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Reading, Phonic and Spelling {my fav program…a treasure to share!}

05.13.2014

As a former language arts teacher in the public schools (and YEARS of paying for tutors for one with dyslexia)–I have a true appreciation for this spelling and reading program. (No more tutors needed here!) When reading and spelling programs overlap–there will always be more gain for the student, and I can’t say enough about All About Reading and All About Spelling (published by All About Learning Press) which is Orton Gillingham based.

At first, it may feel like a lot of hands on as it’s multi sensory learning (NO WORKSHEETS/WORKBOOKS!)–but it’s so worth it!! Here’s a great article about these two programs, their differences and why doing these together is so beneficial: http://blog.allaboutlearningpress.com/whats-the-difference-aar-aas/

If you are looking for a strong OG program for your kiddo–regardless if your child has a special reading need or is a strong reader (I have both and they both benefit greatly from this program)—and I’m so glad I found it!! (I wish they taught this in college to language arts/reading teachers–it took me 3 years of homeschooling to learn how to really teach phonics to my kiddos, and I wasn’t confident enough to fill the gaps myself so I went to OG tutors despite having a teaching degree in reading as they don’t teach OG in college–which I think is hands down the best phonics approach.

BUT if you just follow the prompts in this program–it is truly amazing how it will strengthen their reading and spelling skills! Many kids miss phonics, memorize words and you don’t realize this until 3rd or 4th grade when their brains can no longer retain as many difficult words. If they start to struggle in 3rd or 4th grade–taking them back is so important…and catching the phonic weakness in 1st or 2nd is even better. (JUST a little treasure I couldn’t help but share!!)

And y’all. I promise they didn’t ask me to write this;). Although I wish they did so they’d hook me up with the next set–HA! Seriously. If you don’t know where to start or it seems overwhelming–here’s the low down.

1. Go to this page and go to “Choose a Level”: https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading/

2. Print off the placement test to see where your child should start. They give clear directions on how to give the test for you to follow.

3. If your child completes Level 4 easily–begin with Level 4. If they miss a few in another level–you can remediate just that area or simply start on that level. (I have one that was older that needed to start on Level 2—and another that could whizz through Level 4–so I actually chose to do Level 2 with BOTH. It will only help a child to review phonics no matter how basic they may seem. You may even realize you memorize words yourself and don’t have a solid foundation of phonics also.

4. What spelling level should you start on? You should start on Level 1 if your child hasn’t been in a phonics program before. If he/she has–then they recommend going straight to Level 2. (You can see sample lessons on the website. Level 2 will have words like: hinge, sweet, sweat, dentist. He/she will have dictation sentences to hear and correctly write like: The loud truck when into town.) If your child isn’t reading and writing yet, there is a Pre-Reading Program and Level 1 Spelling would be the place to start:).

Hope this helps! It may seem very simple and basic at first. I have discovered most kids have missed a solid phonics program in schools. If you aren’t sure if your child’s school has a strong phonics program–just ask! Ask what phonics method program the teacher implements in the room. If you get a blank stare–take on teaching your child phonics yourself. If the teacher quickly answers The Wilson Method, Orton Gillingham, the Barton System, etc–then you are good. Just ask how you can reinforce at home. If the teacher says the alphabet, phonic workbooks, etc–you might want to supplement at home. It’s much easier to take a 1st or 2nd grader back to basic phonics than a struggling 5th or 6th grader–so covering this ground early and filling in gaps is definitely a benefit to everyone!!

Happy reading and spelling!!

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How We Homeschool {And my 2 cents for what they’re worth}

04.30.2014

I’m preparing for my 4th year homeschooling–and this year ahead will be my fullest yet with 2 in K, one in 3rd, one in 4th and another running around in a diaper:) Next year, we’re opting out of preschool for the youngest and letting him roll with our crazy homeschooling. (For us having them in preschool has added to our crazy!) Now–if you are thinking about homeschooling and you have a tiny one and you know you have to put him/her in preschool so the others can focus–then try it! There was a season we had to do this as I was learning what worked for my kids–and it’s okay! GRACE. Lots of grace. And for many families this is the only way homeschooling works!

