Virtual Education-The Benefits

Martini's school, K12-TXVA, and I think two other virtual academies met up in Austin on a mission:

1.) To raise awareness about virtual schooling
2.) To talk to our representatives and let them know that virtual schooling is a great option!

Now, as we took off on our adventure, we were encouraged to focus on virtual schooling as opposed to homeschooling. Virtual schooling via K12 is education provided by a state funded public school that abides by all of the state's requirements and testings.

We started making a list of all the benefits of virtual schooling and here is what we came up with so far (in no particular order):

1.) Curriculum and lesson content is completely open. We are able to see everything our children are learning. In fact, our curriculum is a very good one and we like it. It is supposed to be neutral on the origins of life and evolution vs. creation issues, but in fact, we have definitely had to point out and address references to "a very old earth," "millions of years old" teachings. It has not been a problem because we have an open dialogue in our house about these things, but this would not happen if we didn't know what exactly is being taught.

2.) Not having good-intentioned counselors coming by the classroom teaching about homosexuality in context of tolerance. Tolerance is fine, but introducing sexual orientation is not.

3.) Medical concerns - our children have asthma. No need to miss school because we need to administer treatment. Also, he can work from home and even from the couch in his pj's.

4.) We get to be with our children more. The amount of time Martini was away from home at school just broke our hearts. We love it when our whole family is together. We are a team and we love time with each other. Martini used to come home and say how much he just missed being with us! How that pulled at my heartstrings! He would say that he missed seeing us and just being with Mommy and his brother and sisters. I would tell him that he would still need to work just as hard at home, but he would respond saying he didn't mind. As long as he got to be with us. So precious!!

5.) No "homework" - odd as this sounds being that we do all work at home! The lessons we go through are sufficient. When we cover something, it is a 1:1 ratio. So, there is no extra tedious work. This allows for more free time and other activities. When Martini was attending school he would get home, eat a snack, do homework which could sometimes last more than an hour (esp. if he was just too tired. Usually he would come home spent and ready to just play and be free. To think he was in a structured setting for seven straight hours and then have to come home and do more sitting and thinking and working . . . it drained me! ), then have a bit of free time before dinner, bathe, very little time with Daddy, then bedtime!

6.)We have full involvement in his educations both academically and with character growth. We are able to discipline on the spot. This is critical, in my opinion, for character development, and it allows us to guide him in a biblical perspective. He is being guided by someone who loves him more than anyone else in the world! We, as parents, have genuine motivation and concern for our child's well being. Not to say that teachers out there don't care, but I can't expect them to love my child like I do! Martini's 1st grade teacher was an absolute God-send. She was wonderful and truly one of the best teachers ever. I loved her. So, I know that wonderful teachers are out there, but at this time, I am blessed to be my children's academic educator.

7.) Being at home requires our children to learn responsibility. They have to help out and do things around the house throughout the day. I require the older ones to read to the younger ones and even do flashcards with the younger ones. It's great because it reinforces it for themselves, teaches the younger ones, and it's more fun than hearing Mommy do it every time! Also, we are trying to implement consistent daily chores.

8.) Homeschooling encourages self-motivation. Because I have other children, I can't sit with Martini the whole time. I have to give him instructions and he has to follow. He knows that if his lessons don't get done now, then he will have to get them done later, either into the evening or the next day. He can't just let things slide. This is a skill that is needed all throughout life. As he gets older, he will be able to log onto his account by himself and see his schedule and begin his studies.

9.) Martini's shyness hampered his learning. He was too afraid to participate at times and hesitated to talk to his teachers. My initial thought on this issue was that he would learn how to speak up. I can't baby him forever. But, MyLove was painfully shy as a child as well. I had shyness and anxiety issues. He has gotten better, and we continue to work with him on this issue.

