See Ya Later...

Keep those homestead & homeschool fires burning.  I'll talk to you when we get back from vacation!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Thesis is "In the Mail"!

Well...for better of worse, my thesis ~ "The Biblical Basis for Homeschooling Christian Children" ~ has been turned in and I am waiting - w/frayed nerves - to find out what the grade - and reaction! - will be.

So, I have completed my credits for my Associate's Degree in Biblical Studies and am actually 18 credits into my Bachelor's! I attend a small seminary that does intensive degrees (and believe me...they ARE intensive!!). My pastor is the Dean...but that gives me no grace! lol

I'll be graduating on Sept. 13th. It's an odd date for graduation, I know, but a gentleman from Kenya was taking courses on-line and we raised the $$ for him to come and graduate w/us. I think the timing had something to do w/his Visa. But I'm excited!

I'm doing this, mostly, b/c I have no idea what I will be doing after we graduate our youngest dd this spring...our last homeschool graduate! WOW!! After 16 years, it just seems so unreal to think about. The time has FLOWN!

I'm hoping to still be writing and speaking. Maybe her graduating will open a little more writing time. We'll see.

But if you think of me, please keep my never level in your prayers while I wait for it to be reviewed. Thanks.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Where is God When it Hurts?

Another blogger basically asked on her blog: "Where is God when it hurts?  Why is it that so many sincere, dedicated Christians seem to suffer or have bad things happen to them?"  Well...you know me...I couldn't resist a somewhat lengthy reply.    So, I thought I would blog it here. 

PLEASE feel free to give your opinion on Where is God When it Hurts?

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

I think it's very natural for us to wonder this, to even complain about it to the Lord. But He is a BIG GOD and He CAN take it! I don't think He gets angry when we question Him, or even get mad ... just don't STAY there!

When our little girl died...I asked over and over again, "why?" Just 3 weeks ago yesterday, the husband of a dear friend of mine - a wonderful godly husband and dad - was killed on his motorcyle on his way to work; a lady (who turned out to be a pastor's wife, poor thing) pulled out from a stop sign and he was killed instantly. He was wearing his helmet, going the speed limit, he had the right-of-way...did everything right. But the Lord has our days written out in His book of life and we live and serve at HIS pleasure; especially Christians. None of us are promised tomorrow.

We also need to remember that we live in a fallen world. And especially as Christians, we have an enemy who HATES us, whose greatest desire is our fall and our pain. Sometimes I think he picks the strongest in faith to drive in the biggest hurts...like Job, I think God has told him not to take our lives. After the shock and sadness and anger and grief start to fade - just a little - I pray that we will all be faithful enough to remember that something about this will serve God's purpose to expand His kingdom...we may never even know what that was...but HE IS ALWAYS WORKING.

As Nanny said in her comment, the Lord PROMISED not to give us more than we can handle. And I admit, I've looked up and asked, "Lord! Are You SURE you have the right person, here? Cos, I think You made a mistake picking me!" But...I put one foot in front of the other, I pray, I trust and I live. Sometimes - at least for a while - that's all you CAN do.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf

Anyone Use Multi-Year Unit Studies?

This is our 16th (and last ) year of homeschooling and up until this past spring, I was the county homeschool coordinator for 11 years. During my first couple of years as coordinator - and while our girls were still little - I noticed that many wonderful homeschool families were graduating students that made awesome grades and many were going on into college or trade school...but...even though they "made the grade" they couldn't fry an egg or change the oil in their cars!

It was then that I decided that little by little as we progressed through life and school - and MOST ESPECIALLY when they were in Jr and Sr high - that I was going to concentrate on Life Skills along w/the academics!! I have all girls and we have raised them to aspire to be wives/mothers...if they have some sort of career before then or find something they can do for pay at home, fine...but I wanted my daughters to know more than I did when my hubby and I were married! My mom was a working mom and if I hadn't had home ec in school, I probably wouldn't even know how to read a recipe. I didn't want my girls' husbands to suffer through all their 'experiments' like their sweet Daddy did w/me! lol

All that to say that I found a couple of really neat multi-year life skill unit studies!! (Maybe I'll post my reviews of them here sometime.) One is Far Above Rubies which can be used for 7 (YES!! 7) years! Through Jr & Sr high years. (It also has a boy's counter-part: Blessed is the Man which can be used along w/a girl using F.A.R.) This is a great product but once I got it, it had too much reading and research for what I wanted. THEN...I found out about Training Our Daughters to Be Keepers at Home. This one is a 4 year study - basically the high school years. Now, when I got this one, it was a little too much hands-on than what I wanted. What did I do?

