Tennessee

 We are back home safe from time spent in Tennessee.

This was our second trip to the Great Smokies, but what a blessing it was this time to vacation with extended family. 

My brother and I each have four kids, so all eight cousins got to spend the week together. I remember how much I loved spending time with my cousins growing up, so I'm sure life-long memories were made. I couldn't be happier for them!

 We would line all eight of them up for photos any chance we got...

Aren't they a great looking group?

Their ages range from five to seventeen. 

We marvel at how well they all get along. 

They are a delight!

In an effort to get some of my favorite photos altogether in one organized place, the following is a small sampling of a few highlights from our trip.

 The girls winning prizes in Dollywood...

My parents in Anakeesta...

My kids in Anakeesta...

Me with my sister-in-law (after our husbands roped us into a pretty treacherous UTV tour...)

The guys!

Our two families...

There are so many interesting side quests to explore in the area... This little town tucked back behind the main road is called The Island...

And this one, called the Village, had a European feel. It reminded me of the medieval streets we walked in Paris...

Isn't it charming?

One more of my growing kids in Dollywood...

Have you ever seen the interviews of Dolly Parton talking about her vision for Dollywood and how it got its name? There's a cute one that looks like it's from the 1980s. You can tell she's so proud of her hometown and how beautifully it's been built up through the years. 

We certainly felt a bright and positive vibe there, and remarked that even though it was lavishly decorated for fall, none of the decorations were creepy or spooky. 

I've heard that if you visit Disney World around Halloween, there are strolling performers dressed in scary costumes, and Disney villains creepily wandering Main Street. I don't know if that's true, but we surely appreciated how family friendly Dollywood was, and noticed the bright and uplifting atmosphere, even though it was fully decorated for fall.

 (As a mother, I always hated it when my children got scared, and never thought fear was cute or harmless. In fact, God says, "I have not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. But I suppose that's a topic for another day. 😉)

🍁

~ Courtney 

A Faithful Undergoing - Catechesis

 "Do not rush into a state of life where you have never thought of the inconveniences. If you have a call to marry, knowledge of the difficulties and duties will be necessary to your preparation and will be a faithful undergoing." - Richard Baxter, The Godly Home

A faithful undergoing makes me think of homeschooling.

I was fortunate early on to hear an older, experienced homeschool mom give the advice, "Protect your mornings."

I didn't realize it at the time, but that would become the backbone to how I structured our days, and the mantra I would repeat to myself when scheduling appointments. Mornings at home were meaningful to us, and when we accomplished the bulk of our work.

When my children were little, I would gather them around me each morning for something we began to call "Front Room Time" - the front room of our house being the preferred place to meet, since we began each session reciting The Pledge, and could clearly see the American Flag through our front window.

From there, we would recite our memory work and go through flash cards together.

As my children grew older, our Front Room Time progressed into more lengthy recitations and Bible reading, that it became more difficult to squeeze it into the schedule - meeting for The Pledge and recitations only a couple days per week. Ultimately, a few years ago, when my children became fairly independent with their studies, Front Room Time was abandoned altogether.

Then last summer, I was reading an interesting article on the great reformer Martin Luther. In it, he warned pastors and parents "never to presume that they have finished learning the catechism. Even if they know and understand it completely (which is impossible in this life), there are many benefits and fruits still to be obtained for those who daily read and practice it in thought and speech. Ongoing catechesis," Luther says, "gives us spiritual nourishment and weaponry against the devil. But mainly it gives us God Himself. In catechesis the Holy Spirt is present in the reading, repetition, and meditation, bestowing ever new light and devotion."

And just like that, the ignition to resurrect Front Room Time as Catechesis caught fire in my brain.

We began meeting each day around the dining room table with the agenda of - 

Recitations

Hymn sing

Cursive, illuminated letter

Devotions with our math curriculum 

Prayer

Examples of recitations include The Lord's Prayer, Psalm 23, Psalm 139, and excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, to name a few. We added Proverbs 25 and a paragraph from Thomas Jefferson's inaugural address as new memory work in our repertoire.

We own two identical copies of Baptist hymnals from our years on Abeka, so we've been singing through them page by page since the start of the school year. Roman can sight read well enough that each day we open to the next hymn in line, he plays for us, and we all sing along.

Daily practice in cursive reading and copy work, along with an illuminated letter, is included as well. Our cursive book is from a classical curriculum, so I like to play classical music quietly in the background as they work. Some of their illuminated letters have truly been pieces of art!

I have appreciated the devotions that have come with our math curriculum this year. It's impressive how they weave God's character into math concepts. So many times I have found myself saying, "I never would have thought of it that way!"