10.) Behavioral concerns/influences.I was homeschooled as a child along with private-schooled and public-schooled. One of the comments I would hear or have heard is, "you can't keep them in a bubble!" I agree! I know this is true, but while the foundations are being set in my children, it is encouraging to know that we see and hear what is going on around him for now. We can openly address things on the spot. I know and remember what kids talk about. Martini would come home and tell us some. And, I know there was a lot he didn't remember or want to tell us. I am not naive on this subject. For that reason, we keep open dialogues in our home about sex (yes, even now), girls, boys, death, manners, bad words, the Bible, etc.

11.) Freedom to go at one's own pace . . . to a certain extent. We use a block learning schedule because it works really well for us at this time. This is a great improvement to how we started. This freedom has definitely been a better system for us. That said, we are still a public school. We do not have the same freedoms as a non K12 homeschooler. We have to log attendance, keep up with assessments, and turn in work samples quarterly. But, I need this accountability at this time. I definitely appreciate it because I know my weaknesses!

12.) Lower filters. Being at home, there aren't any social filters to get in the way of learning.

13.) Foreign Language. We loooove languages. One of Martini's classes is Spanish. K12 has an excellent program that is engaging and fun. Martini and his siblings love it! They learn together as a matter of fact. We were originally drawn to their Mandarin program, but for some reason it is not offered at his grade level. This is something we will be pursuing.

14.) If the Lord were to send us elsewhere in the world as His ambassadors, schooling could continue uninterrupted. I do love the idea of the kids attending schools where a different language is taught

15.) It's cheaper for the state of Texas. Every student enrolled in virtual education saves more for the state by eliminating the inherent costs with a brick and mortar school.


****** Now! a HUUUGE CAVIAT!

I have listed all of these wonderful benefits of virtual schooling, but I know full well that the Lord can use any type of schooling to His glory. Because of this, I am not declaring virtual/homeschooling the end all for our family. We literally take it a year at a time. At the beginning, it was more like a day/week at I time because I was worried I would mess up so badly.

At this time, we know this is what the Lord has for us. If next year the Lord changes our hearts and leads us in a new direction, we know that He will provide fully. We will take matter in stride, just like we did when Martini attended public school, and give God all glory! For now, we praise the Lord for where He has us and are enjoying this adventure!

Special Times

We have been having such special times of late and I praise my Maker for giving them to me.

Last week on April 18th, Giselle took her first steps to Daddy! It was so precious. Her daddy is truly her BFF :-). As soon as Daddy comes home, she is off like a determined tiger in hot pursuit crawling as fast as she can to get to him. Daddy hugs her tight but she is ready for some major walking around the house. He so patiently holds her hands (as he did with all the kids) and lets her lead him all around, up and down the stairs, on chairs and tables, across the couch and so on. She has a blast. Poor thing, she knows that Mommy does not oblige much in this area. 1.) I am lazy, 2.) it hurts my back to bend down, 3.) I am lazy.



Ethan and Daddy have been enjoying playing checkers and chess. Here is Daddy playing with Ethan while Giselle feeds Daddy some Mini-Wheats cereal.



We recently took a trip to Austin with fellow K12 virtual schoolers to visit the capital and talk to our state representatives about virtual schooling and raise awareness. Martini went with MyLove and had a private meeting with Rep. Randy Weber! I will post something later with pics.



Just this last weekend I was soooo blessed to attend our Pillars of the Word (POW) Women's retreat. How blessed and encouraged, and humbled I am. The theme: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" Amen!

Today, while I was cleaning up after dinner, Carmelita asked me a question while singing in her own eclectic way. Well, I joined in and tried singing back an answer. Her reply, "No, Mommy. You can't sing. Only I can sing because I sing well." MyLove happened to walk Giselle by right at that moment. "Oh! Sorry!" We both say. She cracks us up, that feisty girl! She has no shortage of confidence.

Gisellerina's 1st Bday

Gisellerina? How did we come up with that name?