(Might I thrown in a 2 cents?? DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. Find what your family needs. Give yourself lots of tweaks. And remember what you try isn’t forever. If something isn’t working–change is always an option!)

We have all types of learning needs. But let me just start off by saying that it was dyslexia that led me to homeschool and not something I was very excited about AT FIRST. Now I can’t imagine anything but this–as I see the hearts of my children day in and day out…and I can guide them and simply be with them. I’m so thankful for what called us to this–although it felt crazy at first. I’m a former public school reading/language arts teacher–so I was at one time passionate about my kids going to public school…and now I’m just thankful I have the option to homeschool and get to be with my kids and to be the one watching them grow and learn. Not everyone has this opportunity–so it’s not one I ever take for granted.

(Now–might I throw in 2 cents #2? EVERYONE home schools differently because every child learns differenTtly. If you homeschool, you have the blessing of tweaking learning to your child–so it will look different for every family. ADD ON TO 2 CENTS #1…Do not compare yourself OR YOUR CHILD to others.)

I’ve been asked several times lately about what we use for homeschool–so I thought I’d document that here too:). You never know who might be blessed, encouraged or get ideas from what you share…just as I love reading what others do too!

SO…in a nutshell this is what works (and what hasn’t worked) for our family!

1. We learn together what we can together.

We have more than one child learning at home–so for us…it makes sense to learn from home. There are LOTS of options out there for homeschool like hybrids where kids can go 2x a week where they do the teaching at school and work at home and your home days are “homework” days. We’ve tried this but it didn’t work for our family because we want to be and learn together. I found myself running from the dining room with one child learning World history to the living room for another child learning U.S. History. I was wearing myself OUT. In many ways, it was separating our learning rather than drawing us closer together as a family. {*Hybrids are AWESOME if you don’t want to pick your curriculum, you’d like someone to teach your children while you focus more on the “practice” or homework, you want all of your children to learn individually by grade level in every subject, you want/need a few days to work part-time or focus on smaller children at home. If you have a hard time connecting with other homeschooling families, they can also be a great source for community!) Co-ops are also another thing to think about–but again–you can’t always speed up or slow down as your children are ready for as you really need to stay in sync with the rest of the co-op.}

FOR US…part of homeschooling was being together. SO we wanted to learn together. There are so many subjects that a kindergardener to even a high schooler can actually do together but on different LEVELS. With 5 children, we need to SIMPLIFY, be together and jump ahead OR stay behind when we need to. I also love choosing curriculum that fits our needs and having the flexibility to change things up when we need a change too–but learning together is the most important part and one of the main reasons we homeschool too!

We do our history, science, art, music and most of our reading TOGETHER. (Can you imagine having more than 2 histories, science, reading, etc to teach EVERY day?) Me either. So we do many of our things together. Some awesome curriculums that we use that are designed already for different ages to do together are:

FOR SCIENCE: APOLOGIA (CLICK HERE TO SEE DIFFERENT BOOKS TO CHOOSE EACH YEAR TOGETHER) We’ve tried lots of different science books–and many are weak and all over the place. This is consistent, solid and will engage many different ages TOGETHER.

FOR READING/PHONICS: ALL ABOUT READING (CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE) Being a former reading teacher, I’m a bit picky about phonics and foundation. THIS is hands down the best place to start…and finish. Truthfully, it wouldn’t hurt for anyone (including ME) to start on Level 1 and work my way up with the kids because many of us were not taught proper foundational phonics. This is hands down the best phonics program I’ve used, and I’ve used a billion between teaching public school and my own flock. This is just good stuff. It will help a struggling reader or sharpen a strong one.) We also use for our SPELLING the program that goes along with All About Reading which is called All About Spelling. It’s also available through the site listed above. We are trying a few other things for spelling also (our love with dyslexia needs extra, extra…but for most kiddos–that should be plenty! I just stay far away from worksheets and things that do no tie into a phonics program too).

