Scholarships and Filming!!

So I needed to find a way that I can feel like I'm writing in a journal but with out the actually writing part. So I decided that I will make a 1 month goal and see if I can try to actually blog for a full month.
I will try to take things slow and hopefully post once a week. But in reality I would LOVE to post on a daily basis. But we will see how things go.
So there are many positives to home schooling for me and this would be a couple of the reasons why I love to home school my kids.
So this last week has been such a blast. My oldest Destany received a scholarship for her guitar playing!.......That would have cost me a lot of money that I just don't have at the moment. I'm so proud of her and her great talent. But now she has to work hard. Because along with this scholarship comes extra work. She has to be the Lead Guitar player. Now ask me how this could ever have been possible if I didn't home school her last year. The only reason I say that is because she was able to have a music class with me and I was able to teach her how to play the guitar. I taught her everything she knows and now she plays better then me !!

More great news is that my little one Jewelz was in a mini commercial for pinnacle security over the weekend. She had so much. It was a last minute gig. They contacted me a day ahead and needed dancers right away so a group got put together and the kids learned the dance pretty much the same day! It was a paid gig and they also got a free shirt and hat.
It was so much fun for everyone, that you almost forgot that it was a job.
I'm so amazed at how talented the dancers are at C.S. they pick up choreography so fast. And I can start seeing my little one being able to do the same. I also feel like she is always ready to learn something and willing to take on a good challenge despite her size and age.
It has just been such a fun weekend and looking forward to this week and what fun it will bring. Here's a few pics I took while they were filming.
Enjoy!!!

LIBERTY

"And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole."

And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—

These words choke me up every time I read it. It defines the love that one man had for his country, his people and more importantly his God.
What better way then to be reminded of how a person should feel during the 4Th of July & 24Th or July for pioneer day.

I believe to be truly patriotic is to bow down to the earth and thank God for all the blessings of liberty and freedom he has given us. Captain Moroni could not have written these words any better then he has in the "Book of Mormon" in Alma.

I love this country I live in. And I am thankful each and everyday for the freedom the lord has blessed me with. The freedom to be able to live in a country where I may worship my Lord. Where I may choose to home school my children with the belief of my religion. Where I can speak and blog freely with my own thoughts. I love my life. And must do all I can to preserve and protect it.
May we all have the opportunity to read from the book of Alma 46-63 and learn what is means to truly love this land. To teach our children to have a "standard" they must live by, and to live up to the example of such a great man.

In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children.

Happy Holidays this Month!

With standing the Storms......

The more I read the news and see the craziness of the world and things happening in the public school system and in the government, the more I am grateful each day that my kids are safe at home with me. Protected by the winds and the storms of the world. Don't get me wrong it's not that they never feel the draft, every now and then the door will swing open from the winds. But we always run to shut it as quickly as it opened.
Since home schooling I've ran into a few people who tend to disagree with my decision and feel that a child must face the world in order to live in it. Or they will not function with real people when they are adults. They feel that a child must face certain experiences in order to be strong and successful in life. They feel that a child should have to deal with being faced with drugs, sex, alcohol, friends, bullies, popular kids, fights and party's. Not that they want kids to do these things but that they should be faced with it and whatever choices they make whether it be wrong or right will only make them stronger.
My concept is, what mother in her right mind feels that a child should learn the cold realities of the world by sending her child out in the middle of a thunderstorm or tsunami to make them stronger?
Yes, we should be faced with choices and have to learn from what ever choice we make. But we do not have to smoke the cigarette to know it's bad for us.
I have been the type of person to learn the hard way. And there was a time I felt that "if it doesn't kill you it only makes you stronger."But with age and studying the scriptures, I have learned that if you surround yourself with the teachings of Christ, your life becomes directed down a different path. You will still face opposition but it will be in a different form because of your obedience to be a disciple of Christ.
How grateful I am to be able to teach my children the way that I know the Savior would want me to teach them. How grateful I am to know that my kids are safe and protected from those demons of the world looking for any way to lure a child in with there devices of the devil and their devil worshipers.
I see life as a test. In order to pass it, we must study it until we are ready to pass it off. It doesn't mean to just blindly take the test with out studying or preparing for it. Why would you want to retake it over and over until you finally get it right.
We must study and understand are problems and learn to find the best solution.
Every day I wake up I see my 2 little girls and know that I will never get back theses moments I have with them. Yes they could be at school having these moments with friends and teachers. But those relationships will never last as a long as family relationships does.
I will never regret the time I have spent with my little ones. Even the times it took us forever to solve one problem.
I will always cherish in my heart the time I have with them.
As a mother you must do all you can to protect your children and teach them, there will then come a day that your child will be like unto the 2000 strippling warriors who marched off in battle with no fear.
Being left with only what their mother have taught them.

