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The
Home Front, March 2006
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 of
The Home Front |
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Headquarters: The Commander's Situation Report
fills you in our new Home Front! |
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Chow Hall: Get ready to bless others
with Amish Friendship Bread. |
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Chapel: Home Front's monthly Scripture and a Proverbs challenge |
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Brat Report: Stuff for, about, and
by military kids |
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Boot Camp Phase I: Learn about exciting
changes to our blog and what Homeschool Nations is
all about. |
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Boot Camp Phase II: What to look for
to find the right support group for your family. |
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In The Trenches: Who is your best friend?
Is it your sister, your girlfriend from high school, your
husband, or someone else? |
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R&R: Confessions about my most recent favorite "guilty
pleasures"! |
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Drill/PT: Searching for an instructor
to get us in better shape! |
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Interrogation: Our Question
of the Month |
 I
cannot believe it's time for another issue of The Home Front already! Our family
has been busy getting settled in our new location and home. Our household goods
finally arrived, everything is unpacked, and just a few items still need to find
a home. We even organized the attic and separated things for a future garage sale
once the weather warms up. Today we are hanging up pictures and wall decorations
and then we are done! It usually takes us only about two weeks to get things in
place once they arrive. I cannot tell you how grateful we are to be sleeping in
our own beds again!
As we've been getting things put away, I've been amused at my girls' opinions
on where things "belong." They seem to feel that if something was in
a certain spot in previous homes that it still belongs there in this house. They
like having continuity and traditions. I think it is one of the things that makes
moving easier on them. Some things just shouldn't change in their minds. For example,
dd2 said that the large mirror I found in Texas, before she was even born, belonged
above the fireplace. Why? Because that's where it hung in Colorado! The hand painted
rock we made with Aunty K. belongs on the tea cabinet because that's where it
was in Hawaii. My mother's old crocks all have to go together because "they
always have." This reminds me of that story of a daughter asking her mom
for the family recipe for ham. Her mother tells her to begin by slicing off the
end of the ham. When the daughter asks why, her mother tells her, "That's
the way my mom always did it." So the mom calls her mother to ask why. Grandma
says, "Well that's the way my mom always did it." Grandma calls her
mom, who says, "Oh, honey, I did that because I never had a roasting pan
large enough to fit a ham in. Slicing off the end was the only way to make it
fit!"
Another thing that gives us continuity and security as we go from place to
place is a support network. Having a support group for homeschooling can often
provide this network. There are so many different types of groups these days both
online and in "real" life. Many times lifelong friendships can be formed
with people in your support groups. Let's get right to this issue of The Home
Front and find out more about support groups and friendships.
And as always, I WANT YOU to be a part of The Home
Front! I am looking for a few good moms (and dads,
students, grandparents, etc.) to volunteer to write
articles, send in recipes, and share their homeschooling
adventure and anything else that might be of interest
to others on The Home Front. If you have something
you think would assist others in their joint mission,
feel free to send them to me at HomeFront@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com.
Be sure to enlist other military homeschooling families to receive The Home
Front or any of the other terrific (and FREE!) e-Newsletters we offer. And don't
forget to stop by and read the blog on www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/military.
Thanks to Homeschool Nations' coordinator, Kris Price, we've got a new look! Leave
a comment and let us know what you think!
Trish Nonaka
Commander-in-Chief/Editor, The Home Front e-Newsletter
Editor's Note: In last month's "In the Trenches" interviews, one
of our moms was mistakenly listed as "Vicky" when it should have been
"Vicki." My sincere apologies to her!
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"A friend is a gift you give yourself." -
Robert Louis Stevenson
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 Amish
Friendship Bread
I am delighted to share this recipe with you for a couple reasons. First, because
as a family we've been busy discussing the Amish lifestyle and community since
we have an Amish population here in Dover. We made a trip over there and spotted
our first horse and buggy. Our excitement and interest soon turned to amusement
as we watched the buggy turn into, of all places, a gas station! We just couldn't
imagine why they would pull in there. We quickly found out it was merely a shortcut
to avoid a busy intersection and turn at the traffic light. I was also excited
because the recipe fit so nicely with our theme of "friendship." And
quite simply, it's yummy!
Amish Friendship Bread is designed for gift-giving. When you've made your bread,
you can give your friends a sample and the starter that made it! Then your friends
can make their own starter and pass it along to their friends. This is why the
bread is called "friendship bread." It makes a great homemade birthday
and Christmas present. Church groups and hospitals have spread a lot of love and
cheer by making Amish Friendship Bread for their members. Many people make it
regularly just because it tastes so good!