As we end our Catechesis hour in prayer, I realize how rich a time of worship this is for our family.

"That God is the founder and instituter of families is known by the light of nature itself; therefore the law of nature requires that families are to the upmost of their capacities devoted to God. Bowing to and confessing Christ voluntarily to God's glory is true worship. All must do this according to their capacities; therefore families must do this according to theirs."  - Richard Baxter, The Godly Home

To use Mr. Baxter's beautiful words, I am learning that to persevere in homeschooling through the upper grades requires a "faithful undergoing," growing in wisdom and knowledge "to our upmost capacities."

Daily catechesis has helped us in that aim.

"Where two or more are gathered together in My name, I am in the midst of them." Matthew 18:20

~ Courtney 

Just Checking In

 We are currently under a severe weather advisory for extreme cold.

I am thankful today for working water and heat.

Despite the frigid temps and an hour pause to watch the inauguration, our homeschooling efforts have continued as usual.

(Homeschooling has always been a messy endeavor for us, but winter sunlight is more than welcome on this chilly day.)

This is where we gather each day for "Catechesis," the fancy term I've given to our family's morning recitations, hymn sing, cursive work, devotions, and prayer.

Now that my children are older and quite self-governed with their studies, I've noticed it's essential for keeping us in tune with each other.

It's my favorite time of the day.

I realize it's been several months since I've posted on this blog, and I can't tell you how many people have asked me where I've been!

Actually, I can tell you. It's been zero. 

😜

But still - I'd like to jump right back into it.

I've missed the creative outlet this has provided for me.

I recently watched an interview with Jerry Seinfeld and something he said struck me. He remarked that, "To be creative, you've got to feel like you're getting away with something."

I have always felt that way about writing for this blog, but never would have thought to put it that way.

The puppy we welcomed into our family last summer is now full grown and is doing great.

The kids named him "Cash."

Even in below zero temps, we still get him out for his beloved afternoon walkie.

He loves it!

Regal avoids him as much as possible. Cash is too chaotic for Regal's taste.

These two animals in my home cause more drama and commotion than my four kids!

There's a lot I'd like to write about, and should write about (to keep a proper record) but today is just for checking in... for testing the waters, to see if this is still a worthwhile pursuit. Or if blogs are over, as one of my teenagers just informed me.

I believe his actual words were, "What even is a blog? They don't exist."

😂

As funny as that was, I have to admit I still read and enjoy several blogs myself. I've followed them for years, and feel like they're my friends. They've taught me a lot and I've watched their kids grow up.

Blogging is for those who care more for the analog, slow way of getting to know someone, and less about keeping up with the fast-paced influencer.

To me, the fact that they're old fashioned makes them all the more charming.

💐

That's all for now. Time to get back to my home duties.

Stay warm!!

~ Courtney 

Elsa Leigh

 On July 3, 2014, I delivered my fourth and final baby...

💖 Elsa Leigh 💖

That means today is my baby's ✨10th✨ birthday!

I officially have all double-digit big kids now. 

I decided to look back through my archives and find photos of every July 3rd over the past ten years.

This is Elsa on each of her ten birthdays...

2015

 2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

And today ~ July 3, 2024

What a blessed life she's been given.

Elsa has been a delight to raise and has taught me so much about how to be happy and how to love.

Happy birthday to my sweet baby girl!

💐

~ Courtney 

School Photos

 

We made an impromptu visit to Kohler today, in celebration of completing another homeschool year.

We enjoy treating ourselves to ice cream in their beautiful Greenhouse Cafe, but the garden was in full bloom, so we were drawn to the courtyard.

 These kids make my heart swell with pride.

My firstborn, Roman, age fifteen, just completed his freshman year of high school. 

Nola Josette, age thirteen, just finished 7th grade.

Soren, twelve, finished 6th grade...

And my baby, Elsa, who's nine, just completed 4th grade.

I suppose this means I have officially been homeschooling for a decade now, but I feel like I've just begun. Every year seems to be better than the last.

As much as I miss the younger homeschool years of blowing bubbles, playing with blocks, and reading Corduroy eight times in a row, I am learning to embrace this new season of older kids and teens.

It can be just as exhausting and rewarding as the younger years. 

The Lord is teaching me to reject the dark cynicism of our culture, and move toward my teenagers with confident faith in our Redeemer.

They are unfinished products, their minds and character are still developing, so I endeavor to pour love and grace on them, with God's help, each day.

It's a joy watching my children grow into who God designed them to be.

They are God's children after all, and are here to bring Him glory, not me.

