Welcome!

Welcome to the KidsROCK Academy blog. This is a place of encouragement and inspiration. I am not an expert in all things, so I am eager to hear from those with different perspectives. Please share your thoughts and ideas in the comment lines.

Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year’s Eve!

New Year’s Eve is nearly synonymous with resolutions.  The chaser to that thought is the guilt and fruitlessness of broken resolutions.

So do we just set aside the idea of making changes?  Maybe.  Or we can keep trying.  My sister shared a link on this idea that I thought was pretty neat.

Check it out and share what you think!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

New Year Coming

Tomorrow is the last day of 2010!  Wow, does time fly!  Today is the 15 year anniversary of the day I first met my husband.  Remembering that special day and the months that followed rekindles the love and wonder for both my husband and our Lord.  The fact that we met at the end of the year doubles the call to reflect and review the past for me.

How was your 2010?  Anything eventful happen?  Achievements, significant changes and losses usually mark time.  Have you experienced any of these this year?

My grandfather passed away this year.  As sorrowful as the loss was, my little family was blessed by the time spent with my extended family.  It helped me reconnect with cousins and remember how important family is.

Early in the year we finished a school session studying World History.  We began a whirlwind school year studying US History that ended in fall.  Then we began our current school year studying the East.

That is just the academic side of our year.  It plays a big part of our life, so it matters, but there is more.  This year my kids both began growing by leaps and bounds.  Physically, emotionally and in every other way.  It has been exciting to watch them develop into a young lady and young gentleman.

KidsROCK Academy, too, has had a good year.  Hikes, tours, classes, mom times, Club PALS… I have been blessed by the activities and the time spent with friends.

So, how about you?

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Why Homeschool?

There are at least as many reasons to homeschool as there are families who consider doing it.  There are some common ones, such as providing tailored curriculum for each child by teaching to learning styles and accommodating special needs and abilities.  Another is to assure an academically competitive program. 

Some reasons have nothing to do with the standard lessons.  For example, there are families with unusual schedules, and homeschooling allows to make the most of that.  Other families have children with special interests that are time-intensive.  Homeschooling frees up the schedule so that the interest can be pursued whole-heartedly. 

There are other families who homeschool for reasons of conscience.  These parents choose to expose their children to moral, spiritual and social issues thoughtfully and on their own timetable.  Homeschooling limits ‘surprises.’

October 2010 (pumpkin and birthday) 035The list goes on and on, and few families actually homeschool for a single reason.  In fact, I have discovered from personal experience that the longer I homeschool, the more reasons there are to do so.

My latest?  I homeschool because my kids hold my hand—both literally and figuratively.  This new reason presented itself to me without any fanfare.  I brought my daughter along for errands today, and without an ounce of self-consciousness, she slipped her hand in mind on the way up the post office steps.  It was a simple, often-repeated move of which I rarely make note.

She is nine.  But no one has teased to act older than she is.  There is no stigma against affection for one’s parents in her life.  So, as nonchalantly and as naturally as can be, she happily walks down the street swinging my hand.

What a gift that is!  I am not just talking about the physical closeness I still enjoy with my girl, though that is a gift in itself.  I am talking about the openness we share in all aspect of our lives.  I know what is going on with her.  I can help her through the challenges of ‘tweendom.’ 

me and Madi at pumpkin patchBecause of our lifestyle, I am not a coach on the sidelines hoping she’ll remember to glance my way once in a while for a little direction.  I am a teammate.  I get the ball when she fumbles.  I pass her the ball when she is ready.  And I can run alongside her to the win.

Parenting rocks and homeschooling lets me do it in the best way that I can.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Spring?

pretty springIt may seem a little early, but we are already planning our spring calendar for KidsROCK Academy.  I am too subject to my circumstances, I suppose, because planning for one season while in the depths of another leaves me feeling a little disoriented.

When I look out the window to snow flurries, I have a hard time imagining springtime activities.  Similarly, I find myself needing to continually remind myself of the pending snow when planning winter in autumn.  If I don’t, I would plan all sorts of fun outdoor activities, without realizing that no one would show up to our cool events in below-freezing weather!