Amish Friendship Bread is genuine "starter" bread. If you know someone
with a starter, you are in luck. Otherwise, the recipe follows. There are a variety
of recipes out there and many variations you can try. The following recipe is
without yeast or pudding mix.
AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD STARTER
3 c. sugar
3 c. flour
3 c. milk
On Day 1: In glass or plastic bowl, combine 1-cup sugar, 1-cup flour, and 1-cup
milk. Stir mixture with wooden or plastic spoon (don't use metal spoon or electric
mixer). Cover bowl loosely with paper towel, cloth, wax paper, or plastic wrap.
Keep at room temperature (don't refrigerate).
On Days 2, 3 and 4: Using wooden or plastic spoon, stir mixture
once each day.
On Day 5: Add 1-cup sugar, 1-cup flour, and 1-cup milk; stir.
On Days 6, 7, 8, and 9: Using wooden or plastic spoon, stir
mixture once each day.
On Day 10: Add 1-cup sugar, 1-cup flour, and 1-cup milk.
Remove 3 cups of mixture and give 1 cup each to three friends.
Save remaining starter for yourself.
AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD
1 c. Amish friendship bread starter
2/3 c. oil
3 eggs
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. sugar
In mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Bake in two well greased and floured
or sugared 9" x 5" bread pans. Bake in 350-degree oven for 40 to 45
minutes.
NOTE: Raisins, chopped apples, drained, crushed pineapple,
candied fruit, coconut, mashed banana, dates, chopped nuts
and/or chocolate chips (1/2 cup each) may be added to batter
before baking.
If you try this version, let us know how it goes and with
whom you shared it. If you have another version, please send
it and I will post it on the blog. Please email them to me
at HomeFront@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com to
share with all our readers. Who knows? YOU may be the guest
chef in the chow hall next month!
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Monthly Scripture and a Proverbs Challenge
This month's memory verse is "A friend loves at all times …"
(Proverbs 17:17).
Speaking of Proverbs, let me share with you something that dd3 and I are working
on together. (The older two girls completed theirs already as part of their high
school requirements.) This idea was given to me when we first began homeschooling
to use with the children. Recently I decided to do the same thing. We are endeavoring
to make a complete handwritten copy of the book of Proverbs. I chose a nice bound
blank journal and a purple ink pen to copy mine in. I try to make the writing/printing
as neat as possible and as pretty as I can. I keep a whiteout tape close at hand
for my inevitable mistakes. Copy work is a terrific tool to learn spelling, handwriting,
punctuation, and Scripture memorization. It can serve as an artistic outlet as
well. You could add larger, more ornate lettering at the beginning of each chapter,
place emphasis on the Lord's names, or make the numbers stand out, just to mention
a few ideas. Dd2, our artist, made beautiful scrolls with flowers and various
designs trailing down the side of her copy. Dd1 has hand copied other books over
time and, like me, hopes to have the entire Bible hand copied by the end of her
lifetime. What a lovely life goal for herself and gift for her future family.
It is a lovely quiet time of concentration that I get to spend with our daughter
that I look forward to. I'm glad when she reminds me to get out my pen every day!
If you decide to take up this challenge, would you let me know? I'd love to
hear about the paper you choose, what ink color or special pens you decide on,
and if you are decorating it in any certain fashion. If we get enough moms interested
in doing this, perhaps we can track our progress on the blog! What do you think?
Email me at HomeFront@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com. |
Student Poetry and a Website
Let me begin by saying that I use the term "brat" in absolutely NO
derogatory manner whatsoever. It is a term of affection and a proud tribute to
military children everywhere. Our girls are proud to be "brats" and
realize they are part of a unique group of strong, courageous people who have
made huge sacrifices by sharing their parent(s) with the nation they have chosen
to serve. While "brats" may not make the choice to serve but rather
are often born into the military life, they accept it with courage, dignity, and
love. This column is our salute to them.
Our first piece comes from Hanna K., Spokane, age 12. Her dad is in the Army
National Guard, and her Grandpa Mike retired from the USAF. She's been homeschooled
her entire life.
Separated from God
By Hanna K.
There was once a man from Nod,
Who offered his veggies to God,
God didn't like his veggies or grain,
And so he sent him off again,
God liked his brother's lamb instead,
Then Cain went grumbling to his bed,
The next day when Cain awoke,
To his brother Abel he then spoke,
Into the fields with him he coaxed,
Abel knew he had been hoaxed.