Alma 56:47
".....they had been taught by their mothers that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them."

Please protect your child from the storms of the world do not throw them in the middle of it trying to make them stronger. The only way to build them stronger is by helping them build a foundation of gospel principles first. And then the rest will come. Just remember your child does not have to be of the world to live in the world.
So protect them from the craziness of the world and value them like a treasure. And like a diamond they will never lose their value.

Whats in a Name !!!!

It has been quite a while since I've blogged. It's not that I haven't wanted to blog but that I have found myself to be extremely busy with my life. I've been in the process of remodeling, my girls are so busy with school, dance and life that I haven't yet caught my breath.
I thought I'd finally sit down and just take a minute to give my blog some TLC.
Today's subject I'll talk on is "Whats in a name?"
A while back I taught a lesson on names. I wore a cute badge with my name on it. The kids laughed, they were like " we already know who you are mom". Then I had them make there own badge too and introduce themselves, they giggled about that.
Then we played a game, I told them I would say a name and they would each tell me 2 things that they first thought about when I said that persons name.
We have a very close family on my side so I named off some of their aunts, uncles and cousins. It was so funny to hear what each of my children thought about when I named that person. I asked them what they thought of when I said the name "Mama" (for their grandma) and my youngest shouted out "fashion Diva!!" it was so cute. And then my oldest said she thinks of the sweetest most nicest most loving grandma in the world.
Then I asked them what they thought of when I mentioned one of there boy cousins and my youngest yelled "cry baby" then my oldest said a "brother from another mother". It was so fun to see all the different things they thought of.
I used names of family and friends and sometimes the kids had good things to say and some times they had bad things to say such as a person being to loud, or driving them nuts.
The game was fun, until I asked them what they think other people might think of when they hear of your name?
All of a sudden the laughter turned into concern, my youngest looked at me with a serious face and said" I think they might think I talk to much". My oldest said "people might think I'm a spoiled brat".
It was so funny to see how they finally got the point of the lesson. Because they were quick to answer about others but nervous when it came to them.
I took that moment as a teaching moment. We named maybe 2 or 3 things that people might see negative in each of my children and things that they needed improvement on. Such as being a little more reverent, humble or not talking so much and try listening more. Also Being a little more helpful around the house and being a peacemaker.
Then I named 3 good things that I think of when I hear each of their names. And it brought smiles to their faces and made them want to be more like what I had said.
I then taught them how when we are baptized we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. And asked them what they think of when they hear the name Jesus.
I explained that it is important for us to always represent ourselves as good examples because we have upon us the name of Christ. I also explained that it is important for us to also take our family names we have been given and represent our parents by being kind, reverent and loving people.
That even their own individually names will define who they are and will be remembered as good or bad. We should always honor our name, our family names, and the name of Jesus Christ. And honor him and be like him in all we do.
As a child I have the same scriptures that my mom raised me up with, and had me mark. I will always cherish it and remember the markings. I came across a particular scripture that my mom had given a lesson on and had us mark it. And always remembered it not only in my book of Mormon but it was implanted in my brain when ever I thought of my name"

Helaman 5:6
............when you remember your names ye may remember them, and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.