For the last few years we have worked through it combining the two. When I start my planning I look through both studies and decide which units for each study can be used together and assign them that way. Mind you...this is done VERY loosely!! These books are basically - in our household, anyway - a guide.

What we have been doing over the last several years (and our oldest daughter who graduated from our homeschool in '06 is still doing) is as we study something we are adding to each girl's 3-ring notebook and making them each a Life Skills Manual as we go!! They will have these manuals to take w/them into THEIR homes when they leave to become keepers of their homes!

We have covered so much already...we have added recipes from the studies, themselves, plus our own family favorites and favorites passed down through the generations (each one of these recipes is made the day we add it to the binder); we have taken a tour of a funeral home and learned about what happens to the deceased, pricing, the process of grieving...we opened this up as a field trip w/others and as my pastor is the funeral home director he spoke about the difference in how a saved and unsaved family grieves, the promise of heaven for the believer...basically we wanted to take the mystery and scariness out of the process. The reason behind this is that my husband and I lost our 1st beautiful daughter to SIDS when she was 3 months old (22 years ago) and we had to make all those must-be-made-NOW decisions in the midst of our grief and inexperience. We have covered different home repairs projects, courtship and marriage, childbirth/child care, caring for the elderly, gardening, knitting, sewing...and so much more w/much more to do.

We also have written some of our own unit studies...some of which are expanded ideas from what we were working on w/the other studies.

So...I am wondering if any of you have ever used any multi-year unit studies and what your experiences were like.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf

College in California? Christians NEED NOT APPLY!

OK...for some reason this isn't letting me post my article here.  So...if you would please kick on http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Buckeyeblog/574119/ and go to my other blog to read this.

Is there ANYTHING good that comes out of a California University anymore?  Christians - pay attention!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Homeschool Victory In California!! PTL!!

Parents have the right to home school, state court says

Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer

Friday, August 8, 2008

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/08/BAE5127NLJ.DTL

Do You Ask God?

“Boy, I sure do wish I could get that new science book for next year – if only we had the money”…”Oh, if only my girls will marry a godly man…”…”Wouldn’t it be great if only...if only…if only…if only…”

I have come to a realization – after being a Christian for “ONLY” 26 years! – that I am settling.  I am settling for the mediocre, the mundane, the “good enoughs.”  I’ve had it with settling! 

Now, don’t get me wrong…I am NOT a “name it, claim it” person.  If the Lord’s will is “no,” then “no” it is.  But it has come to my own attention that I’ve been praying for, and believing in answers to prayer for everyone else but myself and my home.  Isn’t that craziness?!  Why is it that I seem to think that my prayers are for everyone else in my life but me and mine?!  I know…crazy.

And the really nutty thing is, I’ve SEEN God answer my prayers over and over and over again in the last 26 years of my walk with Him – when my husband was laid off for 7 months and we couldn’t afford new curriculum, I was asked to review products and – lo and behold – wouldn’t you just know it, EVERYTHING I was asked to review “just happened” to be items that we needed for our school year!  Huh.  Did I ask?  Yes.  Did I receive?  “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me ABUNDANTLY, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Tim. 1:4)   Like you, I’ve prayed for and watched people get healed, accept Jesus as their Savior; seen my girls accomplish wonderful things…Huh.  Did I ask?  Yes.  Did I receive?  Abundantly!

But there are other times when I knowingly don’t ask.  What’s wrong with me?  I KNOW that the Lord wants me to ask, why don’t I?  Now, I’m not saying that I don’t believe that the Lord will answer my prayers, I KNOW that He does answer…it just seems that I pray for the “bigger things” for others and not myself or my family.  I used to, what happened?  I’m SO sorry Lord, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) 

As I said, I’m NOT a “name it, claim it” person – but what have I missed because I have not asked?  I certainly know that if I should pray for something that’s not in the Lord’s will, or is for selfish use, that the Lord will graciously say “no.”  I welcome that.  But WHAT have I MISSED?  I’m willing to find out.  I’m willing to once again be the prayer warrior that I used to be!  I’m willing to ask and watch EXPECTANTLY for His loving answer – even if it’s “no.”  I’m willing to watch my family once again blossom under His umbrella of blessing.