When Cain struck his brother dead,
God placed a mark upon his head,
Away from his home Cain did run,
The weight on his shoulders felt like a ton.
So Cain went to the land of Nod,
And was forever separated from our God.
Used by permission of the author's Mama
Speaking of military brats, I just came across this neat site, www.militarybrat.com,
that you might want to check out. It's a registry for military kids to find long-lost
friends from faraway bases and places. Did you know they have an official coin
for brats? Sure enough! See this website: www.militarybrat.com/bratcoin.cfm.
And to see why I will never look at a dandelion the same way again, visit www.militarybrat.com/dandelion.cfm.
Note: As with all things online, use caution and wisdom especially
before allowing your children to participate.
Send your brat's stuff to me at HomeFront@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com
along with Name, Location, Age/Grade, and military connection. (You may opt to
have any of this information omitted.)
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 Phase
I: Homeschool Nations
One of the best resources for locating support for your state is right at your
fingertips. I briefly mentioned her earlier in this newsletter, but the job that
Kris Price does for TOS and Homeschool Nations is fantastic! Kris oversees all
the blogs under Homeschool Nations and, as I already shared, she gave the Home
Front's blog a wonderful new look. See it at www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/military.
Homeschool Nations - Military is just a small portion of the resources available
to you as a homeschooler. While our purpose is specifically to reach the military
homeschooler, Homeschool Nations reaches beyond that by providing a blog for each
state. On each Homeschool Nations blog, you will find a "Roll Call"
with all the listings. Find your current location to read the blog for that area.
Oh! You may notice that there is an "s" at the end of Homeschool Nations
where previously there wasn't. This is because we now have blogs for other countries
too! Check out Homeschool Nations' (HSN) blog here: www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com/hsn/index.php.
Here are some other important links that will assist you in finding
support or a local group near you. www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com/hsn/index.php
International homeschooler? There's a blog for you too! www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/aroundtheworld
So, you've got the military blog and e-Newsletter, HSN on TOS webpage, the
HSN blog, a state page over at TOS, individual state blogs, pages and blogs for
US territories, and foreign countries! If you need to locate a community support
group, just scroll down on your state page (found here: www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com/hsn/index.php#state)
until you see the local listings. Support group leaders: if yours is NOT listed,
please provide the information by submitting it here: www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com/hsn/info-submit.php
Whew! I think that should get you going and keep you busy until
you find just the right group for your family!
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 Phase
II: Finding the Right Support Group For Your Family
Finding the right support group can make a world of difference in your
homeschooling adventure. I know that with each move we have discovered a wide
range of groups and been blessed by each one we've joined. That's not to say that
every experience has been terrific or that I would like to duplicate them. In
some cases, please NO!
Beverly Hernandez of About.com (Homeschooling) says, "Meeting together
with other homeschoolers can be helpful, but finding a support group can sometimes
be difficult. It often takes patience to find the right match for your family.
Generally, support groups offer encouragement and help along the way. They can
help with choosing curriculum, record keeping, meeting the state laws, and providing
opportunities and activities for your students."
Sometimes it can be downright challenging to find the right fit. Here are some
tips to help you find the right group for your family's needs.
- Look at the group's values. If they are a secular group, do not expect to
be able to pray at meetings. If they are a faith-based group, expect to participate
in faith-based practices. Do not expect the Jewish support group to provide your
children with a Christmas party. I realize that may sound silly, but I have seen
great groups torn apart because members wanted the group to meet their needs rather
than go out and form their own group. Groups cannot be all things to all people.
There are plenty of support groups out there, and you should be able to find one
that agrees with your philosophies. If these things do not bother you, be sure
to accept the group's core values and not press yours on them. It's called respect.
- Look for like-minded families within the group. If you are homeschooling an
only child, you may not want to participate with a "full quiver" type
group or vice versa.
- Look at your homeschooling style. Not an unschooler? That's okay, just don't
look for a group that functions best with child-directed activities. More of a
"fly by the seat of your pants" family? The highly structured, "we
expect everyone to take a role" group is probably not the best fit for you.
- Consider your schedule. I have a dear friend who is not a morning person
by nature but thrives with a support group that meets early. It motivates
her. Not me! I like being able to get things done at home first and then
have activities. I even prefer a group that has events on Fridays if at all
possible.
- Consider age levels of children. Why sign up to be in a group where the
oldest child is seven when you have teenagers? Again, not a good fit for
anyone.