  So, here we are again.  I am ‘thinking flowers’ and getting excited about all the prospects for March, April and May.  While it may seem ages away, time slips by so quickly and the spring season will be upon us before we know it.  But we will be prepared with a whole new calendar full of support and enrichment through community!!

If you have any ideas for homeschool families to enjoy one another, let us know.  Better yet, if you would like to (c0-) teach a class or (co-) host an event, I can help you get in touch with out Calendar Queen!

Spring

Sunday, December 26, 2010

What people can do with these flawed bodies

This is stunningly beautiful.  These performers have such strength, poise and control it is breathtaking that they can combine it with grace and artistry.

You may need to caution the kids to not try it at home!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2 (New American Standard Bible)

Luke 2
Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem
1Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth.

2This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.

4Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,

5in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.

6While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.

7And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.

9And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

11for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12"This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
         And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

15When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."

16So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.

17When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child.

18And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

19But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

20The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Friday, December 24, 2010

“Random Acts of Culture”

I saw this a little bit ago, and I know the video has since gone viral, but is so worthy of the attention. It seems to have been repeated in other malls around the country.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

A little mood music

This is a beautifully vulnerable offering of one of my most favorite Christmas songs.  I hope you enjoy it.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The words are so important

I like to teach my kids to choose their words carefully, and to have a well rounded vocabulary.  We got a silly reminder of how important words are just the other night.

In the morning, to begin our school day, I swaddle our puppy to myself.  I wrap her in a blanket and tuck the ends behind my back so she is pressed up against me.  It calms her immediately, just like a baby and she settles in for the daily readings.

I guess I hadn’t used the word aloud before, because both kids asked what ‘swaddle’ meant.  I explained, telling how little babies like the physical sense of safety with memories of the womb.  I also reminded that the word is used to describe how Jesus would look when the shepherds were told about His birth.

Later in the day, my son said that he tried to do ‘that word’ to the puppy and it hadn’t worked.  I asked what he was talking about, and he said, ‘sandal, spaddle, sidle.’  He was currently standing over the puppy, so I supplied, ‘straddle.’ 

At bed time, my son told me again that ‘straddling’ didn’t work with the puppy the way it had for me.  I had no idea what he was talking about.  After some more questions, it finally clicked that he had tried to swaddle her.  Oh!! 

My daughter entered the room in the middle of the conversation and heard me say swaddle.  She put her hand out in the shape of a horizontal circle and began to shake. 

No, dear.  That is strangle.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Cookie Dough Fundraising: part 2

Orders and money were collected for yummy cookie dough, the account submitted and now we should be receiving the coupon cards today!  I am so excited to see the fruits of our labor!

Hopefully everything in this next phase goes smoothly and we will be able to deliver to all our customers before Christmas.  I pray that works out, but I am also being realistic about the possibilities for complications.  This is our first time fundraising in the order-taking style.

I want to thank the ladies who stepped outside their comfort zones to raise money, and I want to thank all the wonderful people who opened their pocket books for homeschooling families!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Council Meeting

Each month KidsROCK Academy’s council meets to plan and pray for KidsROCK and its members.  It is at these meetings where we brainstorm for new ideas, troubleshoot to improve ongoing activities, and nail down the details for what is coming up.

And we pray.  We pray for KidsROCK as a whole and we pray for members specifically.  We also pray for ourselves, that we act with wisdom, that we are free from pride, and that we align ourselves under our Lord’s leading.  These prayers are needed and ongoing.

If you are already a member of KidsROCK and have ideas for clubs, classes, tours or events, please email us!  You are welcome to write something up for us to review at the meeting or join us at the meeting to share your thoughts.

If you are not a member, but would like to participate in KidsROCK activities and planning, email us!  We love to welcome new families into our KidsROCK family.  (If you join before Dec. 31, you only pay half the registration price!)

And finally, if you aren’t living in an area with a KidsROCK presence, and you are interested in starting a local chapter that provides homeschool support and enrichment through community, you guessed it: email us!  We will help you with the start up process by contacting your community calendar and commerce organizations, giving you promotional flyers to hand out and providing templates and other supplies to get you started in style.  In addition to the startup help, we will continue to provide support as a KidsROCK chapter!