Well, when you were a wee infant, I would sing to you while I changed your diaper. One day I made up this little ringer:

Gisellerina . . .
My ballerina.
Gisellerina . . .
My ballerina.
Gisellerina . . .
My ballerina.
I love you so.
I love you so.
I love you sooooooooo!

It was so cute because the kids got used to it and started singing it with me. Anyway, that is how your nickname came to be.



Giselle, what a gift you are from the Lord. We praise Jesus for His goodness. You are already ONE YEAR OLD!!! Time has just flown by. I cherish you.


I love your eyebrows and how expressive they are. Ever since you were born, your eyebrows have had something to say!



You look so serious sometimes but will quickly smile the moment you are smiled at.

You are healthy, sweet, cuddly, cheerful, loud :-), fun, funny, loving, observant, and just wonderful.

You are so very easy to take care of. You are not a fussy baby. You are content and easy-going.

You loooove to play with your brothers and sister. You are very loved by your siblings. They pick you up, read to you, sing to you, dance with/for you, talk to you a lot, feed you, and Carmelita even tried changing your diaper upstairs the other day without me! But, you wouldn't stay still long enough for her to take off your pants! You siblings stay right behind you while you head up the stairs. They pull your high chair close so you won't feel alone while they eat at the table. They love to hug and kiss you.

Your mornings are your best time of the day.

You love to eat: bananas, scrambled eggs, rice, pizza crust, strawberries, chicken adobo, and of course baba's. And we recently discovered you love ice cream!

You still love to be wrapped.

We celebrated your birthday on Saturday. It was great. We had lots, and lots of food: briskette, baked beans (Thank you Mom!!!),baked dill potatoes, sauteed veggies, sauteed mushrooms, pasta salad, fruit salad, angeled eggs (OK, deviled eggs, but anyway. Thank you, Dad for making them!!!!), bread, corn bread, crescent rolls (Thank you Uncle Daniel!), chicken adobo, coconut chicken chowder, rice, chips and queso, brownies, rice krispie treats, cupcakes, and ice cream.

You had so many family and friends around you. You are loved!

Here you are about to be sung "Happy Birthday" to.


Hmmm? What is that?


About to touch the flame!!!


Cousin Josiah being so loving.

With Sister.


With Grandpa.


With Mema. That's cake on her face from you sharing with her!


Here you are with Daddy as he sings to you on the karaoke.

Joy in my Duties!

Boy, have I struggled with a short fuse and grumpiness!

After all those sicknesses and disorganization and lack of routine I struggled so much with a grumpy, so serious, easily angered, no fun spirit. I was down and discouraged with how far behind I felt with all my "duties." The kids' schedules were waaaaay off and I just lacked joy!

After I lost Lael, the Lord did such wonders in my life, my heart, my spirit. I saw life in a whole new way. I truly felt I was filled with the Holy Spirit. Yes, I have the Holy Spirit from receiving Him when I became a believer and invited Him in my life. But, as Paul says in Ephesians 5:18-20* to be "filled with the spirit," I believe that is what I experienced. I loved easily. I was not bothered so quickly. I enjoyed every moment. Literally. I enjoyed menial things: laundry, playing Legos with the kids, cooking, DOING THE DISHES!!! I did these things unto the Lord with thanksgiving in my heart. I enjoyed my children with such depth that I would cry and hug them and love them. I just wasn't impatient. MyLove and I grew closer than ever. I was fully satisfied with the gifts from the Lord. The role He had given me. My duties.

I believe this period probably lasted around six to eight months. It was so special.

Then . . .

my heart got distracted . . .

onto myself . . .

onto the treasures of the world . . .

onto what my lack of accomplishments and how I stack up so insufficiently in the world's eyes.

And recently, I did a real heart check. I took a real, hard look at myself and saw such NON-LOVE.

Who is love?

God is love!

What is wrong with me? Lord? What do I do?

