In My Backyard

Two years ago, Summit 7 took place in Louisville, KY.  Living only 45 minutes away, "The Event" in regards to adoption/orphan care and the church was right in my backyard.  Adoption pals from our church support group and community attended this dynamic conference, and we walked away uplifted, challenged, motivated, and encouraged.  Words can't adequately express all I gleaned in those two very short days.  God used the speakers and workshop leaders to stir my heart, affirm my convictions, and propel me to seek more opportunities to be His hands and feet.  I laughed, cried, mourned, and rejoiced...  I was moved!

Then this past fall we left my old KY home and literally moved to TN.  So, can you guess where the Christian Alliance for Orphans is holding Summit 9?  You got it - Nashville, TN - my new backyard :-)  What a blessing!  (P.S. - This Momma Bear is working on logistics finding caretakers for the cubs... any volunteers?)

You may ask, "Why go to Summit 9 if you have attended before?"  Ha!  My first response would be, "Come with me, and you'll never ask again."  Honestly, I'd attend every single year if feasibly possible, but let me give you my Top 10 Reasons Why I Want to Attend Summit 9.

10.  Exhibit Hall
Ministries, organizations, non-profits, agencies, authors, artisans, and more take up residence in the exhibit hall.  It is a fantastic place to pick up information, prayer cards, reading material, a new t-shirt, or some paper bead jewelry.  Even more so, it is a spot to take a deep breath and marvel at the many ways God uses His people to love and minister to the very least of these worldwide.

9.  America World Adoption 
It thrills me that our amazing adoption agency is a member of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.  Through the adoption process, I forged such wonderful relationships with staff members and fellow adoptive families.  I look forward to the inevitably sweet reunions and hugs at the America World booth.

8.  Adoption. Foster Care. Global Initiatives
I so appreciate that Summit is not just an adoption conference.  It has all the components and available tracks to meet adoptive parents needs.  However, it really serves as a rally cry to mobilize the global church to care for orphans and vulnerable children.

7.  Snacks
Ha!  Nothing like following the spiritual point with a superficial one.  What can I say though?  Momma likes to eat.  With Summit registration, you get lunch and snacks.  The fact that they are not of the fish cracker variety excites me.  I'm easy to please!

6.  Testimonies
One of my favorite things at Summit 7 was hearing redemption story after redemption story.  It is the heart of the gospel and why we do what we do.  God has authored such beautiful stories, and I love nothing more than to be a witness to His magnificent works and give Him all the praise, glory, and honor that is due.

5.  David Platt
“We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes…” – Radical

Yes, that should sound familiar.  It has made repeat appearances on my blog, Facebook, and Twitter feeds because the message is so profound.  Actually, I could type quotes from virtually every page of David Platt's book, Radical.  If you haven't read it, you must.  His words are so challenging and convicting on the page.  I look forward to hearing him in person.  I anticipate God will use him in mighty ways. 

4.  The Chapman Family

When we announced to friends and family that we were moving to the Nashville area, I jokingly said that I would be best buddies with Steven Curtis Chapman in no time. Really, don't you think Mary Beth and I could be great gal pals? I'm sure my kiddos would make great playmates for their little cuties.  Well, even though that dream has yet to come true, as always, I'm ecstatic when there is an event involving the Chapman family.  They are true champions of the orphan.  Living transparently and publicly, they have allowed us to be privy to their great joys and their heartbreaking tragedy.  They are authentic, genuine, and real and steward the story they never would have chosen for themselves with such grace and faith.  Their words and Steven's music have prompted so many to give a VOICE to those that have no voice.  (Confession:  This girl is still brought to tears within the opening bars of "When Love Takes You In.")