- Consider interests of the groups. We were members of a terrific group that
offered a huge Shakespeare production every year. While our youngest eventually
participated and actually enjoyed herself, theater was her sister's thing, not
hers. Likewise, the group that offered golf lessons was her favorite, while her
sister loathes the game. Often you will find groups that offer a variety of activities,
but be sure there is at least one thing your child enjoys. We've been in situations
where we had to join more than one group to meet our girls' needs and in others
where one group filled everyone's needs.
- Consider governing style and parental involvement. Looking for a loosely structured
group? We had one group in Colorado that did beautifully with no leader. Each
parent who wanted to do something set it up and was in charge of whatever she
wanted to offer. An email group kept us "structured." We had no formal
meetings, ever. We "became" a group because our base offered swim lessons
and we all signed our children up and met. That's the way we became the Brady
Bunch … just kidding! That wasn't our name. We would brainstorm at the
pool and help one another with networking to find things like art classes, field
trips, and more. I have been in other groups where parents were expected to teach
classes, volunteer time, baby-sit, or simply pay higher rates for enrichment classes.
This type of group may or may not work for you.
- There are groups that seem almost like schools with the plethora of classes
they offer. I have friends who truly are blessed by this type of group. Many times,
they have multiple children, and this gives them a bit of a break and a chance
to spend more focused time with their other children. For one friend, having her
very shy student in a safe home "school" environment helps him to grow
in the area of public speaking. If your child wants to join a forensic speech
and debate group, it's almost impossible to do so at home on your own. This can
also be a great source for the student getting ready to transfer to the college
level without enrolling him back in to public school. Chose this because it works
best for your family, not because "everyone else is using that group."
After all, we're homeschoolers. We don't follow the crowd!
Now, you may be thinking, "Gee whiz! That's stating the obvious!"
Let me share a story with you that may explain why I am stating what may be the
obvious. (This is a true personal story, by the way!) I am a member of an online
Christian military homeschool group. The discussion began with how hard it can
be to connect with a group after a move. Some wrote to say that yes, they could
relate. One gal wrote that she was looking for like-minded people to chat with
and how hard it was for her to find any in the area where they lived and how she
often felt left out around her dh's military acquaintances. Now who hasn't felt
that at times? In her follow-up email though, she shared that she was a "Democrat,
who protested against the war, and practiced Wicca." It's not her choices
that are the point here; it's the fact that she went to the WRONG group for support!
No wonder she wasn't finding like-minded people to chat with!
So, in your journey to find a great support group, remember to consider various
options, be flexible, and be willing to take time to find the right fit. And
then, be a great member, jump in there, and have fun!
Have support group ideas or experiences you want to share? Send them to me
at HomeFront@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com.
They will either appear in a future issue of The Home Front or on the blog. |
Who Is Your Best Friend?
One of my greatest challenges as a military wife is forming and
maintaining friendships. As I've gotten older, I've learned there is a huge spectrum
of friendships. They range from casual nodding neighbors to lifelong "I'd
give you a kidney" ones. Most fall somewhere in the middle. Between military
and civilian friendships, I don't know which is harder to develop and maintain,
either. I've meet many people who have the mindset of not wanting to form a friendship
with a military person because "you'll leave soon." Even some military
folks become calloused and begin to pull away from forming new friendships. Sometimes
you end up with mere "surface" type relationships. The one thing that
I have noticed about my friendships that are lifelong is a shared love of the
Lord. Friendships formed on the foundation of Jesus have yet to fail me.
A few moves ago, I was at a point where I was desperately lonely and praying
to God for a girlfriend. I wasn't clicking with any of the women I was coming
into contact with. You know that instant, "I'm gonna be your friend forever"
feeling? It just wasn't happening.
After many months of loneliness and anguished prayer, I learned a couple lessons.
I'm not too fast on the upswing! The first lesson was that I had my friendships
out of alignment. I had just moved from a place where I had formed three of the
closest friendships of my life. These women are my sister-friends. Our children
are best friends. Our husbands are best buds. We know one another's parents and
siblings. We spend holidays together. I call them first for anything and everything.
I had a very dear friend in the area, but she worked outside the home full-time
and I was whining for another homeschooling mama friend. In a quiet moment of
sharing my heart with my beloved, he just looked at me and said, "Well, you're
my best friend!" GROAN! I realized, finally, I had my friendships askew.