We also do a novel study a month–again together. The kids old enough to read–take turns reading aloud so the ones who can’t read on the reading level of our novel can also participate. (We LOVE doing Lapbooks and units put together by Confessions of a Homeschooler! They are affordable and worth every penny..and kids of all ages can do them together too! We also love her art, music and other unit studies when you want to mix things up for a bit! That’s the GREAT thing about homeschooling–you can mix things up whenever you want!)

In addition to novel studies, we encourage 30 minutes of reading alone too. If you can’t read yet–then an older sibling can read to you–OR you can use Tag read along books or books on tape (We have TONS that were passed down to us with old school headphones…so fun for the littlest ones. The “ding” to turn the page takes me back to my childhood and my mom taking us often to the library!!)

FOR HISTORY: STORY OF THE WORLD (CHECK IT OUT HERE) This is just MY favorite:) (My Father’s World has a close 2nd for me! You can check them out HERE!) What I do love about My Father’s World history is how they create “synergy groups/family learning cycle” for you! They want their curriculum to be done as a family–so they have created a way for a 1st and 5th grader to rock out history as a family. THIS is a really fun one to do as a family too! We LOVE going on field trips as a family of course–so it makes sense for us to learn together and do the same history for all of our kids so our field trips together go with our learning. We happen to live close to a city with museums–so there are always different exhibits that go along with our learning–so I can’t imagine doing different histories for my loves! It’s so fun to do together as much as we can!! (I loooove this book because everything is done for you as a teacher and the ideas they give you to be creative…oh my–just fantastic!)

FOR MUSIC/ART/ETC: We do take part in a 1 day program at a church for homeschool kiddos called Timothy Ministry. This is where my kids pack in a day filled with art, music, karate, cooking, crafting, etc! They sign up for what they want to do each semester…and it’s fun to see when they intentionally sign up to be in classes TOGETHER!! And it’s pretty nice to have 1 day a week to get things done or to just hang with the toddler:)

FOR BIBLE: We work out way through the Bible by reading the “Live It” application sections along with the scripture that goes with it in the Kids Adventure Bible. You can check it out HERE. Then they play on their own reading and telling stories from Betty Lukens Read Through the Bible. You can find it HERE. YES. It may look old school. It may look weird. But y’all. Old school. And some things old school are just good. We bought the Bible Deluxe Set for $300…and oh my…best purchase ever. If you don’t want to buy that–just buy the teacher’s manual for $22 RIGHT HERE and tell your kids to imagine the felt characters;) It’s tight to scripture–so well told and written…it will have your kids on the edge of their seats what happens next in scripture. No need to reinvent the wheel or water it down when you can have ole Betty. For real. Just good stuff!

2. What we learn separately–we find independent curriculum so we can still all do at the SAME TIME and finish together.

FOR MATH: (This is where it really matters HOW your child learns!) My 2 favorite math programs are Singapore Math AND Math-U-See. My personal favorite is Singapore Math–simply because my kids get it! I like Math-U-See simply because you can buy the DVDs and have the teacher on the DVD teach your child. I would do this if I were in a hard season with lots of kids or if I stunk at math:)

(Time to chime in for 2 cents #3! NEVER change what is working for your kids!! My kids were rocking in out with Singapore. We tried a hybrid that did Math-U-See…and I discovered the DVDS…BUT we switched back to Singapore once I discovered the hybrid deal wasn’t the best fit for our family. When you find something that works–do NOT change it:)

(While I’m thinking about it 2 cents #4–do NOT spend too much time researching curriculum. There is TOO MUCH out there–and you can overwhelm yourself. Find a friend you trust–ask their advice–get the low down…and stop by to scan through a book if you can!! Visit a local store that sells homeschool materials and compare there–and choose the one that looks like it will fit best for your family. And don’t question or look back!! If it works–roll with it and have fun being with your kids!)