3.  Dr. Karyn Purvis
She is dubbed "The Kid Whisperer" and known for her "Whoa Nellie's."  I was blessed to attend an Empowered to Connect Conference, and I have become a staunch believer in this woman's incredible work.  She has the research to back her words up, but most importantly, she has the eyes to see the preciousness of each child.  I could literally sit at her feet and soak up every word she has to say.  It is her giftedness and brilliant work with children from hard places that causes this soon-to-be-34-year-old-Momma-of-4 to entertain the thought of going back to school to get my Masters degree.  There is such a need for more professionals to help equip trauma mommas to help their sweet children.
2.  New Tools
With our move came many changes.  Obviously, we left behind family, friends, our church, and our adoption community.  Double whammy... just a few months later a new baby enters the picture.  There has been A LOT of transition.  Likewise, there has been some regression and some old unhealthy behaviors displayed.  This Momma's arsenal is running low.  It is time to learn from the pros and the been-there-done-that's.  I need to sharpen old tools and acquire some new ones to keep my lil' cuties on the road to wholeness and healing.

1.  Connection
In KY, I served on the Board of Director's for our adoption agency, held seminars, led workshops for our local alliance, started a non-profit with friends, was active in our adoption support group at church, and socialized with so many adoptive families.  Leaving all this behind has been difficult.  I suppose I may have romanticized the move a bit what with the Chapman's coming over for a potluck and all.  Even still, the Nashville area is home to so many well known adoption/orphan care ministries and organizations, I thought for sure I'd land right smack in the middle of them all and immediately get plugged in.    Unfortunately, I've yet to get involved here.  I know there is a strong adoption presence in the area, but I'm not presently connected.  It is time to change that.  I'm ready to roll my sleeves up and get my hands dirty again.  I want to live in community with like-minded servants.  What better place to connect than Summit 9... in my "new" backyard!!!

**I am writing this post as part of the Summit 9 Blogger Giveaway.  Check out all the details at www.summit9.org

Delight-Directed Story Crafting

In the Schoolhouse Review Crew's Teaching Creatively Blog Hop, today's focus is Delight-Directed Teaching.  This method allows students to learn, discover in detail, and dig deeper into subjects that interest them and stir their passions.  This may happen intentionally by allowing the kids to choose a particular topic or course of study.  It may also happen inadvertently.  While learning about one theme a tidbit of information may spark an interest that can be further examined and explored. In the end, the kids are learning (even if it seems they are bouncing down one rabbit trail after another), and they are having a blast! 

With seven and eight year old boys in the house, it is an understatement to say that talk of super heroes dominates all conversation in our household.  For this Momma, it is both overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time.  Seriously, does it look like I want the play by play commentary on every single super hero movie ever made?  Do I really have a need to know every minute detail of the costume, weapon, and super power each hero possesses?  Maybe the 1st time, but not so much the 347th!  However, like it or not, I hear these things. 

Then, a simple request from Caleb, "Mom, can I have a piece of construction paper?" changed it all.  Construction paper, glue, scissors and about 15-20 minutes, and the kiddos had some great creations.  Most recently, Caleb created all things Avengers... the characters, their shields, hammers, and whatever other artillery they wield.  Jeremiah had an aircraft and warriors.  Rachel had a tiger, spider, and various other animals.  With these paper play things in hand, the kids weave together wonderful stories.

Introduce Story Crafting!  Some days they narrate the stories, and I ask questions causing them to give more explanation and detail.  Other times, I quiz them on their stories.  What is the main idea?  What was the conflict in the story?  The resolution?  Who was the main character?  etc.  On other occasions, they try their hand at writing complete with phonetic spelling (in one child's case very inventive spelling) and the overuse of exclamation points :-)  With Rachel especially, she dictates the story and I write.  Then, looking at the paper, we can have mini lessons on basic sentence structure, capitalization, and punctuation.

My happy, entertained, dare I say DELIGHTED, children are learning the elements of a story:  beginning, middle, end, rising action, climax, etc.  I'm hoping this "story-crafting" is laying a positive foundation.  Rough and tumble boys are often reluctant writers.  Their line of thinking:  Why put pencil to paper and write about a super hero, when I can go outside and pretend to be in an epic battle of good and evil complete with loud explosion sounds and my own theme music?  It's a hard sell, but maybe these fun storytelling experiences will make it easier in the future.  Finally, I'm able to tolerate the daily onslaught of super hero talk if I can convince myself a portion of it is educational :)  Boy moms, you understand!  We've got to get creative :-)

It's Teaching Creatively Giveaway Time!