I'm just grateful to get to be a part of what God is doing in their lives.

💐

~ Courtney 

The Next Installment of Discover Green Bay, and the Start to a New School Year

A noticeable change in sunlight 

and cool, late-summer rains

are helping to usher in a new season.

I am ready to say goodbye to summer and slowly embrace autumn.

By slowly I mean, I am not willing to bring home mums or pumpkins just yet, but I am enjoying early fall flower arrangements, cozy family suppers, and preparing for a successful new school year.

Our family study on "Discover Green Bay" has been going well.

We recently did a scavenger hunt downtown on a beautiful, warm evening.

You download an app and follow the clues, working together as a team.

Then, you submit a photo of your group accomplishing each mission to move ahead in the game. 

Sometimes it had us making fools of ourselves, ( like acting out a silent drama scene in front of the main doors of the theater ) but the whole evening was a lot of fun!

We stopped to eat here, at Al's hamburgers, for a greasy, delicious burger and a milkshake when our hunt was finished. After running all around the streets of downtown for two hours, we were starving to death!

One unexpected "discovery" in our Discover Green Bay series, has been that not everyone in our six-member family wants to do the same things!

One person mentions, "Museum," another shouts, "No!!" 

Someone suggests a walk along the river, someone else announces they're ready to head for home.

(You get the idea.)

In a way, having babies and toddlers was easier, because Micah and I were in control. You strap them in their stroller and you GO! .....

As a result of this, the valuable lesson of yielding to others is woven throughout our downtown journeys together.

We have talked about how going with the flow and doing what others want to do, with a cheerful spirit, is a matter of character.

Do you have the strength of character to spend two hours in a museum you don't care to be in, without pouting, because that's what the family wants to do?

Hmm, yes, these are life-long, important lessons.

Back at home, we have launched into school again with a promising, strong start.

I am excited about the 2023-24 academic year!

Because of good routine habits that were nailed down early on, our school schedule feels like second nature to us.

 Bible and Arithmetic always come first in the early morning hours, when the house is quiet and our minds are fresh.

After breakfast, we diligently work through the rest of our core subjects until after lunch, when we can finally dive into some noisier pursuits, such as piano practice, play time, and nature walks.

(Sometimes you need a buddy to do Algebra with...)

We have never had a formal, actual school room in our home. Throughout the years any table, couch, rug, or fireplace hearth had the capacity to turn into the school "room" for the day. But now that my children are older, they each have a corner of the house for their studies that is their own.

I've tried to place each of them by a window, because that's what I would like if it were me...

Nola is the only one who prefers not to be by a window, however, because she says it's too distracting for her.

Elsa, on the other hand, takes her books right outside whenever she can! 

It is the privilege, the responsibility, and the on-going challenge of the homeschool mother to learn her children's unique learning styles, and do her best to accommodate them.

The following is in accordance with my yearly goal of recording the children's grades and also their courses.

Elsa ~ 4th grade

Soren ~ 6th grade

Nola ~ 7th grade

(Elsa plays piano, too. I'm not sure why I left it out on her daily guide. Come to think of it... she is one who never needs reminding to practice each day, so maybe that's why. Also, Health is crossed out on Nola's guide because I forgot there is no separate Health book in 7th grade Abeka. There's a chapter in the Science book that covers Health, instead.)

Roman ~ 9th grade

We are tackling high school! I'm so proud. These are his courses in rough draft form. I'll type up a proper transcript later in the year when I have a better handle on things. For now I am still learning how to get him up and running for his freshman year. So far it's been great!

As for continuing homeschooling through high school, I have Hebrews 6:10-11 underlined in my Bible...

"God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end."

It does take diligence, but we've been easing into the school year quite comfortably, and for that I am truly grateful.

Yesterday, we had our afternoon walk down to the swing for fresh air and our family read-aloud, and on our meander back we stopped in the orchard.

Our plums were juicy and sweet and ready for picking!

That was all the inspiration I needed to spend the rest of the afternoon baking.

Elsa helped me get the plums washed up...

Some were used for spiced plum bread, and the rest were placed in a bowl for easy munching.

"Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers, we more than gain in fruits."

- Samuel Butler

As the years progress, it seems the Lord continues to show me Scripture verses that confirm my decision to homeschool.

This morning during my quiet time I read this:

"All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace."

- Isaiah 54:13

I am thankful my children have grown up on curriculum that has faithfully pointed them to the Lord.

Homeschooling really is a lifestyle of peace, and I feel quite fortunate to be able to do it another year.

Thanks for reading,

💐

~ Courtney