So, I prayed. I prayed that the Lord would just renew my heart to the peace, love and joy I had so experienced after losing Lael. But, suddenly fear gripped me. I then prayed that the Lord would not have to use another loss to get me there. It's amazing how quickly fear can seize you as you pray. It reminds me of Peter looking at Jesus and walking on the water then so quickly losing faith out of fear from the crashing waves all around him. The amazingness of experiencing Jesus' POWER that allowed him to walk on water was ruined, dashed because of the "powerful" waves around him. Oh, Lord. How quickly I become a Peter!

Well, with much joy and humility, I give praise to the Lord because He has brought back this joy. I do not loath my duties as I had been, and homeschooling has been going beautifully. I still lose my temper and shout, or I just don't get dinner done, but the Lord has renewed my spirit and there is nothing and no one who could have done it except for Jesus!

Jesus is the only way.

All praise and glory to Him.

-Amen


. . . The moment I post this, I just know that something will happen where I will lose my cool and COMPLETELY make my words ridiculous! I often find that when I praise the Lord for what He is doing in my life to others, that I get humbled by my own actions yet again! Oh, Lord. Save me from myself!

*Ephesians 5:18-20 "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
-NIV Bible

It's All Worth It

The most beautiful moment happened for this Mama here. Yes, childbirth, breastfeeding, cuddling, singing, watching my child wolf down a dish I made . . . all of these moments are precious to behold, but there is one that I think might have surpassed them all.

It all started with bickering . . .

What?

Beautiful? I don't think so.

But, wait. There's more.

Martini was bitter and bothered that Ethan had a particular Lego minifig that was his and while Martini was eating, Ethan was playing with it. Well, he just couldn't handle it because Ethan got it first but he wanted it (even though he can't have toys at the table nor could he be excused just yet.)

Upon further examination I found that he had remembered (incorrectly it seems) that Daddy had at one time made Martini give up three minifigs to Ethan who already had 13 because Ethan claimed they were his. This would then result in Martini only having two and Ethan having 16.

Example of Lego minifigs (minifigures).


Whoa!! Whoa!!! First of all, we have a rule in this house. A gift received is that person's to play with the whole day without the requirement to share that day and maybe the next day. But, after that, all toys become the whole family's. We are a team. A cohesive unit that works together and shares all things (in theory and desire!).

Soooo, I had Martini talk to Daddy on the phone in tears, and they resolved that either Martini remembered incorrectly (most probable) or Daddy made a mistake. Martini still struggled and said some choice thing to Ethan and punched the air. He then took a set Ethan built and threw it into the bin. Ethan began crying.

Example of a Lego set they painstakingly build by themselves with their never-ending imaginations.


I then send Martini to the room for discipline. I put Giselle down with Ethan and Carmelita and let out a great, big sighing moan with a, "I hate disciplining you guys! Do you know that?!?!" Then, I go to the room with a deflated heart knowing what I have to do and praying for wisdom.

I walk in and Martini is livid. He is red and had tears coming down his cheeks. He felt like he had been so unjustly treated.

Me: Martini, why did you throw Ethan's set in the bin?
M: I threw mine in too!
Me: I don't care about your set. Why did you ruin Ethan's?
M: It wasn't just Ethan's. I put mine in too.
Me: Martini. Stop deflecting. Why did you do that? Did you ask Ethan?
M: No.
Me: No, what?
M: No, ma'am.
Me: OK. Well, you know that I am going to have to give you a spankin'. Martini, you should not have done that. You should have just been loving to Ethan and been the example. He probably would have shared with you if you had just asked.
M: No he wouldn't (now crying). He is so mean! He was laughing and looking at me like, Haha!
Me: Well, he should not have done that. I will talk to him. But still, you should have been loving to him. Who knows, he might have seen you being loving to him and then want to be loving back!
M: It's not fair! Daddy made me give him THREE of my men to him and he already had a huge army with 13 men. That makes 16 for him and I had only two left!.
Me: Martini, we already talked with Daddy. You know that he is always so fair. Being fair is so important to Daddy. You know that! Daddy already said it was either a mistake or maybe you are remembering differently. Anyway, that is not the issue here. We know that Daddy is so loving. Right?
M: Yes, ma'am

Then I had to leave for a moment to help with Giselle or something. Then I returned.