Next week, I'll be participating in the 5 Days of Teaching Creatively Blog Hop hosted by the Schoolhouse Review Crew.  Over 80 bloggers will be sharing their experiences, expertise, thoughts, and ideas regarding the following topics:  Delight-Directed Teaching, Schooling in the Kitchen, Toys, Games, & Puzzles, Homeschooling in a Crisis, and Hands-On Projects.  You won't want to miss a single day! OR... the GIVEAWAY!!!!

I'm joining two fabulous ladies, Marcy @Ben and Me and Sam @Sam's Noggin,  to bring you this awesome giveaway during the 5 Days of Teaching Creatively Blog Hop, hosted by the Schoolhouse Review Crew! The Blog Hop won't begin until Monday, but we are starting the fun early by giving you the opportunity to win incredible bundles of books and homeschool resources!

There will be a total of 3 winners chosen -- one GRAND prize, a 1st RUNNER-UP and a 2nd RUNNER-UP! The contest will begin at 12am on March 9 and end at 12am on March 17.  Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter, but read the contest rules, found at the bottom of the widget, first. 

The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive ALL of the following -- a $525 value!

Geography Matters -- Profiles from History Package ($50 value)
Looking for a way to help your students connect with history? The Profiles
from Historyseries is dedicated to telling the stories of people, whose lives
are worth remembering. Whether they made a discovery, led heroically in a war,
created a masterpiece through music, or art, used a pen to change the world, or
impacted humanity with their bravery—they made a difference. We can learn so
much by looking at those who came before us. Be ready to change your mind about
history, with Profiles from History, Volumes 1, 2, and 3.

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine --  1-year membership to SchoolhouseTeachers.com, a new
Print Issue of The Old Schoolhouse^® Magazine, and a
Homeschooling with Heart Tote Bag ($90 value)

SchoolhouseTeachers.com is an online
classroom and has more than 2 dozen expert teachers who cover 25 different
subjects presented via teaching videos, ongoing lesson plans, worksheets,
lapbooks & unit studies, writing prompts and other assignments to choose
from, students can additionally interact personally with the teachers by asking
them questions and gaining feedback.

Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett -- Passport Geography set, consisting of the Combos (K - 12) for United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany ($50 value) 

Taking an in-depth look at world geography with the new Passport Geography™(PPG) series by Amanda Bennett. These one-week studies use a cross-curricular approach (covering geography, history, science, etc.) to take students on virtual journeys around the globe. Each study is interactive, including daily lessons for both elementary grades and Jr/Sr High grades, with no prep required.

Shining Dawn Books -- Early Spring Bundle ($21 value)

Early spring is known for its wonderfully rainy weather,
leading to lots of beautiful fungi. It’s also the season when animals busily go
about their regular activities after the relative quietness of winter. This
bundle will help you to explore each of these exciting aspects of the spring
season in-depth.

A+ Tutorsoft -- 1-yr subscription to the online A+ TutorSoft math program -- winner's choice from    grade levels 1st-4th ($150 value)

A+ TutorSoft, Inc. provides Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH Full Curriculum
products to help students improve their grades at all levels. Our Multi-Sensory
Interactive MATH helps homeschooling families as well as public and private
school teachers and students. A+ TutorSoft offers everyone a FREE 30 day trial on all products. Visit the
top right corner of our website: http://www.aplustutorsoft.com/. And
through 3/31/13 they are offering 50% off all products with code spoffer50!

Five in a Row -- Complete Digital Holiday book ($34 value)

A complement to any lifestyle of learning, this book is different from the Five in a Row manuals. It doesn’t give a specific book to study for each holiday, rather it is a treasury of traditions, memories and ideas for making your own! Each unit also includes calendar pages, blank pages for recording your own memories, and combinations of traditions and recipes, book and movie suggestions, quotes, decorating ideas, and more! 

