Technology Free Week

This next week, from Sunday, January 27- Saturday, February 2 (at least 3 of) the 4 homeschoolers are taking a technology free week. Yes, that means no computer, T.V., radio, i-pod, video games, etc. We are not going completely electronic free, but we are taking a break to hopefully put our time into some more productive things. Anyone who would like to join us is welcome! Because we rarely use certain electronic items such as the phone, we are not “banning” ourselves from it, although others may choose to if they wish. Now we have made a couple exceptions. For instance, if the computer is needed for a school project (i.e. a writing assignment) it may be used. But for that reason only. No “pleasure” activities. We will return after that week. Here’s a small list of some things you could do in place of the time you spend on these electronic devices:
• Clean and organize! Whether your room, or other places in the house to be a blessing
• Extra chores…. Suggestions could be cleaning and vacuuming the family van, mopping, vacuuming the blinds, cleaning the windows, or anything else that you can think of!
• Improving a skill you have started…
• Read some character building books, or books on a skill you are learning
• Cook, bake, experiment! Try out that new recipe you’ve been wanting, or bake some cookies… any baking or cooking is fun!
• Serve! What could you do to serve your family and/or others?
• Write a letter…Yes, you can take the time to send a handwritten letter this week… everyone loves to receive mail!
• School… Of course, many of us have school in the midst of this. You can’t slack on it during this week! Some don’t spend much time on electronic things in the first place, but my point is to give some ideas so you aren’t unproductive if you choose to do a technology free week. And if this week is not a good one for you, choose another! You will reap the blessings of the productive things you choose to do instead…

I’ll tell you what I was able to do during this week… I don’t know, maybe I’ll make this a pattern to do every couple months! :)

Tag by Caleb

Well, I figured since Allison Tagged me, then I should go ahead and post this.

1. Are you a Christian? Yes
2. If the above answer was yes, how old were you when you became a Christian? 8ish
3. What is your favorite Bible verse? Micah 6:8
4. What is your favorite Old Testament book? Job
5. What is your favorite New Testament book? Luke
   
6. Who is your favorite Old Testament character? CALEB!
7. Who (with the exception of Jesus) is your favorite New Testament character? No answer.
8. What is your favorite book and/or series? Don Quixote? Golden Goblet? Im not sure.
9. Favorite movie- Um, Narnia maybe.
10. Favorite music- Christian & Classic
11. Favorite song- Our God is and Awesome God
12. Favorite food- Resses/Cookies N' Cream Ice Cream
13. Favorite subject in school- Lunch!
14. Favorite trip you’ve taken- Arkansas
15. Least favorite book- William Bradford's Personal Diary
16. Least favorite movie- No Idea
17. Least favorite song- Charlie Brown Theme Song
18. Least favorite food- Squid
19. Where are you reading in the Bible right now? Genesis and Matthew
20. Are you trying to memorize any portion of the Bible right now? A weekly memory verse
21. If the above answer was yes, what is the reference to the portion you are memorizing? Matthew 22:36-40
22. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Kaleb, haha!
23. Are you allergic to anything? If so, what? Cats, Grass(certain kinds), Ragweed.
24. Do you play any instruments? Yes What? Guitar/Piano(the tiniest bit ever)
25. Do you like to sing? No
26. Do you know how to cook? Kinda Do you like to? Yes
27. Do you like to help people? Yes
28. Do you like children? Yes.
29. Do you babysit? No
30. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night Owl
31. Are you organized? Wannabee
32. Do you like to read? I want to.
33. Do you consider yourself creative? Yes
34. Are you fun to be around? Yes, I hope.
35. Do you play any sports? Yes If so, what? Tennis, Speed Stacking.
36. Do you write letters? No! Why do you think they made Email?!
37. Do you email?All the time.
38. Without looking at the time, what time do you think it is? 2:45
39. Now what time is it really? 3:30!
40. What’s the most recent song you’ve had stuck in your head? A song Callie made up about dog food to the tune of the Larry Boy Song.
41. What’s the most recent trip you’ve taken? Austin
42. Ever been out of the U.S.A.? No
43. Are you homeschooled? Yes
44. If so, have you always been? No
45. How long did it take you to complete this tag? 15 minutes

Summary of Maxwell Conference

Monday evening, January 7, we had the great pleasure of attending a conference by the Maxwell family. We had never been to one, and it was quite encouraging, inspiring, and convicting. For the first session, the young ladies attended a talk by the Maxwells’ oldest daughter, Sarah. Sarah spoke on joy, giving explaining various things such as what we need to experience joy, and hindrances to joy. She also spoke on how discontentment and worry can rob us of joy. Practical areas of joyful young womanhood she included were: dress, guarding our hearts, and marriage. One of the main things she encouraged girls to do was invest in their siblings and build and strengthen their family relationships. Reminding that we have an influence over our siblings, Sarah exhorted us to evaluate our thoughts and actions. Ultimately, for young women, our joy should come primarily from our relationship with our Lord, and in serving and helping our family. "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16:11

