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Welcome to the November edition of A Living Education E-zine!

We are wrapping up formal schooling for the year and it is with a sigh of relief (and quiet prayer of praise) that I do so. God has got us through yet another year of homeschooling, parenting, businesses, conflicts and victories.

I was thinking back over my year today when I had a moment all to myself and I thought about a few occasions that stood out for me. Some were mountaintop experiences, others were in the valleys.

But each of these experiences and situations have taught me something. Sometimes it is just practical things and other times it has been spiritual lessons. But all of these moments form the big soup which is my life!

I thought for a change I would share some of these with you all.

I understand what the term “hen-pecked” is all about! We purchased 4 laying hens about 4 months ago. One of our hens became very broody so we allowed her to hatch a chick. She was such a diligent mommy, but the other three hens pecked her baby every time baby moved out from under her wings. So we returned her to the friend we originally got her from so that she could raise her little one in peace. We replaced her with another layer. This poor girl has been mercilessly hen-pecked since she arrived which was really just establishing the “pecking order”. It seems to have settled down after 2 weeks. I learnt then that I must not hen-peck my husband or my children!

I love to mountain bike. Unfortunately to get into the pine forests we have to climb a terribly steep jeep track before we get to the more gentle inclines and single tracks. This is a good 30 minute climb. I liken this climb to the times we seem to be struggling with things in our home, relationships or in ourselves. The climb and struggle is worth it when we finally reach the flats – the place of surrender to the Lord.

Lastly, I looked back at some photographs taken of my children in the earlier part of the year. Because we are so close to our children, we can often miss the little bits of growth that take place – physically and spiritually. But over time these changes become much more visible. I thought about the little seeds that were sown in my children’s lives and how God has brought the increase over time. Praise Him! If you are battling to see change in areas you have been working on for a while, take a step back and look for a while – there are little seedlings growing.

Living books

I asked my children to share with you their favorite read alouds from this year. They groaned at me and said: “But there are so many we have loved!” But with a process of elimination they have come up with this list. The comments are theirs. These books are all available through Kalahari.net and Amazon.com

Jessica (14) – Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. Set in South Africa during 1940’s it is a classic in African literature. Reverend Kumalo goes in search of his son in Johannesburg and in the process has to face the breakdown of the African tribal system as young men go in search of money and adventure on the gold mines. Kumalo’s journey shows how racial prejudice is nothing in the face of forgiveness and a humble heart.

Jonathan (12) – Twice Freed by Patricia St John’s. Set in the time of the Apostle Paul. Onesimus is a slave who desires his freedom from his master and is determined never to surrender to the Lordship of Christ.

Sarah (10) – Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St John’s. Set in Switzerland. A story of learning to forgive others when you really don’t want to.

David (6.5) – It was hard going for him as he was adamant that the 2008 Lego catalogue was his favorite reading…but he finally conceded that Bill Peet’s Hermit the Kermit was a winner. Kermit learns about finding true happiness in giving rather than receiving.

Myself - Twenty Chickens for a Saddle by Robyn Scott. Robyn was raised in Botswana for her school years. She was homeschooled until she was 14 years old when she went to boarding school in Zimbabwe. It is a delightful story of their family’s philosophy of unschooling. She shares wonderful stories of their learning experiences and childhood games. Her father was a doctor for bush clinics and a great environmentalist and these stories while not all humorous, are definitely thought provoking. I must issue a warning about this book for sensitive people. She has a very eccentric grandfather whose language is not always the cleanest and some of the more traditional African beliefs on curing Aids are quite shocking. Robyn has gone on to live in the UK but is still intricately involved in helping Aids orphans in Botswana. A brilliant, humorous and thought provoking book.

New Product

Last month I mentioned that I had a new E-Book in the pipeline. I am thrilled that it is now completed and that I can offer it to you.

Enter The Ultimate Mom’s Meal Planner This is a 3 month breakfast, lunch and supper meal plan with recipes for each. Also included is a cookie jar section as well as a weekly dessert treat!

As I am a firm believer in training my children alongside me in all areas of homemaking, cooking is yet another place that we extend this too. The meal planner also has helping hand suggestions so that you can begin to train your children in helping in the kitchen when it comes to preparing meals.

There is also a free bonus recipe book and a free breakfast smoothies E-Book...all for the really reasonable price of $12.95. (South African Moms, you can contact me to purchase this in Rands).

I also mentioned that it would save you time and money...be sure to read through the sales page where I explain this in more detail!

On my toddler site I have added some Christmas coloring pages, Christmas crafts and activities

Take care until next time,
God’s richest blessings to you as you homeschool,
Wendy

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