Knowledge Quest -- Wonders of Old Timeline Book ($25 value)

Wonders of Old is divided into
four historical time periods: ancient, medieval, new world and modern.
Significant dates are listed at the conclusion of each section as a helpful
reference. This hardcover book measures 9x12 and is printed on extra thick 70#
paper for durability.

In the Hands of a Child -- 1-Year Super Membership ($75 value)

Super Memberships Save
You Time and Money! Each month Super Members receive two free downloadable Lapbooks. These
Lapbooks are always brand new and have not been released for sale to the general
public. Super Members also receive:

• 15% discount off
  all purchases of existing eBook Lapbooks.
• A free Birthday
•  Lapbook10.00 off the price of
  any custom ordered unit

Southern Hodgepodge -- A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook ($20 value)

Looking for an easy way to add art
to your days? With A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook – just add
chalk pastels and paper! Short lessons for a whole year, 100 pages of tutorials,
art for all ages.

Tricia Goyer -- Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska ($13 value)

Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her
dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who
still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But When singer
Ginny Marshall travels to the isolated town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, she is
charmed by the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery. She discovers a
box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between an early missionary
to Alaska Territory and his accidental mail-order bride. Written by homeschool moms, Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss.

Frontier 2000 -- No Regrets: How Homeschooling Earned Me a Master's Degree by Age Sixteen by Alexandra Swann and Looking Backward: My Twenty-Five Years As a Homeschooling Mother by Joyce Swann ($20 value)

No Regrets: The engaging story of Swann's experiences growing up as a Southern Baptist homeschooled child from New Mexico earning her education at a highly accelerated pace. At the age of fifteen she became the youngest student ever to graduate from Brigham Young University in its 111 year history.



Looking Backward: From 1975-2000, Joyce Swann homeschooled each of her ten children from the first grade through master's degrees by the age of sixteen. In this book, she discusses the methods she used to teach as well as the obstacles that threatened her success.

____________________________________________

The 1st RUNNER UP will receive ALL of the following -- a $225 value!

Geography Matters -- Cultural Geography Package ($50 value)
Have you ever thought that geography
was a boring subject? Then you've never used these books! Eat Your Way Through
the U.S.A. and Eat Your Way Around the World are a taste buds-on approach to
geography. Each state or country has its unique geographical features and
agricultural products. These influence both the ingredients that go into a
recipe and the way food is prepared. Why stop with only your taste-buds? Let's
involve all the senses by adding Geography Through Art! This hand-son approach
will supplement any study of geography, history, or social studies. Geography
Through Art is sure to make a lasting addition to your home or school library.
You'll find yourself reaching for this indispensable guide again and again to
delight and engage students in learning about geography through the culture and
art of peoples around the world.

Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett -- Discover the Senses Download N Go ($9 value) In this study, your child will investigate a new sense each day, learning what it is and how it works, as well as what it does for him. He will learn what impacts that particular sense. And he will meet some of history’s heroes, such as Louis Braille, who helped along the way. Each day, your student will explore and investigate, creating and adding more learning components to his Discover the Senses lapbook—building a wonderful reminder of all that he is learning to be enjoyed for years to come.

Shining Dawn Books -- Remarkable Rain ($9 value)

Quiet and peaceful, or wild and raging – rain comes in many forms.
This NaturExplorers unit sets out to examine rain in all its beauty, observe its
effects and make you look forward to the next rainy day!

A+ Tutorsoft -- 3-month subscription to the online A+ TutorSoft math program -- winner's choice from    grade levels 1st-4th ($50 value)

A+ TutorSoft, Inc. provides Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH Full Curriculum products to help students improve their grades at all levels. Our Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH helps homeschooling families as well as public and private school teachers and students. A+ TutorSoft offers everyone a FREE 30 day trial on all products. Visit the top right corner of our website: http://www.aplustutorsoft.com/. And through 3/31/13 they are offering 50% off all products with code spoffer50!