The second session was by Christopher and Sarah, for all the young adults. It was geared towards practical advice on starting an in-home business. We learned that in order to have an in-home business, it is essential that you have a good relationship with God and your parents. Tithing is an essential part of having a business, because we are merely God’s stewards and we should joyfully honor Him in that way. In starting a home business, even before we’ve graduated from high school, we are learning business and life skills. We should be honoring God through it, and using the gifts God has given us. Our focus should not be on money, but to ultimately and completely honor God. There are three types of businesses: learning businesses, ministry businesses, and profitable businesses. The goal in learning businesses is simple to learn a great skill and be productive. In ministry businesses you do not get paid, but serve others. Ministry business examples they gave for young ladies included sewing modest clothes, making Scripture greeting cards, cake decorating, and writing children’s stories. Profitable businesses may start out as a learning or ministry business, and someday grow into a way to make money as God blesses. Profitable businesses often have a good balance of time invested and profit earned. Of course, you don’t have to have a degree to have an in-home business, but there are some prerequisites. You must have a desire to work, and it will be inevitable that you will have to work hard. Dealing with all kinds of people, and being able to talk and carry on conversations with adults is important. Even though you don’t have to hold a degree in a particular field, you still can’t begin without knowing anything. Computer and typing skills, book keeping and financial skills, and basic tax knowledge can be of great help when starting a business. Overall, both of these sessions were fantastic. It was encouraging, inspiring, and a blessing to be able to go.

Cup Stacking Tournament

In 2006, my interest in Cup Stacking was triggered. Luke was the first person to show me, and I started stacking when I received a set of blue cups for Christmas. Not to brag, but I excelled remarkably fast. So, since I was doing so well, the four of us decided to make a Cup Stacking team. We thought for about a week for a name, and finally came up with one, The Swift Stackers. We went to the competition in February and scored second place in the Texas State Regionals for the 3-6-3 Timed Relay. Coming home, we brought back about 25 medals and a trophy. This year we plan to return as the Swift Stackers. I have to admit, this really was a good name when we first made it up, but now it has degraded in my mind, and doesn't appeal to me very well. Anyway, now that Allison is a year older, we are in the next age category. The Texas State Record in our age category for the 3-6-3 Timed Relay, is a time that we can easily beat, and so going to the competition this February should be promising. Allison does doubles with Luke, and last year they placed second(I think) in their age division. Katlyn and I also did doubles last year, but unfortunately we didn't succeed in placing well in our age division. Hopefully this year will be better. We should have something up about how we do sometime in late February or March.

Productiveness on Winter Break

Often, when we have days off of school, we tackle house projects, especially when we have long breaks. During our winter break, my parents decided it would be the perfect time to do some much-needed painting in the front living areas. After Christmas, we painted the living room ceiling, walls, and trim. Productiveness even on breaks! :) It’s good to be productive and not waste our time idly, although I must admit I really enjoy painting. We have a friend who taught me how to paint baseboards and trim without an edger, so I had the assignment of helping with all the trim. However, painting a ceiling is NOT so fun. It takes a lot of hard work, muscles, and upper arm strength. Because you are painting over your head, it’s even more difficult. Don’t drip paint in your eyes or hair!! (That did not happen, thanks to safety glasses.) After New Years we painted the music room and Dad’s study, which are our two front rooms. As with the living room, we did the walls, ceiling, and trim. It looks so much nicer!

Would anyone else be interested in sharing what they did on winter break?

Tag

Allison tagged me so I must post it!

1. Are you a Christian? Yes
2. If the above answer was yes, how old were you when you became a Christian? 9

FAVORITES

3. What is your favorite Bible verse? Philippians 2:14, 15
4. What is your favorite Old Testament book? Proverbs
5. What is your favorite New Testament book? Luke :)
   
6. Who is your favorite Old Testament character? Daniel
7. Who (with the exception of Jesus) is your favorite New Testament character? Paul
8. What is your favorite book and/or series? Odyssey Passages
9. Favorite movie- The Chronicles of Narnia- The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
10. Favorite music- Classical
11. Favorite song- I don’t know
12. Favorite food- Peanut Butter Balls
13. Favorite subject in school- Science
14. Favorite trip you’ve taken- Florida

LEAST FAVORITES

15. Least favorite book- I don’t know
16. Least favorite movie- Black Beauty
17. Least favorite song- Lots
18. Least favorite food- Creamed Spinach

19. Where are you reading in the Bible right now? Proverbs
20. Are you trying to memorize any portion of the Bible right now? A weekly memory verse
21. If the above answer was yes, what is the reference to the portion you are memorizing? The Lord’s Prayer
22. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I don’t know!
23. Are you allergic to anything? If so, what? Not that I know of
24. Do you play any instruments? Yes What? Piano, Alto Sax and French Horn
25. Do you like to sing? Yes
26. Do you know how to cook? Some things Do you like to? Yes
27. Do you like to help people? Yes
28. Do you like children? I don’t like children I LOVE CHILDREN.
29. Do you babysit? No
30. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night Owl
31. Are you organized? Some
32. Do you like to read? When I have the Time
33. Do you consider yourself creative? A little.
34. Are you fun to be around? I think I am
35. Do you play any sports? Yes If so, what? I play tennis, baseball and cup stack Do you write letters? Nope

36. Do you email? Sometimes
37. Without looking at the time, what time do you think it is? 12:50
38. Now what time is it really? 12:38
39. What’s the most recent song you’ve had stuck in your head? None recently
40. What’s the most recent trip you’ve taken? East Coast trip to the Virginia area
41. Ever been out of the U.S.A.? Once accidentally
42. Are you homeschooled? YES
43. If so, have you always been? Yes
44. How long did it take you to complete this tag? 25 minutes