if this is your choice, with lots of godly and loving learning taking place in your own home on a daily basis. I believe those who lovingly teach their own children in the home are doing a top-notch job, and the end results show how successful it can be.

BACK TO SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
By Rachel Webb Copyright ©2001 ~ Used by permission

From a relaxing summer with no definite schedule to tight schedules - often the whole back to school experience becomes a juggling act for both kids and parents. In my crazy household it all stems from un-organization. Here are some preventative medicine and time saving tips that may help you avoid hearing, "Mom, where is my homework?"

1. Mark the Stuff!
Put your child's name on the back of everything...most of you probably figured this one out and already mark the backpack, books & jackets but what about their shoes? Last year my 7 year old daughter wore 4 different pairs of shoes home that were not hers and couldn't figure out why they didn't fit right! I gave up trying to figure out how that could possibly happen and just started writing her name on the bottom of the shoes!

2. Notes from Home
A friend of mine who is an elementary school secretary, spends most of her morning sorting
through a "ga-zillion" unmarked notes and wads of lunch money. She suggests that before the school year starts, pre-mark envelopes with your child's name and grade on it. You may want to get a rubber stamp made up or order personalized address labels. Get Free labels at http://www.FreeAddressLabels.com. You can use them for lunch money envelopes, identifying books, returning field trip permission slips, etc.

3. Photocopy Parental Release Forms
How many times are you going to fill out the emergency medical form, you know, the one required by every school. One for every child. I have 4 children x 13 years of school = 52 times! What a waste of time! This tip was shared by Anita from Ohio. She pointed out that It can be very tedious looking up address and phone number of the doctor, dentist, hospital, family friend to call in an emergency, etc. Do it once, and file photocopy's on hand for the next year.

4. Magnetic Fridge Calendar
As the kids bring home a note about an event, transfer the information to a Fridge Calendar where everyone in the household can see planned activities and that is easy to write-on/wipe-off. Last year I wanted one that included a notes area that would match my kitchen so I made my own. You can see examples at : http://www.Note-Ables.com Calendars should be made entirely of flexible magnetic material so it won't slide off when the kids slam the fridge door!

5. Pre-Pick Daily Clothes
90% of our school morning battles take place regarding what to wear. Laying out clothes the night before helps, but if that hasn't solved your problem try this idea from Tandy a mom of four. She bought a 5 compartment sweater hanger for the closet and helps the child choose the wardrobe for the whole week. Even socks and underwear get put in each day's "cubby" Sunday afternoon. OK Moms, that creates your deadline for getting the laundry all caught up!

6. File System for School Papers
In preparing for the multitude of papers your kids will be bringing home keep a three tired wire basket by their bedroom door, or your kitchen counter. Teach your kids basic organizational skills by having them sort through their own backpacks and put papers that need "To Be Signed" by mom in the top basket, Another basket is for "Important Stuff Mom Needs" (PTA info., fund-raisers, school policies, etc.) and a basket for "Art & Awards" to be used as scrapbooking ideas and keepers. One mom has a Rule for the top basket, if it's not in the top basket by bedtime, it doesn't get signed that night. This eliminates the last minute papers waving in mom's face as you rush out the door and gives you a chance to actually READ what you are signing! ____________________________________________________________________

Rachel Webb is a WAHM of 4 and designs write-on/wipe-off Magnetic Fridge Calendars. Made entirely of flexible magnetic material, her organizational calendars are guaranteed no to slide off when the kids slam the fridge door! Visit: http://www.Note-Ables.com or E-mail and ask for a $2 off coupon: [email protected]

LUNCH PACKING IDEAS

Fresh fruit ~ Always try to include a fresh fruit in your child's lunch. Apples seem to be a favorite. If oranges are too messy or difficult to handle during lunchtime, have an "Orange Peeling Party" around the kitchen table as you listen to music, review scripture verses or call out your child's spelling words for a quiz. Then divide each orange into smaller child-size servings for the week's lunches. Zipped snack bags work well.

Walking Apple ~ This great idea was shared with me by my sister-in-law, June Walker, in the 70's and used by our family many times! Core an apple. Stuff with various combinations of foods such as peanut butter, raisins, sesame or sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, and plug both ends with a dried apricot, prune, or dip into sesame seeds or sunflower seeds to cover the gooey peanut butter. This is a great treat wrapped in plastic wrap for lunches and can be made ahead up to 3 days in advance, if refrigerated. This is called a "Walking Apple," because it can be eaten without litter while taking a walk!

Peanut Butter Balls ~ Also a great toddler treat for kids over a year of age. Babies under one should never be given honey, as it can cause botulism in children under one year of age.
1/2 cup peanut butter 2 Tbsp. honey Mix all ingredients except sesame
2 1/2 Tbsp. nonfat dry milk 1/4 cup coconut seeds. Form small balls and roll

2 Tbsp. raisins sesame seeds into sesame seeds.

Goody Cups or Goody Packs ~ Get a jump on packing nutritious lunches by filling Tupperware midget cups with peanuts, other nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, granola, or peanut butter for dipping apple slices or celery sticks into, etc. Have lots of these types of snacks prepared ahead of time to save time in packing lunches. Veggie dips and salad dressings in midget cups can also be prepared in advance, but of course, need refrigerated.