Teaching our children to understand the importance of their name will help them honor their name more it will help them understand how important they are as a son/ daughter of God. And teach them to learn to love and respect their name and also honor their parents with their last name and be prepared to honor the name of Christ.
I feel their are to many kids and parents who don't understand that their family name can carry good or bad and reflect their entire family by their actions and examples. My background is Tongan and in my culture you are known by your surnames. Your family is identified by just a last name. So by that name you carry you can can bring respect or shame to your family.
By practicing and living this way you and your children will learn the importance of carrying the greatest name you will ever have. And that is to take upon you the name of "Jesus Christ". If you teach your children to respect and honor their own names and surnames than you can also expect them to respect and honor the name of Christ.
May we teach our children to bring honor to their names and to learn to love them and use them for good. To use their names the way that Christ would want them too. And to understand how important they are and how there name is known by Christ and he knows them individually and loves them.

lesson ideas from the primary 3 manual lesson 1.

10 minute club

What is the 10 minute club you ask. Well it was an idea I came about when I had taken my niece to her first beehive interview with her beehive leader. And they asked me if my niece had mentioned to me about their 10 minute club.
Then they told me that the 10 minute club was a club for the young women to join and make a commitment to work in there personal progress book for 10 minutes a week. And if they did that a week at the end of every month they would get a treat or a prize.
So I thought what a great idea. 10 minutes a week is not that much to ask for. So I thought how could I implement that into my life. Then I came up with the idea. Why not have a 10 minute club with my whole family. Including the kids and even me and the husband.
So the way it works is that each person in my family commits to reading any church published material, for instance the Scriptures or any books, manuals, articles and magazines issued directly from the church (church distribution center or Lds.org resources)
We only take 10 minutes out of our day and read something uplifting. This is the time I usually get a chance to catch up on my Relief Society reading "Gospel Principles book" or the "Ensign". And then every day we mark it in our family 10 min club chart sheet (the kids have one in each of their binders).

feel free to click on the image and save and print for your own use. Anyways I felt like this might be of interest to you moms. Who have always wanted to start a club (yay now your the club leader!!!...lol) Hope this helps a little I know it has helped me and my family out a lot. I can't believe my husband is even trying. He has such a busy schedule and works so hard but even he knows 10 minutes isn't even to much to ask for. So hopefully this helps you out this New Years!!!!
Love you all- HAPPY THURSDAY!!!!

Agency & Anger

Do you ever feel as a home school mom that you are being tried and tested on a daily basis by your students?. Well I do,(waving my hand in the air - can I get an AMEN!). Lets just say that yesterday was not the greatest day for me and my oldest child.
It started off a bad day from the very start when My oldest decided she really didn't want to do anything that day. I don't blame her, She had a fun holiday break and had just gotten home from her great Aunts house filled with fun, and missed school Monday and Tuesday , so school was not happening for her.
The thing that bothered me was when she came home Tuesday evening before she went to bed her father and I reminded her that the holiday break was over, but school starts back up tomorrow. She completely understood what was expected. So when she woke up yesterday I could not believe that attitude she had. My children are very well behaved children. And they are very respectful so talking back was not the issue. It was the body language.
She decided to take forever doing anything I asked. School work was horrible. She took 3 hours to complete 1 simple assignment. Not because she didn't understand it, it was because she didn't want to do it correctly.
I tried so hard to be kind and patient with her. But as the attitude grew so did my anger.
I then recalled an article I read from the Marriage & Family relations manual, titled "Agency & Anger".
No one can make you mad or lose your temper. It is our conscious choice, a decision. Something that we choose. At first I was wondering why would I choose to be angry? duh not the first choice on my to do list. But then I started thinking do I allow myself to be offended by others? do I allow myself to choose an outcome of anger?....I mean how often do we seldom lose control when frustrated by a boss or friend, but how often do we get annoyed and angry by a family member?.
Anger in the family is Satan's primary Target, his goal is to damage & destroy families within the walls of their own homes, and stir up anger and contention between family members.
This is one of his devices. But he only stirs it, we are the ones throwing it in the pot boiling it, cooking it and serving it. It is by our own agency that it is accomplished.
Anger a Recipe for disaster:

Put tempers on medium heat, stir in a few choice words, and bring to a boil; continue stirring until thick; cool off; let feelings chill for several hours; serve cold; lots of leftovers.

how often do we bring anger to a boil, my feelings toward my 10 year old changed and humbled me and brought me to repentance. Sure I didn't cause the contention but I allowed my self to be angry with her, and that alone is a sin. Paul asks "Can ye be angry , and not sin?"

"He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another."

So I take it the answer to Paul is "No". Anger is Sin.
As I write this blog I recall the name of my blog and how I was so pleased with it "Love is Spoken here". How easy it is to forget those simple words. This experience taught me a lesson of love, humbleness, repentance, agency and forgiveness.
I look forward to teaching my children the lesson of Agency and Anger and to be able to choose there outcome and avoid the recipe of disaster. May I always remember that I have been lent precious little angels in my care and it is my responsibility to teach them with love and patience and to never raise my voice or my hand to them. May I not allow Satan to sneak behind enemy lines and enter my home and life and destroy me or my family with contention and anger.
This is why I home school. To be able to teach my children lessons that I have just learned myself. To be able to teach them with the doctrine of Jesus Christ and words from his prophets and apostles. It is to teach them to replace Anger with Love.
My feelings of being tried and tested have changed and I feel blessed for the opportunity to be taught these lessons. May we make our home schools a haven, a place of refuge and a house of God. And may we always have our home a place where "Love is Spoken here".

K-12 product info & review

Wow!!....this has been such a crazy 2 1/2 months. I know that I haven't given my blog t.l.c. But I'm here now. Ever since November I have been so busy and so sick. I just haven't found time to really sit down at my computer and update. But I have desperately missed updating my blog. Because I find it to be a stress reliever.
Well I do have new pictures to update with my k12 items. And it was a whole lot of stuff. I didn't expect so many boxes. But the quality of everything was just great. And I actually really enjoy the curriculum that my kids have been learning. The computer is nice and it comes with a lot of accessories and even a nice all in one printer. FYI the computer does not have a wireless card so you will need to either plug the ethernet cable in directly or buy a usb wireless adapter. There are also many books and dvds, cd's, paints and etc.. that come with it, so I suggest you make room on a shelf or, I used crates to store everything. So make that room before you open the boxes otherwise you'll have a bunch of books and items in the middle of your house taking up walking space.
I have no complaints about anything they sent. In fact I'm very pleased. I really enjoy homeschooling my two girls and really like the k12 program. It has been fun and very challenging. I give mothers with more then 2 kids PROPS for being able to homeschooling so many children. I can barely handle my two. But I do see that if you have a schedule & routine and once the kids get use to everything then the older kids can be able to accomplish a lot on their own time to help you.
My 5 year old is just learning how to read so it's hard for me because I have to read her everything on the screen. But I still enjoy the time we spend.
So there is my k12 product update. If you have any questions please email me and I'd be happy to help you. hopefully the pictures can give you an idea if k12 is the route you want to go and suffice your mind of what kind of computer or books you'll be receiving. Just know that they cover 90% of what you need. The rest of the stuff you need you'll probably already have like scissors, pencils, folders, papers etc.....

these are my k12 items for a kindergartners & 5th grader
I forgot to take a picture of the phonics set it comes with. It's a really nice box. I'll try to add that later.

Teacher Manuals

top 2 crates are 5th grader
bottom crates are kindergartner's
white containers are just for pens, pencils etc (does not come with k-12)
globes come with k12
crates/containers (do not come with k-12)
I bought all the crates from Wal-mart

headphone with mic and freestanding mic

all in one canon printer
paper (does not come with k-12)

computer running windows xp
and printer