FOR LANGUAGE ARTS: Okay…so this is my area. I’m a former language arts teacher. Now–you could get fancy and jump into IEW early–but y’all–that’s INTENSE!! Being a writer and a former language arts teacher–my advice is to not burn your loves out early. Much of the intense report writing, proper paragraph formation, etc can wait until middle school–for real. This is an AWESOME program for 5th grade and up!! But before that…just let them enjoy reading, taking it in, learning how to summarize and grow in their writing skills through something like WRITING WITH EASE, THE COMPLETE WRITER and FIRST LANGUAGE LESSONS. Honestly…this is just sweet, wholesome but offers a strong foundation. I can’t say ENOUGH about this classical trio! Your child will be challenged to memorize, summarize, dictate and learn foundational English as well. Bring in the IEW come middle school…and you’re golden!

Those are our basics…but we do add a few things like Latin/Greek and foreign language too! The kids LOVE learning Latin and Greek and it helps build their vocabulary without having to look up all the definitions because they being to know what words mean by the roots instead. They amaze me how quickly they learn!! We use From the Roots Up (the book and flashcards) for Latin/Greek, and we use different programs for our foreign language. We are still learning Mandarin over here as it’s the most widely spoken language in the world.

(2 cents #5. If you are new to homeschool and the ONE thing you are worried about is socialization. UM. Don’t be. Looking back…I realize when I taught public school all the teachers around me told their students to be quiet and not talk when they entered the room. If they talked–they got in trouble. Your children will have more opportunities to socialize, to answer questions, and to interact constantly with people other than kids just their age as you provide them with different opportunities. We have done everything from homeschool soccer programs–many businesses offer these during school hours just for homeschool kiddos—to volunteering at nursing homes where my kids literally became good friends with the elderly. They were in a PRECIOUS school for 2 years before I decided to homeschool–and I have to tell you that I’ve seen them challenged socially with more opportunities than we ever had in “school-school”. You will need to learn BALANCE and learn how to say “no” often to social opportunities so you keep the “home” in homeschool;) Otherwise you will just be socializing constantly–so you have to balance all the opportunities with the books too.)

(And finally 2 cents #5. ENJOY this sweet season with your kids! Take breaks when you need or want them. Be spontaneous. Learn with them. Explore with them. Find friends to do life with…take breaks together…go on long field trips related to what you are learning…and a few that have nothing to do with what you are learning:). When you have a bad day and you think you are messing your kids up;)…go out for ice cream. Listen to your kids–and share your heart with them too. Fly kites. Swim. Eat ice cream. Cook together…using your times tables. And HAVE FUN.)

If you ever have any questions–please feel free to ask! I’m still learning…and if you have a gem you have discovered…please pass it my way through a comment or by contacting me!

Hope you have a blessed day!

xoxo!

Andrea

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Meg - April 30, 2014 - 7:56 am

After 7 years of homeschooling, I’m still learning, too. Just started using the “workbox” system and we all love it! I am certified to teach Reading/Language Arts also. Through homeschooling, I have discovered that I knew very little about these subjects. I love learning right alongside my children this go around. This post was filled with such great, great advice. It’s always fun to see what curriculum works with other families.

shana - April 30, 2014 - 11:52 am

We are in the midst of our 7th year of homeschooling. We have 4 girls, ages 7, 8, 10, and 12 and in grades 1, 3, 5, and 6. What a blessing and treasure it is to homeschool! What do I love most? The ability to instruct our girls in the way of the Lord. We have had the most amazing conversations about spiritual things.

We also use Apologia and The Story of the World, and find them both to be wonderful.

Sometimes the days get long. Sometimes we have to take a mental health day. I don’t worry too much about the little things anymore. The girls are all getting to be self-taught in their work, which is a life skill that we’re trying to encourage.

Hang in there on the hard days, and enjoy the ride!

Kendra Balassone - April 30, 2014 - 12:02 pm

Hi Andrea,

I love your blog and your heart for Christ and your family. I enjoyed this post especially and have researched the links you provided. I have a 2 year old and a 7 month old, and am wanting to homeschool as they get of age. I have looked into the Sonlight curriculum and had intended to go that route until reading your post. I like the idea of teaching them together. Can you weigh in on your thoughts of a program like Sonlight compared to what you currently use? And, can you (if you have time) provide a sample “day/weekly” schedule of what your days look like, regarding homeschooling, play time, etc? I like organization and routine. Any advice is helpful. Thanks so much for your time (and for your time in writing blog posts like these). Thanks again!

