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The Old Schoolhouse Magazine


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"Thanks for the words on friendships.  A special thanks to Todd Wilson for reminding us to make our husband our best friend.  I really needed that right now."


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The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Home Where They Belong
 
June 13, 2007
 
Nancy Carter
Today's THM is dedicated to some of the unsung heroes in homeschooling - homeschool dads.

We recently had our homeschool group's end of the year banquet and all of the dads introduced their families and said a few kind words about their kids and wife. And most of them would say something like, "I don't know how she does all that she does. She does 99% of the teaching. I only wish I could spend more time doing some actual teaching." So on and so forth.

But you know what? If they weren't out working and providing, we wouldn't even have the opportunity to homeschool. I am so thankful for a hardworking, dedicated, and caring husband. He has a lot on him (like most homeschool dads do), but he gives his all for us.

Sometimes my husband has to go into area daycares for business and he comes home and tells me, "Thank you again for staying at home with our children," and all I can say is, "Thank you for providing so that I can."

As Billy Graham once said, "
A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society."

So give your husband a big ol' hug today. Let him know how much you love and appreciate him. Never take a day for granted. Teach your children to do the same. And if your own dad is still living, take some time to love on him too. I sure miss my daddy.

Enjoy every minute!


THM Editor


Gena Suarez Home Where They Belong
Gena Suarez, TOS Publisher

My little column here will be short because it will be followed up in just a couple hours or so with something separate. My husband Paul is particularly excited about this Sunday...and you'll find out why in just a bit. Be watching your email for a special note from Paul & Gena Suarez and family. And read further down once you get it because we have an fun opportunity for you to choose any one of our 3 TOS house ebooks - absolutely FREE. Stand by...you'll have the announcement in just a little while.

- Gena
Julie Nott Homeschool Freebies
Julie Nott, TOS Marketing Manager

I seriously don't know what I would do without my husband - the father of my children. He adores our kids and they adore him. He wrestles with the boys and tells our daughter how beautiful she is. He spends quality time with each one. He makes a point to teach the kids to have an appreciation for all that I do. I can't imagine being married to anyone else.

Now I won't be Pollyanna today and tell you that we never fight or that he never gets on my nerves or that our life is perfect. On the contrary. We're just like everybody else. We have our moments. But in the end, he's my man and he's the Daddy. Thank goodness. 'Cause I sure couldn't do his job. [grin]

In light of these great fathers, how about giving him some coupons from the kids? And how about this cute photo card where the kids can write why they love him?

Family Fun Magazine has some really good Father's Day craft ideas here. Here's a little history of this special day and some fun things to do together to celebrate. Whatever you do, make it HIS day!

-Julie

P.S.
Back to Homeschool Sale in the TOS Store only lasts through June!

Schoolhouse Spotlight
Dena Wood, Schoolhouse Store Manager

Three Weavers Set

Fathers play such an important role in the lives of their children. One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is that fathers have the opportunity to be even more involved than "normal". The Schoolhouse Store offers several great resources for fathers.


Pumpkin Seed Press offers The Three Weavers sets to encourage fathers to bravely assume their God given responsibility to protect and guard their daughters' hearts while cultivating close loving relationships. And they are sure to enjoy working through The Young Man's Handybook with their sons or using Buckles and Bobbins to sew up some new hunting gear.  Likewise since Dads are often noted for their logic, they might enjoy sharing The Fallacy Detective and The Thinking Toolbox with the children. And, if you know a soon-to-be father, you'll want to encourage him with Congratulations, You're Gonna Be a Dad! by Kregel Publications.

-Dena

The Familyman The Familyman
Todd Wilson, Familyman Ministries

This is the topic I've been waiting for. In fact, I almost feel like Joseph - that God sent me here for such a time as this. It's been my dream to make Father's Day the second most celebrated holiday of the year. I envision the Father's Day tree, fathering carols, and maybe even the 12 days of Father's Day. That's what I dream about happening. More likely, I'll get a few cards that were handmade two minutes before they're handed to me. And maybe we'll go out to McDonald's, and I'll get a Big Mac.

BUT let me give you a heads up about the perfect Father's Day gift for your husband. One that, if applied all year long, will make him a better father, husband, and spiritual leader . . . and it's NOT a tie.

All you have to do is . . . hang on his arm and tell him his muscles are big.

That's it. I guarantee that will pump him up and get you the man of your dreams.

Practically, it looks like this:

1) Husband helps get the kids dressed for church - you resist the urge to redress them and instead say, "Thanks for getting the kids ready. I sure do appreciate your help."

2) During church, reach over and squeeze his arm and whisper, "You are so strong."

3) After he's had his undisturbed nap, sit on the edge of the couch and say, "Thanks for working so hard to take care of us."

4) And of course after the kids are in bed, wrap your arms around him and tell him, "Wow! You're the best."

Do that often and not only will you give your husband the best Father's Day of his life, but he will also become more involved in your life, family life, and homeschooling. Guaranteed.

Be Real,
Todd

PS - I'm just betting one of you can come up with a great Father's Day song or poem. I'd love to see them.

Deb WuehlerMercy in the Morning
Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor

One of my biggest joys in life is watching Daddy interact with his children. Whether it is bug collecting, massive water fights, ticking the babies' tummies, or teaching them math concepts - I love to watch it happen. He just has a way with the kids that I don't have.

Fathers also see the big picture and can relieve our stress in discipline, curriculum choices, and character development. They have a more objective view and have been given wisdom from God to rule our homes. They are stress relievers. And, boy, do I need relief sometimes!

Not only do they have to love their wives and children in real ways, but Fathers also have the extra tasks of provision and protection. It's a hard calling, and we need to remember to honor them more than once a year.

I suggest we moms teach our children to honor them daily by honoring them ourselves. I have a feeling that honoring my children's father is a reflection of honoring my Heavenly Father. Yikes - I fail here so often - which is why I need new mercy every morning and regular reminders.

Are fathers perfect? Absolutely - they are the perfect fathers for the children they've been given. Seriously, my husband would be the first to say he's nowhere close to perfect, but He serves a perfect God who instructs him in life and godliness. I love to see Him read the Bible to his children. What I love the most is the fact that my children are watching a man who loves His God fervently. If they can take that with them, they have gained the world.

"Men always ought to pray and not lose heart."
Luke 18:1

Your friend,
 - Deborah

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