Our next meeting is approaching quickly, so it is the perfect time to contact us with ideas, prayer requests, offers to lead activities in spring and requests for help!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Tangled

As a homeschooler, I have a soft spot for movies that depict the ‘sheltered’ childhood.  Raised without being ‘properly socialized,’ the child ends up being quite successful because he or she is well educated, loving, polite, resourceful and honest.  “Blast from the Past” and “Enchanted” are good examples of such movies.

The main character knows truth beyond a shadow of a doubt, and the ‘facts’ before him or her will perhaps disappoint or shock, but never dissuade.  The leads are confident and get along with a wide variety of people.  They openly celebrate differences without fear, and may commit social faux pas, but friends easily see through any clumsiness to the sincerity of their hearts.

Another new example for happy homeschooling is “Tangled,” the new Rapunzel movie.  Even a girl living under a burden of fear and lies woven by a selfish and vain old woman doesn’t stop this young lady from thriving in the real world.  Throughout her time in the tower, she learns homemaking, astronomy and other skills. 

When she leaves her tower, she lives with singleness of heart, trusting people to be people first, regardless of their outer appearance.  She touches hearts long-since hardened by hopelessness with her own verve.  She is feminine, strong, joyful and talented. 

These movies do not strive to promote homeschooling, I am sure.  They are fun movies, entertaining and romantic.  But when I watch them, I see a little more.  :)

Friday, December 17, 2010

Mom Time

The day of our Ladies’ Night Out my daughter heard I was going to Harts’ Cafe with the ladies.  She asked if she could come along.  I told her she wasn’t quite lady enough to join us.  She answered that she was nine.  I let her know that being nine was what made her not quite a lady  She asked if next year, when she has two digits, if she would be allowed to come.  

We were heading home from dance class when we had this conversation, so I told her there is no job I prefer over being a mom, but it would be pretty tiring to wake up dancing and to keep dancing all the way to bed time, right?  You have to stop and get a drink every now and then, and if you don’t take any break you actually get worse at dancing!  

I explained that with momming, we really do wake up and go to sleep as moms—and even while sleeping, we never stop.  But sometimes it is just nice to stop and get a drink so that we can come back happy to do more.
I am so thankful for my KidsROCK friends with whom I can every now and then stop and get a drink!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Norman Recreated

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The Prom Dress

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Mothers Little Angels

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Bedtime

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The Gift (Big Moment)

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Marbles Champ

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Little Girl with Lipstick

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The Pharmacist

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What’s the difference?

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Missing Tooth (Check-Up)

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It’s So Simple

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The boys want to play dress-up too!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Art History –Norman Rockwell

I liked when I picked water and we had to make an ad for it. I'm excited, can't wait for the next one. ~~Nathan 6
I loved it a lot!~~Megan, age 8
Well, first we all sat down and we looked at these pictures.  (Our teacher) told us about this man, Norman Rockwell.  And then we went to do some art.  First I went into the kitchen and I painted a Christmas card for my cousins.  And then I went on over to pose for a picture.  And then I went on over and I did an advertisement.  Then I went over and sat by my mom and asked if I could pose for another picture.  She said other kids haven’t done one yet, so I should wait.  Then (a friend) came by and my mom asked her what she was doing.  She said she was looking for a partner to pose with.  I got to do it.  I had fun in the class.  Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of fun!  ~~Madi, age 9
My favorite part was the ads. I am really excited for the next one!~~Trenton, age 10
We learned that Norman Rockwell was an illustrator and we did some things similar to what he did.  We drew advertisements with colored pencils and we made Christmas cards.  And my favorite part was when everyone got all dressed up and made a little scene and took a picture of it to copy some of the things that Norman Rockwell drew.  I had fun! ~~Max, age 11

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Optometrist Tour

KidsROCK Academy got to tour a local Optometrist to learn what to expect from a run-of-the-mill visit, and some of the rarer procedures an optometrist can perform.
The area was cozy, but perfect for the size of our group that attended.  The kids had fun and learned a lot!
 Opt tour

Monday, December 13, 2010

Christmas Party Pictures!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but nine-year-old Zach’s words are pretty priceless!  I joined them with the great pictures his mom took of the kids’ presentations.