Suzy - April 30, 2014 - 4:10 pm

What a great post! Thank you! I love to hear what is working for other homeschool moms 🙂 i was wondering if you have ever heard of Brave Writer? I am looking into it as a writing program. IEW is a little to intense for me! 😛 I love her blog posts and her ideas of how to teach. I have an email that I can send if you are interested in looking at a condensed breakdown of how it works. Thank you again!! Y’all are awesome!

Dawn - April 30, 2014 - 7:53 pm

LOVE!~!!! We do many of the same exact things!!! 🙂 It works for our crew. We have ADD, dyslexia, auditory processing, sensory needs, and a heap of other things, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!!! We get to be together!

And our ages span from 4-14! Still works :).

Drea - July 5, 2014 - 2:21 pm

Wanted to thank you for this post. Was super helpful. I have a 4th, 2nd, pre-k and 2 yr old for this coming school year.. all dudes 😉 – and as this year ended I just felt a bit burned out. We have only ever home schooled… moved 9 times in 10 years… and had babies in every place we lived it seemed HAH! My husband a former pastor had to take on a new job as a cop (long complicated story hehe) – which brought us to atlanta… and as of right now we are unsure where the Lord will take us next. I know or at least feel he is not meant to serve as a cop forever 😉 – for now it works but he is called to Pastor and so we are hoping to be called to a church or mission some time in the next year or so.

With the thought of moving again I dont want to do public school but as I began to prep for this fall I just felt a bit bogged down and tired… wondering if my home schooling was worth it…

Your post encouraged me. So thank you!

Btw my names Andrea too 😉 – and I am a photographer as well. Started my business in 07′ after my 2nd was born. Its been a huge blessing to our family – provided for us during a 10 month jobless season for my husband. Was thankful for the ability to do something creative yet make ends meet and provide for my family.

Rock on fellow Andrea 😉 – love your blog.

Deanna - July 13, 2014 - 3:19 pm

I just purchased all of Sam Man’s books for 1st grade and I’m SUPER excited 🙂 I’m trying out some of your suggestions and sticking with a couple that have worked for him. Thank you SO MUCH for your honest and sincere advise! On behalf of all us mamas learning how all this works, THANK YOU!

Life on the farm…

04.18.2014

Oh my!

We have been here for 3 weeks TONIGHT!

And life is…

GOOD.

We have 2 animal traps set up to catch what we think is a ground hog digging all kinds of business under our front porch. I was certain we caught something tonight–but then I thought it was a coyote just howling…then to realize it was a kid upstairs who decided they needed a little extra rocking. Toddlers and coyotes don’t sound that far off in the distance I have learned;).

We have been busy getting boxes unpacked and things put away. Lots to do in our house–every room needs to be painted and every lighting piece needs to be replaced. Just one room at a time. The painters are backed up and they said they can’t come until mid-May. I’ve already gotten a few rooms done to make it feel more like home so we’ll see how much is left for them to do come mid-May!

Yes–lots of things can wait…but the painting–and the lighting…can not. Trust me when I say the lighting needs to be replaced;) Exhibit A:

Lots of yard for the kids to run and play.

The first room I decided to tackle is actually in the basement. The playroom.

I painted one entire long wall (40 feet long) with chalkboard paint. Then I painted a few things on it that I wanted to stay with acrylic paint. The rest is left for them to decorate with chalk…

Then we painted a wall for the kids to leave their handprints with their friends…

Next came our family room…which is STILL in progress as I make draperies and wait on our chairs and rug to arrive. Here’s a little sneak peak though (and instead of ripping out the Spanish tile–I’m gonna work it folks:) Pictures to come soon:)

Then came the kitchen and breakfast area. Pictures to come of that soon:) It was all GOLD. I mean orange giarrdia GOLD. Now…more peaceful. BUT lots of rooms still have that deep dark gold–so I’m thinking I’m going to cut the painters work in half before mid-May gets here. Anything that’s not gold can wait. Befores and after for sure!