Won’t you join me?

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Growing Old & Enjoying It

Just in case you didn't know it, I'm 49 years old.  WOW!  WHEN did that EVER happen to ME?!?!    It wasn't until I was in my 30s that life finally seemed to start 'clicking.'  Know what I mean?  Yes, there are always going to be times of family strife; yes, that's when our kids are growing and active and going in 20 different directions; yes, that's about the time we really start losing our gr-parents, parents, uncles, aunts...even some of our childhood friends.  It seems that that's when life starts getting 'REAL'.  If you weren't close to the Lord before that time in your life, then that's when you either sink - and walk away because you forgot that we DO live in a sinful world after all, BUT God is still on the Throne and He still loves us and has an awesome plan for our lives...OR...you swim - you stay afloat, you dog paddle, you rely more deeply on the Lord and draw closer BECAUSE you realize that this sinful, fallen world isn't "IT."  That there's more and the Lord is your ultimate reward.

That realization is what makes life work, what makes it do-able, what gives me my joy in the hard, sad times.  Just like the "Footprints" poem says, that's when Jesus carries me.  And, having been a Daddy's Girl, I LOVE being carried and cuddled by my Daddy...especially my Heavenly Father!

But I digress a little.  Below is an e-mail that a dear friend of mine sent me about growing older.  Although there are parts in it that show it probably wasn't written by a Christian, the jist of it is OH SO TRUE.  As I said earlier, I was probably in my 30s before I started really coming into my own.  Living life the way we thought the LORD was leading us and NOT what culture, society, the "old guard" at church, fashion, parents, in-laws...WHOEVER...ANYONE who isn't living OUR lives says we should be living it!  It's not that I don't care what others think, I just don't care enough  to take their well-meaning, uninformed criticism of my homeschooling, my regarding my husband as the head of my home, my raising my daughters to look forward to being wives and mothers, my finding joy in small things, my wanting to learn more about gardening or making my own household cleaners and personal items instead of "simply going to the store," if I traded the high heels and dress suits of my modeling/make up artist days for well-worn jeans, funky jewelry and Burkenstocks!!...among other things.  I'm sure YOU have been there, too.

Well, all that to say.  I really enjoyed the little story below.  It spoke of alot of my feelings (except for sleeping 'til noon! ) w/o being disrespectful.  And if any of you are younger than me by more than 10 years, I hope you learn this lesson VERY SOON.  There IS a "great freedom that comes with aging."  Enjoy the ride!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Old Age, I decided, is a gift!

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be.  Oh, NOT my body!  I sometimes despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt.  And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother! [I'm looking more like my Dad & my aunt! KW<><]), but I don't agonize over those things ... for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.  As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself.  I've become my own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement goose that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. 

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 a.m. and sleep until noon? 

I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60s and 70s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love...I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the 'jet set.'  They, too, will get old.  [Haha!  Joke's on them!]

I know I am sometimes forgetful.  But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten.  And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.  How can your heart NOT break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car?  But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion.  [II Cor. 1:3-4]  A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am SO blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.  So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive.  You care less about what other people think.  I don't question myself anymore.  I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your questions, I like being old.  It has set me free.  I like the person I have become.  I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.  And I shall eat dessert every single day.  (IF I feel like it!)

The Blessing of a Homeschool Dad

A wonderful homeschool family in my area is facing the loss of their homeschool dad and husband.  He was tragically killed last week when a car pulled out on him as he was motorcycling on his way to work.

Occurrences such as the loss of a homeschool parent or, as in our own case, the coming of our final year of actively homeschooling, gives me a reason to be so thankful for the choice we have made to homeschool…

In most homeschool homes dads serve in the roles of Principal/Superintendent, Banker and Supreme Court Judge.  And some, if they are lucky enough and their schedule allows, even help mom in the role of Teacher. 

I think of our friends and how their dad was able to help homeschool them through part of the day because he worked second shift.  He was able to teach his children that even work could be fun.  While mom took care of most of the academics, those kids learned about gardening, bee keeping, fixing cars and flying remote controlled airplanes, even playing the guitar from their dad.  If his children had been away at school all day for more than 9 months of the year – while he was home during the day without them and then gone from home in the evening – those kids would barely know their dad.  And worse, he would barely know them.  But instead, they have hundreds of great memories and learning experiences that include their dad.  Their homeschool dad.