M: I prayed. (he says with his voice breaking)
Me: What?
M: I prayed.
Me: What did you pray for?
M: I prayed that God would help me be nice to Ethan and that he would give me my man back. (he says now crying)

Oh, to hear your child has prayed on his own without prompting is amazing! His spirit was broken and he was going to his Comforter. I could tell he was broken. He wasn't just saying this to get out of a spankin' or to appease me. I KNOW WHEN THAT HAPPENS!

I took my big boy in my arms and just hugged him.

Me: Martini. You did the best thing. I am so proud of you. Son, if all our time arguing and homeschooling and staying at home was to have you pray on your own for these critical learning times, then it is worth it all. This is what counts. I am so proud of you. Now, I need to give you a spankin' but because I see your heart is right, I want to extend grace and not give you one . . . unless you still want one. (I say kiddingly)
M: No, I want one.
Me: What?!?
M: I still want you to give me one.
Me: Why?
M: Because I did something terrible?
Me: What? (I ask wondering what he is talking about. Did he do something else that I don't know about!)
M: I destroyed his set (he is crying again)
Me: Oh, Sweetheart. That was not a nice thing, but I am telling you that I am encouraged by your heart and your desire to do what is right. I'll tell you what. If a spankin' is needed. I will take the spankin.' (I say with tears in my eyes)
M: Nooooo!
Me: Son, I will take it for you, because I love you and I want to extend grace.
M: Noooo, Mommy. I don't want you to.
Me: OK. Well, you are free and I want you to go and play with your brother.

We hugged and I just have been praising the Lord so much for such a moment.


Thank you Lord!!! So many things reminded me of your goodness with this short interaction:
1.) The need for justice by EVERYONE. It is indelibly printed on the hearts of all men and children get that concept at a very young age . . . even 3-year-olds. God is a just God who requires payment for our sins.
2.) How loving MyLove is to his children. He can't stand the thought of favoritism or injustice. There is just no way he would be knowingly unfair. God is the same with all. He died for the whole world . . . not an elect few! John 3:16
3.) My heart hurt to think that Martini still wanted the spankin' for what he had done. I love him so much that I would take it for him (I would die for my children, but you know what I mean). Jesus Christ love each one of us . . . each human being so much that he took the due punishment for each of us and died with our sins and the guilt of our sins on Himself. It is too much to fathom, really.

All glory and praise to Him!!!

A Tough Start to 2011

As always, where does one begin?

Well, how about here: MyLove got sick on Christmas Eve with something of a stomach bug.

Soon thereafter, Ethan got 5th disease, a.k.a slap cheek. and croup. His asthma came on pretty strong. He had one of the worst coughing fits we have ever seen. It was unstoppable and we didn't know what to do. Finally, MyLove came up with the idea of steam treatment. We had a vaporizer but it wasn't doing anything. We boiled a pot of water and had him sit above it and how beautifully it worked. The Lord gave us a remedy that worked wonders and didn't cost us a thing!

We had dear friends over on New Year's day with Martini so sick with asthma that he didn't want to open the gifts they had brought for the kids. The following night we almost took him to the E.R. but talked with our pediatrician who helped us and the next morning were worked in at a dr.'s office. Martini tested positive for strep but is actually an a-symptomatic carrier. He was struggling with asthma as a result of a virus, maybe croup. Our blessed pediatrician saw us a few days later and said he shouldn't have taken the antibiotics because the strep wasn't what caused the inflammation of the asthma but probably the virus instead. We always learn a lot from him. He is the beeeeest and we praise the Lord for him. Our doctor is NEVER quick to prescribe medicines and has helped us not have to go to the E.R. various times.