We are really really loving country life! We are getting our back yard ready for goats…and a dog. Because we’ve discovered you really need a dog in the country. For many reasons. Pottying around our porch to keep ground hogs away is just one of them:)

It really is amazing how peaceful things are out here. We are still learning a new pace–of slowing down…and “I’m going to town–ya need anything?” is my new favorite phrase and question.

Can’t wait to share lots of pictures!!!!!!!

But for now–I’m going to CRASH because life on the farm…oh my–and the unpacking…is wearing this momma slap out!

We’ve sure been busy though and we’ve had LOTS of visitors! Friends and family…and even Princess Tetiana!! So thankful how her family is still in our lives!!

ALSO…it’s Zeke’s FIRST Easter with us!! Have to share a pictures of his very FIRST Easter Egg hunt!

Zeke is doing great! His language is AMAZING for a 2 year old…ALMOST 3 year old. I’m soooo excited to get to celebrate his 3rd birthday soooooon! Oh how I’ve dreamed of this!

Okay–off to crash!!

Blessings to you this EASTER!!!

He has risen!!

Andrea

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Gretchen - April 18, 2014 - 12:32 pm

So good to hear an update about your move! Looks like a great place and like you’re enjoying it already!

Sarah Jones - April 21, 2014 - 12:19 pm

Love your leap of faith to do something new! We too, are in the process of moving and doing “farm/country life.” With you doing it first I’ll get to see all of the what to do’s and what not to do’s! 🙂 Blessings to you all!

Nicole Slack - May 8, 2014 - 10:53 pm

What an exciting time for your family! We too are moving after living in the same home for 11 years. Almost everyone has been so excited for our family but we have had the same Debbie Downers as you. Our family has decides that it is such a blessing to be able to move almost 800 miles away and that God has truly blessed us each step of the way. One of my daughter wondered if maybe the few naysayers were a bit jealous of the opportunity that we have. Maybe it is something they have long dreamt of and been fearful of doing themselves so we prayed for them….just in case.

Lesley - May 27, 2014 - 8:49 am

Congrats on finding your farm! It looks amazing! We live in Alpharetta and are also looking for a farm/land farther out. Just have a desire to slow down a little and have room for the kids to run and play. Enjoy!!

Following Dreams {everyone has a different purpose}

03.19.2014

Oh my.

Tomorrow Richard comes home.

Thankful.

So right after I got home from serving at Created for Care–my sidekick took off for Zambia to love on these little loves…

And while he’s been gone.

We sold our home.

I got the list of “fix its” from the inspection that the buyers wanted. A very detailed inspection asking for 38 items to be done…by us–before the 27th. SO–this momma has been managing caring for 5 littles, homeschooling, flying solo, getting wood around windows replaced, new windows installed, door stops put on, GVAC electric plugs exchanged…big things–little things…

We thought we’d found the perfect farm–but the day before Richard left–it turned out not to be the farm for us. We went back to the farm we’d had our eye on for awhile that needs A LOT of work–but has a lot more land…and he took off–leaving this momma in charge to get it done.

Appraisals. Inspections. Surveys…

All with my 5 little loves tagging along.

And tomorrow–he comes home. And I can’t WAIT!

Yes. We found a farm:)

And we are excited.

It’s peaceful.

It’s 8 miles out from where we are now. Not far–but not a hop, skip and jump away.

It’s quite.

When I see it…and walk out there…and hear the birds and see the momma cow next door feeding her calf…the word SHALOM comes to my mind.

Shalom…

Peace.

Complete.

Full.

Shalom…

Hello and Goodbye…and the peace all in between.

Richard and I have had a dream to have a farm together for a long time.

Growing up–I always felt like dreams–were…well, just dreams.

But I married this really amazing man–who dreams with me…who shares my dreams…and takes risks to make those dreams happen.

And we all have them.

They all look different.

Mine are not yours.

Yours are not mine.

But they are good.

They have purpose.

They are on our hearts for a reason.

Deep.

Some hidden.

But there.