Yes, mom is usually the one who does the bulk, if not all, of the teaching; but homeschool dads are the ties that bind.  They are the backbone, the support system of the home.  How many days is it that our husbands trudge off to work, leaving their family behind when what they would really like to do is to stay home with the ones they love?  The ones who love them.  They would love to come with us on our next field trip or sit as the subject of his little girl’s first portrait or help that boy who looks just like him learn his fractions. 

I know Father’s Day is past, but how about designating a day in the near future as your own family’s “Homeschool Father’s Day”?!  Thank him for working so hard so that his family can stay at home for school to be taught by the people who love them the most, to learn in peace and safety.  Thank him for forking over the money every summer so that your family can buy the best in curriculum, magazines, educational games and learning resources.  Thank him for being the one who works so hard so that your family can go on those great vacations…and when you go on those vacations, try to make it simply outstanding for Dad.

Homeschool dads…aren’t we blessed to have them?

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Update on the Times Family

I have posted the obituary and service times on the McCHEO (Miami County Christian Home Educators of Ohio) blog for all you locals:

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/McCHEO/565868/ 

I would appreciate continued prayers for this wonderful family.  Thank you so much.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<>< 

PLEASE PRAY for this Family

Yesterday I had the radio on in the afternoon and there was newsbreak that came on about a country intersection in our area being closed because there was a motorcyle fatality.  This morning, I was utterly and completely saddened to find out that it was a friend of ours.  The father of a local, wonderful homeschool family.

Please pray for the Times family.  The dear wife, LaNelle, is now left 3 fantastic kids and, they just found out a few weeks ago, another sweet baby on the way. 

Forrest was such a great guy - wonderful man of God, loving husband and daddy and ALWAYS smiling.  He will be missed by everyone who knew him.  If you are a local homeschooler to my area, I will be posting service information at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/McCHEO as soon as I know anything.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Amish French Toast

Here is a family favorite I thought I would share w/you.  Our family has had the pleasure of going to Holmes County, Ohio ~ the largest Amish settlement in the world ~ a few times.  Once my dh and I enjoyed the most wonderful long weekend at an Bed & Breakfast there.  The husband had grown up Amish but left them to marry.  Their B&B was built by his Amish family members and looks just like an incredible Amish home.  The difference being that the whole 1st floor is made up of lovely, themed guest rooms (we stayed in Grandpa's Room) w/a good 1/3 of the 1st floor being a HUGE country kitchen and a wonderful country gathering room w/several tables and chairs (for those incredible breakfasts and freshly made pie in the evening!) and a relaxing living-area w/a fireplace, piano and comfy couch and chairs.  There is also a wrap-around porch.  The family that funs the B&B has the entire upstairs as their own "house."  That, of course, is a private area.    It's been a while since we've been there, if you're interested, I believe it's called Miller Haus.  It sets on the highest knoll of Holmes County.

Anyway...one of our incredible breakfasts while there was Amish French Toast!  I have made this from-time-to-time ever since!  If you try this, you will be in food heaven!    Let me know how you LOVE it! 

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Amish French Toast

eggs

milk

butter

bread

syrup

powdered sugar

~Mix w/fork 2 eggs and enough milk to cover (this you will do as necessary for each slice of bread)

~Melt butter into med/hot skillet (do this for each serving.  IF you MUST use margarine, use one that is non-hydrogenated like Earth Balance – I have to do this for one of my girls)

~Crack egg into skillet

~IMMEDIATELY soak a slice of bread in the egg/milk mixture and lay on top of the egg in the skillet; fry for about a minute or so until bottom egg is cooked through.

~Flip egg and bread – together – and let bread toast on other side.

~You MAY need to flip over on each side again until egg is fried to your satisfaction.

~Move egg/toast to a plate and top w/syrup and powdered sugar.

~ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

Staples Teacher Appreciation Days!!

OK...I'm going to see if I can get this to work 'cause the link is LONG!

Staples is having their annual Teacher Appreciation Days.  I take advantage of this every year.  In case you don't know, homeschoolers CAN get a Staples Teacher Rewards card/key ring tag!!  Be sure to let the clerk swipe it at every visit.

Here is the link that you can go to and find out the date of your local Staples' Teacher Appreciation Day.