Zach said: " I thought the Christmas Party was fantastic.  I really liked the different food.  Most of all I liked playing with my friends.  I can't wait until we do it again next year."

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Our party began with a family caroling at the door in the English tradition.

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We got to hear more about English traditions from the presenters.

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The crackers were a hit!  All the kids enjoyed the process, and loved the goodies inside.

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Each child got a joke from the cracker and got to share it with the group.

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From England we traveled Down Under where Santa surfs and back up to Germany to see how they celebrate!

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After Germany we zipped down to Italy then scooted over to Greece.  Parents especially enjoyed noting similarities and differences from the various cultures.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

KidsROCK Christmas Around the World

Usually I am the sole contributor to this blog, but it really is a blog representing many families.  So when someone sent in reviews of the Drama class to be posted, I got so excited.  As long as the submissions continue to come in, I will continue to post them in place of my own reviews of our activities! 
Oh yeah!  The Christmas Party!  Well, first we all sat down and waited for (some friends), then (our host) told us to go to the door.  She opened the door and there were (our friends) and they sang and invited us to join along.  We sat back down and they told us about England.  Then they handed us these crackers.  We crossed our arms and pulled on the really hard and inside were two mints and a joke and a crown.  After that it was our turn.  (My brother) held up a poster of Santa surfing.  I held it while (he) read.  Then he passed the paper around so Mommy, Daddy and I could read.  Then it was (our other friends’) turn.  Then we got to eat!  There were cookies and brownies and more cookies and bowls of pretzels, graham crackers and salad.  After that we all went home.  And I had so much fun! ~~Madi, age 9
I enjoyed the presentations.  There are lots of different traditions for Christmas all over the world.  My favorite part was the crackers (from England). 
But soon all of our energy got us all outside.  We all played together races, football and a soccer ball getting kicked across the street! 
I’m really glad (our host) was able to open up her home for this.  Also all the food was great'; I tried everything!
~~Max, age 11

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Funny Girl

Here are just a few funny things that have happened this week.

We were watching a nativity story and my daughter announced, ‘Once I die, I want to ask God to take me back in time so I can see this for myself!'

My husband was snuggling her in bed, holding her tightly like a pillow and told her that she is so small.  She answered, ‘And big!  I can reach your…knee!’

She went to her first Drama Class with KidsROCK and the teachers said that they had never seen her so enthusiastic—read: wild.  When I talked with her about it, she dropped her head to my chest in shame.  I asked what was wrong.  Her muffled voice murmured, “It’s true.  It is so hard to not be wild.”

Friday, December 10, 2010

Drop the Rocks, Already!

In our discussions stemming from Matthew 19 this week, we were talking about the temptations and comforts of this world.  It is so easy to consider the trappings of this life the ultimate goal.  Money and the things it can buy are so difficult to resist. 
Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into the Kingdom of God.  That’s a pretty factual statement, especially considering what He says next: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  The bottom line is NONE of us can get into the Kingdom of God without Christ.
But the rich man may not long for the Kingdom in the same way a poor man might.  A rich man may be lulled by the delusion that he can depend on himself and needs no one to help him.  His money can take care of any problem, and his problems don’t include the need for food or shelter.  He is comfortable enough to not want.
Such complacency stunts striving for the Lord.  But in the end, we discover it isn’t the end after all.  It is barely the beginning.  Eternal life is a long-ol’ time, my friend, and the distractions of this world will eventually be ashes blowing in the wind.  Truth will no longer be masked or ignored.
When we grip to the things that do not last, we have no ability to reach for those that do.  Imagine someone holding fast to rocks, starving because he won’t let go long enough to grab onto the banana sitting in front of him.  So foolish, but I think it is shockingly more common than we like to admit.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Drama Class Review—by the experts.

Drama Class was very, very fun. My favorite thing was acting. I liked how we would drive in a taxi. I loved how a person would be a president and I loved how I would be the interpreter. The interpreter is the best thing ever! I hope next time we are going to play the exact same games. I’m glad it is at our friends’ house, because they live close to us. I like it how other kids are there. And I like it how my siblings are there. I love Mrs. Hitchcock! –Kaylee, age 8.