Carmelita then got sick with croup and her asthma started up. She hasn't had asthma in such a long time. Her coughing was so bad that she would cry because her stomach hurt from coughing. We did the steam treatments for her as well (along with the inhaler and steroid) and she improved very well. She was so funny because she would climb on the chair and say, "Mommy, I'm ready for my steam!" as if it was some kind of beauty treatment!

Each of them were probably sick for about two solid weeks with a fever for about five days straight.

The kids were finally healed or on the mend when I got sick with the flu. I tried so hard not to breathe on Giselle, but being a nursing co sleeper makes that a very difficult task. I had to resist kissing her and sharing any drink or food. We prayed and prayed all throughout the sicknesses that she would not get sick, but she did and it was the flu.

Giselle with the flu. Oh, how that just breaks my heart. She did very well. We treated her fever and snot-snatched her nose often. This is when breastfeeding is king! It comforted her, put her to sleep, and gave her the necessary calories she so needed. She was in the wrap a lot when I could get up. The Lord would give me these bursts of energy and wellness so I could get some much needed things done and I would wrap her and she so needed it. It kept her upright with all that drainage and comforted her to be on me.

But, how beautifully the Lord works. MyLove took the whole week off to help me and the kids. Really I just needed him to take care of the kids, I was just desperate to lay down and sleep/rest with all the aching. Well, literally the the final morning I was sick, I really improved by the afternoon and by the evening MyLove came down with a terrible fever and he got the flu as well. We just praise the Lord that I was able to take over fully well and that we weren't sick at the same time! What a blessing!

Martini at the Dr.'s office doing a nebulizer treatment.

We are all better now, but I had sent out an email to all our family telling them of our situation and that we were so desperate with the kids' asthma. We are taking measures to help improve their asthma as best we can. Anyway, here is the email (as a time reference for myself):

Dearest family,

Wow, we are already almost finished with week #2 in 2011! Can you believe it? I pray that this year is just full of new revelations of God's love for you!

Well, we have been through one of the toughest bouts of asthma for both Martini, Ethan and Carmelita in a long time. This past week we were getting ready to take Martini to the ER Monday) but thankfully, we were worked in at a doctor's office here in Pearland who gave him a nebulizer treatment and prescribed him a steroid and antibiotic. Ethan went to our pediatrician the following evening. And last night I was up with Carmelita treating her asthma off and on. Her coughing has been so tough on her little body. Croup is the main culprit, but Martini has had sinus stuff and is a carrier of strep.

When our family gets sick, its pretty intensive. A simple cold turns into quite the ordeal when their asthma flares up. My mom and sister (and ourselves) have wondered if it is something in the house, but thankfully we haven't had any mold problems or anything like that.

Last week, MyLove spoke with a friend whose son had severe asthma and he firmly told MyLove that we should get rid of all our carpet. He said that he first started with his son's room and immediately saw improvement. They ended up putting wood/laminate throughout his entire house and his son doesn't struggle anymore! I am so excited about this. MyLove and I have talked about getting wood floors since we moved in, but haven't prioritized saving up or shopping around or making time for it. I would just love to see the kids not deal with asthma!!!

Along that vein, I will be getting rid of certain items that might be harboring dust/mites/allergens including stuffed animals and removing the curtains from their room. I am going to let the kids each choose about five stuffed animals to keep and store them. They will be able to play with one at a time or so. The others I am going to donate/give away. Many have been given to us by you (our family) and I just wanted to thank you for your love in giving them. We wanted to even see if you would like them for kids you know. Just let me know and I can give some to you! We just want to make this a healthy environment for our kids and not exasperate their asthma.

Thank you so much for understanding. We are looking forward to this new direction and prayerfully seek wisdom to make the best decisions for our kids' health.

With love,
Cristina and Martin