Five in a Row -- Set of Five Audio Files from Steve Lambert ($20 value)

We all need some inspiration from time to time! Steve and Jane Lambert have been encouraging homeschoolers on their journey since 1994. These Five in a Row audio files have been recorded at major state homeschooling conventions around the United States and Canada and have been chosen because we believe you’ll enjoy it for its wisdom, humor and encouragement shared by Steve. Including: Where do I Begin?, I Can't Teach All the Grades at Once, Making Your Children into World Changers, On Becoming Great Teachers, and High School and Beyond.

In the Hands of a Child -- 6-Month Super Membership ($55 value)

Super Memberships Save You Time and Money! Each month Super Members receive two free downloadable Lapbooks. These Lapbooks are always brand new and have not been released for sale to the general public. Super Members also receive:

• 15% discount off all purchases of existing eBook Lapbooks.
• A free Birthday
•  Lapbook10.00 off the price of any custom ordered unit

Southern Hodgepodge -- A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook ($20 value)

Looking for an easy way to add art to your days? With A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook – just add chalk pastels and paper! Short lessons for a whole year, 100 pages of tutorials, art for all ages.

Tricia Goyer -- Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska ($13 value)

Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But When singer Ginny Marshall travels to the isolated town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, she is charmed by the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery. She discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between an early missionary to Alaska Territory and his accidental mail-order bride. Written by homeschool moms, Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss.

____________________________________________

The 2nd RUNNER UP will receive ALL of the following -- a $190 value!

Geography Matters -- Adventures of Munford Package ($35 value) Although he's just two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, Munford is all
adventure. He can be rain, snow, sleet, or steam. He has traveled the world in
search of excitement. Throughout history, he has been present at some of the
most important and world-changing events. Fun and educational, Munford will
inspire your children to learn more about many of history's greatest moments.
These readers make a great addition to your learning experience in areas such as
history, geography, and science. This book series is written on an elementary
reading level, but provides plenty of read-aloud entertainment for the entire
family!

Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett -- Discover the Senses Download N Go ($9 value) In this study, your child will investigate a new sense each day, learning what it is and how it works, as well as what it does for him. He will learn what impacts that particular sense. And he will meet some of history’s heroes, such as Louis Braille, who helped along the way. Each day, your student will explore and investigate, creating and adding more learning components to his Discover the Senses lapbook—building a wonderful reminder of all that he is learning to be enjoyed for years to come.

Shining Dawn Books -- Remarkable Rain ($9 value)
Quiet and peaceful, or wild and raging – rain comes in many forms. This NaturExplorers unit sets out to examine rain in all its beauty, observe its effects and make you look forward to the next rainy day!

A+ Tutorsoft -- 3-month subscription to the online A+ TutorSoft math program -- winner's choice from    grade levels 1st-4th ($50 value)

A+ TutorSoft, Inc. provides Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH Full Curriculum products to help students improve their grades at all levels. Our Multi-Sensory Interactive MATH helps homeschooling families as well as public and private school teachers and students. A+ TutorSoft offers everyone a FREE 30 day trial on all products. Visit the top right corner of our website: http://www.aplustutorsoft.com/. And through 3/31/13 they are offering 50% off all products with code spoffer50!

Five in a Row -- Volume 4 Digital Unit of Winner's Choice ($9 value)

Five
in a Row was
created by Jane Claire Lambert, a successful homeschool teacher with more than
17 years of experience. To use Five
in a Row,
just pick one of the 70 books used in Five
in a Row, locate
the corresponding lesson plan in your teacher’s guide, read the story aloud each
day during the week and use Jane’s suggestions and lesson plans to lead your
children on a wonderful learning adventure. It’s that simple! Each unit
covers Social
Studies, Geography, Language Arts, Applied Math, Science and Art in a way that
causes children to fall in love with learning.