 

I liked the games. I really mostly loved the president game. –Kieran, age 6

 

I think that the drama class was so fun, the taxi game was really fun for me, and I also really liked gibberish speaking president. I liked the fact that I could do acting without the Best of Broadway. I’d also like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Hitchcock for not only being the teacher, but also having that good western accent. Alec, age 11

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Who knows best?

We were studying Matthew 19 for school.  A very sad rich man walks away from the Christ when he is told to sell everything and follow Jesus. 
To better grasp the truth of what happened, I talked with my kids about when they were very little—one and three years old.  We talked about the stubborn tantrums both threw.  I told them how I would put them in their rooms when they got really out of control.  They would kick and scream and trash the place in rage.
My first question to them both was, ‘are you still mad at me?’  They laughed.  My daughter says she doesn’t even know why she did it.  Of course not, but it was certainly important to them at the time, right?
Now, with Christ as our Savior, we shall live forever.  Can you imagine in a million years fussing because you couldn’t afford a new TV?  How silly and irrelevant to get upset over something that won’t even last!
Another example we talked about was imagining a toddler bent on putting keys into an electrical outlet.  Momma will pull baby away, say no, and possibly will slap baby’s hand.  But that won’t stop our little tyke!!  He is going to wriggle, climb and clamber his way without ever taking his eyes off that socket.  The truth that the child is missing is that he is struggling to hurt himself. 
How often have we struggled against God to do that thing that would bring us harm?  It is so difficult to give in, relax into the arms that restrain us and trust that He knows best.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Answer to the riddle

I posted a riddle last week. Are you ready for the answer?

 

OK, so you have three light switches in one room and only one of them controls a light bulb in another room.  From the light switches you cannot see the light bulb or any evidence of it being on or off.  You can turn on and off the switches as often as you want, but you may only go into the room with the bulb once.  How do you figure out which switch is the right one?

You turn on the first switch and leave it on for a minute.  Turn it off, then flip the second switch and immediately go to the light bulb.  If the light is on, of course the second switch controls the bulb.  If it is off, touch the bulb to feel for heat.  If it is hot, then the first switch controls the bulb.  And, by process of elimination, a cool dark bulb would be controlled by the third switch.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Community

Early May 2010, Burns and Kalbachs 012Our desire for KidsROCK is to be a community.  In many ways we are successful.  I delight in watching relationship grow because of the gatherings KidsROCK offers.

Community, in my mind, is made of people who care about one another.  Hearts are soft and an attitude of giving dominates the atmosphere. 

Secret Keeper Girl Spa 009Community begins with surface conversations between acquaintances.  But as familiarity and acceptance develops, so does the connection.  Boundaries break down, people step outside their comfort zones and actually want to help, want to be a part of something bigger.  Trust is developed as friendships are formed.  It is a beautiful thing!!  Community gives a deeper meaning to the day, to life.Snow Fun Dec  07 Jan  08-129

Homeschooling can be very demanding and quite lonely.  Even families who are involved in every sport, every art and every club can miss out on making connections that build into a true community.  It isn’t just about being busy, or knowing people.  It is about taking the time to give, to listen and to care.P6280580

 

Remember that cool phrase I stole?  Support is not a spectator sport!  Isn’t that cool?  I think it is, because it is so very true.  Community requires involvement and time. 

To be a part of anything worthwhile, you have to actively participate.  You have to get involved, know the group, know the individuals, see where you fit, and get to work!  It truly is better to give than to receive.  Giving of yourself is gratifying in so many ways.   KidsROCK 09 Wemples 065

KidsROCK is always striving to provide such opportunities for our families.  Not all families are up for the commitment, and that is OK.  But I pray that more and more will find solace in the community that KidsROCK offers.  

One of the things that I think makes KidsROCK so special is that it is so open to pursuing the interests of the members.  Our calendars are open to anyone looking for a particular activity.  That isn’t just for parents, either!  Kids are welcome to chime in and get involved.  As families join KidsROCK, they have a built in system by which their children make friends, gain skills, lengthen their college applications and try new things.   October 2010 (pumpkin and birthday) 073

Please…Join us!