And living and pursuing and taking a risk at our dreams feels so vulnerable and scary and “oh my–what if we do this and don’t love it”…but it still feels so right.

As we have taken this step. Following another dream…as we have done in the past with orphan care (www.wiphan.org in Zambia)…as we have done with growing our family again and again and again…and as we are doing now in moving to a slower paced atmosphere and trying this farm life…

Others voices some times come in–and make us question.

Be careful.

Be very careful at the voices you here.

And be very careful at the words you speak.

Because we all have different desires.

The Lord has different plans and purposes for each of our lives.

And what we need to do…is LISTEN. To celebrate one another’s different purposes, future, and dreams as they unfold.

Some things I’ve heard the last few weeks…

Just wait until your kids are bigger–you are going to hate living farther out…

I’m worried about you being farther out–I mean…will anyone swing by?

Your life is in the city–won’t you get tired of driving back and forth?

Think of all the time you will be spending in the car?

I mean–I guess it’ll be fine as long as you homeschool forever.

GULP. And fear…it begins to lurk around the corner…but…BUT…instead…

I step back and smile.

Because this is MY dream. Our dream–for our family. And I can hear those things and remember…truth…and remember we live in a fallen world…that likes to remind us why our dreams might not be the best for us…

Deep breath…

Because some times–we are pretty good as putting a damper on other people’s dreams.

Because really–we have to also remember–that the dreamer has probably already worked through all of these things.

So…

Yes. We will drive further. A whole 8 miles.

Yes. 8 miles can be 15 minutes–adding to 30 minutes round trip for soccer or ballet or whatever my loves want to try…and yes–we realize this can be seen as “wasted time” or “time lost”.

Yes. Many probably won’t be swinging by.

And maybe–we will hate it when the kids are bigger like Sally Jane said we would and want to move closer in later…but…

What if.

What if we don’t?

What if we were made for this?

What if our dream is to have families out? And when they come–they experience SHALOM…and it becomes worth an extra 15 minutes to come see us…or for some 30 minutes or more?

What if I told you no one swings by now in my neighborhood because no one has time…because everyone’s too busy (because living in the mix some how makes you more busy some times)–and right here…this mom who doesn’t say “no, I can’t” well–is asked to help here and there or pick extras up…when you think about it…living out for this mom who says yes and offers every single time my ears catch a need…well…it may actually be easier. And I have a feeling–that those who make the hike already to see us because they love us here…will love us and still make the hike there to see us.

And we’ll make the hike to see them too.

And just maybe it won’t be hours off our lives…but rather so much more…so much richer…so much fuller.

So maybe my kids will no longer live in the mix.

But maybe feeding a goat at 5am will do something to their hearts…adding tenderness, compassion and caregiving skills that take them farther in life than just our culdasac would.

And I’m all for the culdasac. Because we’ve done it for 10 years.

But I want to live a life of no retreats, regrets or reserves–and we are excited to step out in this new adventure.

It’s beautiful y’all.

Pictures…melt.

Pictures to come…lots of them I’m sure–promise;).

Next week.

More pictures of the rest of this lovely new place.

We close and move next week…and it will take a lot of work, and a long–spread out–but worth it labor of love.

And I will probably be entertaining my Instagram friends daily with our farming skills and the lack there of as they grow. (Seriously–I spent an hour on the phone with someone selling goats–and she lost me when she said “You just tie up their balls when you don’t want more goats”…um–did SHE just SAY that?) I think farm life is obviously very different–and we are excited and ready and hopeful that others that don’t “get us” will at least smile and say “Go for it!” or “I’m excited to watch!” instead of sprinkling doubt or trying to talk us out of our dreams or causing us to second guess…before it’s “too late”.

But this is how it goes.

With all of us isn’t it?

Whether you are being called to dreams of adoption, fostering, moving away, staying near, ministry, investing more here or there–for a purpose…YOUR purpose…HIS purpose…for YOU.

But such a wonderful reminder that I never want to be the other one…

Causing anyone to second guess their dreams–

But rather the voice of encouragement–supporting them and celebrate with them…and when invited…to witness the beauty beside them.