In the Hands of a Child -- 2-Month Super Membership ($45 value)

Super Memberships Save You Time and Money! Each month Super Members receive two free downloadable Lapbooks. These Lapbooks are always brand new and have not been released for sale to the general public. Super Members also receive:

• 15% discount off all purchases of existing eBook Lapbooks.
• A free Birthday
• Lapbook10.00 off the price of any custom ordered unit

Southern Hodgepodge -- A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook ($20 value)

Looking for an easy way to add art to your days? With A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels ebook – just add chalk pastels and paper! Short lessons for a whole year, 100 pages of tutorials, art for all ages.

Tricia Goyer -- Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska ($13 value)

Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from the recording contract of her dreams—a deal that would guarantee success for the former foster child, who still struggles to bury the memories of her painful childhood. But When singer Ginny Marshall travels to the isolated town of Glacier Bay, Alaska, she is charmed by the town's colorful characters and stunning scenery. She discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the love story between an early missionary to Alaska Territory and his accidental mail-order bride. Written by homeschool moms, Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Abraham's Journey - Review

Inspiring the American Dream is dedicated to the preservation of the American ideal.  Founders, Kathlenn and Robert Basmadjian, are operating the website and have authored a children's book with the desire to inspire today's youth "by instilling in them the values, principles and virtues necessary to achieve the American dream."  Hard work, perseverance, and innovative ideas are principles greatly focused upon.

As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, my family had the opportunity to review the book, Abraham's Journey:  A Celebration of the American Dream.  Set in the modern day "Great Recession", it is the story of a young boy, Abraham, who finds his parents out of work and facing the possibility of a meager Christmas in materialistic regards.  While texting to see if others can give him ideas on how to earn money to "save" Christmas, he encounters Abraham Lincoln.  The Abraham's journey into the past and encounter historical and well-known figures including:  Martin Luther King, Norman Rockwell, Amelia Earhart, Mark Zuckerberg, and Bill and Melinda Gates.  In becoming acquainted with these noteworthy characters, Abraham is introduced to and develops an understanding of the American dream.  He is also made aware of his own gifts and talents which are then used and applied to his Christmas situation.

Abraham's Journey: A Celebration of the American Dream retails for $14.99 and is recommended for children ages 7-12.  My 7 and 8 year old boys would to read this book independently, so we used it as a read aloud in our home.  In doing so, it allowed my 6 year old daughter to take part as well.  The storyline was easy for them all to follow and the illustrations assisted in holding their attention and reinforcing the plot.  It was a relatively short read, and we were able to easily complete the book in one sitting. 

Honestly, this book would not land on our top faves list.  From a literary standpoint, I feel the introduction of so many characters in such a short story really minimized the lessons they were teaching.  It could be misunderstood simply as the boys quest to obtain money. 

Secondly, I wish the plot line wasn't in the context of Christmas, and sending the message that Christmas itself is lacking without gifts.  Also, the thought that the boy had a smartphone, yet there wasn't money to buy even one simple gift seems a bit off as well.  Was the family living beyond their means in the first place?  Then, a pet peeve, I have to ask, "Why does the elementary school child have the phone?"  My kiddos know that's not happening in our family when they are that young :-) 

Finally,  I find that so many are quick to equate patriotism and American citizenship with Christianity.  However, I don't find them equal at all.  I'm thankful for the freedoms I am afforded living in America; however, my identity is in Christ... not the pull yourself up by your boot straps mentality of the American dream.  I believe, my dream is for my children to know who they are in Christ, recognize and use their God-given gifts and talents, and be focused on serving others opposed to advancing themselves.

I do want to note that the book didn't totally disregard God and faith, but they definitely seemed to take a backseat to the "American Dream."  Therefore, it is not a book that my family will read again.  However, I appreciate the discussions it led me to have with my children.  As always, others have different opinions and used the book in other ways within their families.  I encourage you to click the button below and read what other Schoolhouse Review Crew members are saying.