Collecting Our Children

" We can no longer assume, as parents in older days could, that a strong early bond between ourselves and our children will endure for as long as we need it.  No matter how great our love or how well intentioned our parenting, under present circumstances we have less margin for error than parents ever had before.  We face too much competition.  To compensate for the cultural chaos of our times, we need to make a habit of collecting our children daily and repeatedly until they are old enough to function as independent beings......"

"Who is to raise our kids?  The resounding answer, the only answer compatible with nature, it that we - the parents and other adults concerned with the care of children - must be their mentors, their guides, their nurturers, and their models.  We need to hold on to our children until our work is done.  We need to hold on not for selfish purposes but so they can venture forth, not hold them back but so they can fulfill their developmental destinies.  We need to hold on to them until they can hold on to themselves."

Hold On to Your Kids, Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers
Gordon Neufeld, PhD.
Gabor Mate, M.D.
2004

How Can I Be

I have two sons. My greatest dream and desire as a mother is to have them grow up and be just like these sweet missionaries.....

Speak With Conviction

Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.

Cantus Youth Choirs

Dear music-loving parents and friends,

I just wanted to let you know about a great musical opportunity starting up in the greater Meridian area. Please help me spread the word to any families you know who may be interested. It is a non-profit, community youth choir called Cantus Youth Choirs. There is a lot of information on the website: http://cantusyouthchoirs.com/, including dates for a parent meeting and placement auditions next month.

A few key points to start with:
-youth in 4th-9th grades ('10-'11) are invited
-focused on performing traditional mixed (male/female) choral music
-audition info (for placement in one of three groups; all who audition will be placed): http://cantusyouthchoirs.com/?page_id=137
-rehearsals will be one night/week; time and location TBA
-Cantus Tour: In May 2011, Cantus will go on tour to Anaheim and compete at The Heritage Festival. The awards ceremony will be held in Disneyland (yes, we'll spend some time at the parks).

The "brains" behind this whole business is my good friend Erika McCauley (and her talented husband, Keith.) She is a wonderful musician, gifted director and has an amazing way with young people. (Those of you who have worked with Erika know what I am talking about!) Over the years I have seen and heard of many different youth musical groups, and I am so thrilled to be part of this--I can wholeheartedly, 100% recommend this as an incredible opportunity for anyone who is interested in music and singing.

Our advertising budget is limited as we launch the choir and we know that word of mouth is the best advertisement, anyway, so please help us by sending this on to anyone you know who might be interested.

Thanks, Melody

CANTUS YOUTH CHOIRS
13601 W MCMILLAN RD STE 102-314 | BOISE, ID 83713
CANTUSYOUTHCHOIRS.COM | P: (208) 954-6254 | F: (208) 473-2233

I Never Teach

"I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn."
Albert Einstein

Sign up for a FREE History DVD Set

School principals, register for your school’s free AMERICA The Story of US DVD!* HERE
America The Story of US — premiering on HISTORY™ April 25 at 9pm/8c — is a six week event that provides a fascinating look at the stories of the people, events, and innovations that forged our nation. It will provide you with an unprecedented opportunity to bring our nation’s history to life for your students. This 12-hour series will be supported by educational materials tied to curriculum standards and is copyright cleared for Fair Use in the classroom by instructors or pupils in the course of face-to-face teaching activities.
* HISTORY is offering America The Story of US on DVD to every school in the United States. School must be an accredited public, private or home school, grades K-12 and college. In order to receive your school's DVD, your school principal (grades K-12) or Dean of Students (college) should fill out the request form below. HISTORY strictly limits each school to one request. DVD requests must be made prior to July 1, 2010. DVDs will be mailed around August 2010, and free shipping is included in this offer.

Welcome to a Socialized America

Raising Adults

“My goal is to make joyful adults, who know what their mission in life is, and can’t wait to fight for it; and have solid relationships with God and family.”

Parenting A House United by: Nicholeen Peck

Learn With Me

Check out this new product for home schooling families at Learn With Me!

At Learn With Me, our goal is to provide home educators and teachers resources that bring life and depth to a student's study of reading and writing. Our feature product is Read With Me. This book contains the core principles of reading with purpose; we call this strategic reading. These strategies are taught through activities, writing prompts, unique ideas, literary terms and much more. Read With Me is a must have resource for any language arts educator.

Our line of literature study guides are crafted to elicit discussion, foster literary analysis and also inspire change. These are available in book form or digital download.

True Confessions of an Organized Homeschooling Mom

I have become so frustrated with my homeschool supplies lately. I have to hide the permanent markers, glue, and scissors from my toddlers. Needless to say, I can never find them because they are hidden so well.. .. in drawers, the top of book shelves, in between books....everywhere!

So I broke down and bought this adorable tote at Walmart today! I am so excited! Why did I not think of this sooner?

Rock Show

Sat Feb 27-- Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show-- $3 adults, children are free! Expo Idaho 5610 Glenwood...open 10-7Just in case you hadn't heard about it-- they'll have fossils, meteorites, glowing rocks, crystals... etc.