Fill ziplock-type snack bags with sesame sticks, banana chips and other healthy snacks found in the health food section of your grocery store or a natural foods coop. Also fill with baby carrots or carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber sticks, pickles, cheese blocks, wedges or strips to have ready for packing lunches in quick time.

Personal Notes ~ Type out some special notes of encouragement on your computer, print in multiples, cut and save to secretly tuck in lunches. First sign the notes from Mom, Dad or a sibling. Grandparents could make some notes to be tucked into their grandchildren's lunches too! If your grandchildren live far from you, this would really be a fun surprise for them!

"Jesus loves you and so do I!" "I'm praying for you to well in your test today!"

"Remember how much I love you!" "I'm praying for your friendships."

"I'm so proud of you!" "I'm praying for you today, as always!"

Write out encouraging scripture verses to tuck in as well.

Quick Breads and Muffins ~ Bake ahead for lunches. After your home baked breads have cooled, slice into individual servings, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze for lunches. Banana bread made with about 1/3 part whole wheat flour makes it even more nutritious. You can use other healthy "additives," such as wheat germ or brewers yeast in quick breads for added nutrition. Cut back on sugar too. To cut down on fat, applesauce can be substituted for at least part of the cooking oil in most recipes for baked goods.

ZUCCHINI-PINEAPPLE NUT BREAD
3 eggs                                                            1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups light brown sugar                             1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup canola oil                                             1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 tsp. vanilla                                                 2 overflowing cups of shredded zucchini
1/4 cup crushed pineapple                        1 tsp. orange or lemon zest (rind), grated
2 cups plus 1-2 Tbsp. unbleached flour       1/2 cup coconut, raisins or crasins (optional)
1 tps. baking soda

Mix in a bowl (wet ingredients first, then add dry). Bake in a tube pan or two loaf pans at 350º for approximately 50 minutes. Insert a toothpick to see if it comes out dry. It will slice best after it cools. Eat it plain, sprinkle powdered sugar on top, or add a cream cheese icing to dress it up. Freeze it in individual slices for packed lunches. Freezes well.

HOMESCHOOLING QUOTES
Contributed by Tammy Cline of Maryland

The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom. -- Henry Ward Beecher

Thank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality. -- Beatrix Potter

Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not; a sense of humor to console him for what he is. -- Sir Francis Bacon

HELPFUL NEWSLETTERS BY "HEART TO HEART" HOMESCHOOLING MOMS

A Heart for Home by Julie Druck - [email protected]

Along the Journey by Debbie Klinect and Tinea Bradley

[email protected]

Hope Chest by Virginia Knowles - [email protected]

Time for Tea by Cindy Rushton - [email protected]

Keeping the Home by Lori Seaborg - [email protected]

Robert Krampf's Experiment of the Week - Note: This is not from a "Heart to Heart" mom, but is a great way from Robert Krampf's Science Education Company (http://www.krampf.com) to teach children as well. [email protected]

You or your children could try to come up with a spiritual object lesson to match experiments!

CHRISTMAS TIP: A SPECIAL HANGING ORNAMENT FOR GRANDPARENTS

Grandparents love to receive special gifts from their grandchildren! Here's one you can make for Christmas or anytime for just pennies. Grandparent's Day comes in September! Make a hand print of your young child. If you have a baby, a footprint might work better, since it's more difficult to get a baby's hand print with their fingers wiggling, but you could always give it a try. If it doesn't work, the same clay mixture can be used for a wee baby footprint!

Here's how! Simply mix the following together:

* 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 cup water *

Heat mixture over medium heat until boiling, then lower heat and stir until thick. Spread the mixture into a mold - like a plastic lid from a small margarine for a tiny print or from a larger lid for a larger print. When clay is cool, press your child's hand or baby's foot into the soft gooey clay to form a hand print or footprint. Using a large needle or a toothpick, make a hole at the top center for inserting a ribbon when dry and hardened. Write your child's name and the date on the mold with a needle or toothpick, or use a permanent pen to do the writing after it is completely dry and hardened. At that point, string a pink or blue ribbon through the hole for hanging. For Christmas, you may want to choose a Christmas ribbon or one that matches Grandma's home decorating, because she will probably want to keep it hanging all year! J

GOOD TIMES AROUND GOD'S WORD

Check out some interesting games you can play with your family as you learn more about the Bible - http://www.backtothebible.org/challenge/games1.htm

Have you met the Savior?, Bible Studies Online, Devotions, Articles on Christian Living, etc.

http://www.backtothebible.org/challenge/index.htm

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." -- Romans 10:13

(¨`·.·´¨) God bless you and your family in a special way!

`·.¸(¨`·.·´¨) Your Heart to Heart friend,

`·.¸.·´ Lois

The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to bring godly and practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more. You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at [email protected].

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