Make us THAT voice Lord.

More to come for those of you who want to celebrate this next fun season with us!

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Gretchen - March 19, 2014 - 10:10 pm

Wow! It looks beautiful!
And Holy Moly! Next week! You really move!
Enjoy this exciting adventure and looking forward to seeing more photos of the place!

Ashley - March 20, 2014 - 7:43 am

LOVE. I would totally make the hike. Praying for your new adventure. (And praying for the move, ugh moving.) You’re a good mama…I love your perspective. Thank you.

Meaghan - March 20, 2014 - 10:11 am

Sounds like quite an adventure for your beautiful family! Contact your Extension Service office and they’ll help you learn to farm! 🙂

Tamara Gilbert - March 20, 2014 - 10:57 am

When God calls us down a road that looks different from others, there will always be odd comments. Just like adoption. Hang in there! We live in a small rural town and we’ve had goats and cows and our children have had amazing experiences. City life is good if that’s where God planted you, but if this is where He is calling you. Run!!! Always inspired by you and your family!

Kim - March 20, 2014 - 2:49 pm

I want to run across that field barefoot and lay down and look up at the beautiful sky! Congrats- you’re gonna love it!…says the one whose kiddo’s have enjoyed their Uncles farm since day one. It’s a great life.

Bobbi - March 20, 2014 - 3:11 pm

It takes so much courage to follow your dreams when they do not seem to fall in line what others want for you. Kudos to you and your family for making the best decision for your family. Foxfire Books should help with the farming! My father in law lives by them! 🙂

SleepyMom - March 21, 2014 - 12:36 pm

You are right, no one swings by in the city anyhow. If one of my friends moved to a farm only 8 miles further away, I would most likely end up visiting more because it seems reasonable to say, “we’d love to come hang out at your farm and be introduced to the goats, etc.” It would be worth the extra 15 minutes!
I hope you’ll get to raise laying hens. My dad started this and the kids ask to drive to TN to visit the chickens and no I dont’ drive 7+ hours just to see chickens but it sure makes our once or twice a year visit extra awesome. The chickens get fed a lot and the kids eat more eggs than usual at breakfast. Win, win.
Enjoy your farm!

Robyn Beall - March 23, 2014 - 1:53 pm

Andrea, I am so very happy for your sweet family! We too have purchased 10 acres that will be an additional 8 miles from where we currently live. And I too have heard all the same comments. But I have to trust, knowing that the Lord led our hearts to this place, that he wants to do great things for him through us and for now, I just have to trust! God calls some to the city, some to foreign lands and some to the country, but all to serve him and glorify him! Excited to follow along your journey as we walk similar paths!

Maureen - March 24, 2014 - 4:14 pm

Your post reminds me of my favorite poem by Robert Frost. This is my favorite part…

“I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

Dreams are personal, they are between you and God.
I am so excited for you and your family!

Can’t wait to see pictures of Move-in day!!

Mimi Elmer - March 24, 2014 - 6:00 pm

Wow! What a week for your family! God is good! Praying his hand on you as you move this week!

Blessings!
Mimi
http://www.mimielmer.blogspot.com

Nikki - March 24, 2014 - 9:21 pm

So excited for you all! May you find encouragement and help not only from the expected people and places, but also from the unexpected.

marci - April 14, 2014 - 7:34 pm

Faith is not a light that dispels all our darkness,but a lamp that guides our steps at night and that is enough for the road…Lumen Fiedei
Buen Camino ,sweet friend in Christ . What sweet times ahead for your family.
God has had His hand on all of this journey ,I have no doubt !
Love and Pax,Marci

Meet Lauren and her sweet family {love this momma}

03.17.2014

It is such an honor to call this momma a friend. She is truly the most tender, sweetest person I know. What an honor it is to be on the Created for Care team with her…and what a gift it is to call her a friend. Her story blesses me…thought it might bless you too–and just had to share.

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Lauren Casper - March 18, 2014 - 11:36 am

Thank you so much for sharing our video — love you too!!!!! xoxoxoxo