Hope this works...

http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/tad_2008/?storeId=10001&cm_ven=Glamour&cm_ite=teacherday&cm_mmc=email_retail_TRW-_-CORP_TRW-_-TRW-_-TeacherDay&cm_lm=ex:WOLFHOMESCHOOL@NETZERO.COM

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Yesterday...Remember When (from GypsyFarmGirl)

OK gang...just remember...I'm an oldie goldie compared to some of you!    I was a kid in the 60's and a teen in the 70's (class of '77!)...Sooo, this may even be a history lesson to some of you!  HAHAHAHA!!  Have fun!...

What were your 3 favorite things to watch on TV when you were a kid? 

1) Beany & Cecil the Seasick Sea Serpent, 2) Beverly Hillbillies, 3) Andy Griffith Show.

What 3 commercials do you remember most from when you were a kid?

1) Don't squeeze the Charmin/Mr. Whipple, 2) Frigidaire [sp?] commericals w/ladies dressed up, dancing around their appliances,  3) Marlboro Man cigarette commercials.

What 3 toys were popluar when you were a kid?

1) Barbies, 2) G. I. Joe, 3) Baby First Step.

What 3 things did not exist when you were a kid?

1) Telephones w/o a cord, 2) VCR/DVD players, 3) CDs. (I still miss the huge posters that we used to get w/our 33 rpm albums!)

What 3 fads did you fall for when you were a kid?

1) Earth Shoes (did you know they're back!!!  Love 'em!), 2) white lipstick, 3) huge bell-bottom jeans.

What 3 songs do you remember most from when you were a kid?

1) ANYTHING by the Beatles!, 2) "Easy Come, Easy Go" by Bobby Sherman (oh, be still my heart!), 3) "Puppy Love" by Donny Osmond.

What were your 3 favorite movies when you were a kid?

1) "Mary Poppins" (the FIRST TIME it was out!), 2) "101 Dalmations" (the FIRST TIME it was out!), 3) "The Ghost & Mr. Chicken" (the FIRST TIME it was out!).   

What are your 3 most embarrassing moments from when you were a kid?

1) Throwing up on the school bus, 2) when a hoody-type girl who - for some unknown reason - made it her life's goal to make my life miserable tried to get me to fight her.  Of course, since I wouldn't, everyone thought I was a chicken...yep...public school is great! What was your question about socialization?  3) falling off the top of the monkey bars...back then we HAD to wear dresses in grade school.

What 3 things do you wish you could get back from when you were a kid?

1) My friend Debbie who moved, they were an Air Force family, 2) my cat, Boots, 3) my grandparents.

~~ If you do this, let me know!!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Questions from Mrs. Incredible!!

A Funny Thing Happened on my Way to Crosswalk.com...

Hey!  I just stopped by Crosswalk.com and...lo and behold...they re-posted one of my articles!  http://www.crosswalk.com/homeschool/1273983/ That was a nice surprise.  (I need to up-date my info with them!  )

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

ATTENTION OHIO HOMESCHOOLERS!!! OHIO LAW IN JEOPARDY!!

Ohio homeschool law is up for review!!  PLEASE read the notice below and PLEASE go to the website given!!!  This is SO IMPORTANT!!!  We face the possibility of losing the law we have enjoyed since 1989!!!   KW<><

July 17, 2008

Ohio--Urgent--Your Help is Needed to Stop
Revisions of the Homeschool Regulations!

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends,

If Ohio homeschoolers do not act, they may face stricter homeschool
regulations.  

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Ohio Department of
Education (ODE) has initiated a formal review process of the home
education rules in the Ohio Administrative Code Section 3301-34.  It
is imperative that every Ohio resident who is concerned about
homeschooling freedom register his or her opinion regarding proposed
changes.  The comment period is now open and will last only until
August 8.

Ohio law dictates that the ODE review regulations every 5 years to
determine what changes, if any, should be made.  O.A.C. 3301-34 was
enacted in 1989, and until now, the ODE has not found any revisions to
be necessary during the 5-year review.  Even though the regulations
have worked very well for the past 19 years, the ODE has decided that
this time, changes are warranted.

The most important message Ohio residents can convey to the ODE is
that the regulations do not need to change.  If enough people support
the current regulations, we may be able to stop the revision process
before it begins.

ACTION NEEDED

1. Go to http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=5316 and register your
comments about the ODE's intent to change O.A.C. 3301-34.  The
deadline to comment is August 8.

2. Forward this message to others.  Anyone who is a "stakeholder" may
register comments.  This means that if you homeschool in Ohio, have
previously homeschooled in Ohio, are considering homeschooling in
Ohio, or have a family member or friend who is homeschooling in Ohio,
you may comment to the ODE.  

3. It is important to comment in your own words--please do not simply
copy and paste someone else's message.  If your message is not
original, it is possible that it will not be counted as an individual
response.

Ohio homeschool leaders are also closely monitoring this situation.  
For more information on the review process, please visit
http://ohiohsalert.org/ .

Sincerely,

Michael P. Donnelly, Esq.
HSLDA Staff Attorney

JUST IN!!! ~~ Favorable Development in the California Homeschooling Case!!!

Favorable Development in the California Homeschooling Case

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:

Thank you for your continued prayers for the California homeschooling case, In re Rachel L. Last night, Mr. L’s attorney in the juvenile court reported to Home School Legal Defense Association that the juvenile court judge terminated jurisdiction over the two youngest L children in a hearing held on July 10, 2008. Mr. L is represented by Gary Kreep, who is the director of the California-based United States Justice Foundation, which has long been a close ally of HSLDA and homeschoolers in California.

Two years ago, the children’s court-appointed lawyers had asked that the two children be ordered to attend a school outside the home. That request became the basis for the court’s February ruling that homeschooling is illegal in California. The appellate court later vacated its own decision and set the case for rehearing. Oral argument on the rehearing was held on June 23, 2008 and a decision could be handed down at any time.

Mr. L’s appellate attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund will be making the appellate court aware of this new development immediately. They will move to dismiss the petition pending in the court of appeal on the ground that the petition is now moot. In other words, the children are no longer under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. Therefore, any decision by the appellate court based on the two-year-old petition could not be enforced against the L children.

“This is a significant favorable development toward preserving homeschooling freedom in California,” said Mike Farris, Chairman and Founder of HSLDA.

Keep praying!

Sincerely,

J. Michael Smith
HSLDA President

LAUS DEO!!

I received this in an e-mail and I thought it was pretty cool.  You may enjoy it and even want to use it for your homeschool.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

The Washington Monument. This is impressive!!
This is pretty cool and an interesting history lesson.

One detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington , D.C. there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument . With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time.   On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington , D.C. , are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.     Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.   Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.   So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!" Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo. "Praise be to God!" From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant; a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north, the Jefferson Memorial to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.   A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about ‘separation of church and state’? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on…How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice. Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message: On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God! When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848, deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy "One Nation, Under God."   I am awed by Washington 's prayer for America. Have you ever read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on! "Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."   Laus Deo!   When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1)   It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school. With that, be not ashamed, or afraid.

CLAIM: "Kids Who Say 'Yuck' to Foreign Foods May Be Racist" ~ HUH?!

See the dangerous things that happen when a country signs the "UN Treaty on the Rights of the Child"?  England and Canada have been prime examples of the out-landishness that putting the government in control of "all things children" will do - both to society and, most importantly, to the family. 

I don't understand why the simple option of personal preference isn't taken into consideration here.  So now, in England, are we to assume that children can't prefer one candy over another, one flavor over another, Italian food instead of Chinese?  I suppose so.  

So, just in case you didn't know, the things that make your children unique and wonderful also - according to the 'state' - make them racists. 

Will they then start putting pets to sleep because they prefer certain people over others?  Have you ever seen a dog raised in the home white people that barked at people of other ethnicities walking down the street?  Is that dog racist or does it simply enjoy its own family and the safety of its own home?  Once when we went to Holmes County and were about to take an Amish buggy ride, the gentleman driving our buggy had the only white buggy horse used by an Amish family.  He said that when they go "to meeting" on Sundays that he had to tie up his buggy "out of biting distance" because the other bay colored (dark brown body w/black mane, forelock & tail) horses didn't like him and would bite him!  Were those horses racists?

What these government "experts" don't want to understand is that everyone, even an animal, has a personal preference.  Our taste buds enjoy different things.  God made us unique!  Uniqueness is something utterly lost when the government gets involved...you MUST like every type of food!...you MUST go to a school confined to one building...only with children of the same age...only taught by government fed teachers who only teach what they were taught...the WAY they were taught to teach it!  Whew! 

Freedom is far less exhausting!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><