The Lord prevented me from forming the type of relationship I wanted because
He had something so much better planned for me. He wanted to be number one! And
He wanted my beloved to be next. Girlfriends could come after that. As I worked
through this new revelation, I did meet some lovely ladies to spend some time
with and develop friendships with. Since that time, I've been mindful of keeping
my friendships in the proper order. I tell the Lord everything, just pour my heart
out to Him. I spend time with Him daily, talking to Him continually throughout
the day. He is the unseen guest in our home at all times.
This makes it easier on my beloved. After being on duty all day, he doesn't
want to hear the extra 10,000 words I have stored up and ready to share. He can
be what he was meant to be. My companion, cohort, partner in crime, and the person
I can be embarrassingly silly with. He gets my stupid jokes and even thinks I'm
funny. When I make up new words, he just asks for a definition and doesn't tell
me they aren't real. He takes my side when the kids gang up on me and votes for
the same kind of pizza toppings as I do. He works alongside me in the house and
yard even if I don't work beside him in the garage. My friend, Robbie, and I even
created a title for him when he decided he should scrapbook with me since my scrapping
buds were far away. She would ask me if I was spending time with Randy or "Randy
with an i" (Randi). That was reserved for when he showed his sensitive side
and did "girlfriend" things with me!
The second lesson I learned was that He provides for me beyond my expectations.
The Lord slowly worked on my heart to change me to the point I was not merely
content to have Him and my beloved as best friends but actually fulfilled. He
has blessed me with numerous delightful friendships over the years. I've also
found that I don't need to "replace" my friends with each new assignment.
The ones I've had for years more than satisfy me. And yet, He has continued to
bless me with new and solid friendships at each one. The best ones have come when
I wasn't looking. Again, they've been the kind of friendships where our entire
families like one another and we are bound together by a common love of Christ.
Since most of us have numerous long distance friendships, I'd love to hear
how you keep them going. Would you share things you do that help you stay in touch
with one another over the years and across the miles? You know where to send your
ideas and comments - HomeFront@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com.
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May the Lord keep watch between
you and me when
we are away from each other.
- Genesis 31:49 |
Sisters By Heart
Author Unknown
We've shared so much laughter,
shared so many tears.
We've a spiritual bond,
that grows stronger each year.
We're not sisters by birth,
but we knew from the start,
God put us together
to be sisters by heart. |
Mom's Time
There are two things that I am truly enjoying since we moved to Dover. The
first is the lovely, deep soaking tub in the master bath. Yeah, it takes forever
to fill up, but once I throw that fizzy bath bomb in there and the plumeria fragrance
hits my nose - ahhh! It's SO worth it! The second is my latest obsession with
Sudoku. Yup! I confess. I'm hooked! Today I splurged and bought myself a handheld
electronic version because I'm tired of the erasure marks from the pencil getting
all over the place. Not to mention doing my part to save the trees. I'm going
through too many booklets too fast. What's that? You haven't discovered Sudoku
yet? You simply MUST! Not ready for the electronic version though? That's okay.
Try an online one to get started. Whenever I solve a puzzle, it makes me feel
pretty darn smart. So what if the kids can solve it faster than I can? I just
tell them I'm solving the "diabolic" level.
www.websudoku.com/
www.saidwhat.co.uk/sudokus/index.php
www.lovatts.com.au/sudoku/sudoku.htm
(This one has Kakuro to drive you nuts after you've mastered Sudoku!) |
 Instructor
Needed
You really don't have to be a prior drill instructor! Are you
a runner or swimmer? Or do you have a great walking program that has helped you
stay fit? Have some great tips for getting daily exercise while still homeschooling?
How do you manage to work out and manage your kids? The Home Front is looking
for someone with a background or interest in physical training to contribute information
on getting and staying in shape. Please contact HomeFront@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com
if you are interested. We won't even make you call cadence, I promise! Of course,
if you ARE a triathlete we will still let you help out as long as you don't hurt
the rest of us mamas in the process. |
 Our
Question of the Month
What's the BEST Military Recreation Center you've been to?
Where is it and why was it so great? Submit your recommendation now before summer
arrives and then begin making plans to visit one near you. Please include a webpage
if available. Send your submission to HomeFront@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com.
|
Do you ever wish you knew how other homeschooling
families get it all done?
If so, you need a copy of Secrets of Successful
Homeschooling! In this e-book, Paul and Gena Suarez, publishers
of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, show you that "Yes! You CAN homeschool!"
From Classical Education and Lapbooking, to organizing your home or educating
special needs children, this e-book covers it all! You'll receive practical tips,
advice and helpful information in an easy-to-understand manner.
"Every story touched me in one way or another. I found myself wishing
I could call people and yell 'Finally! A practical book that speaks from the heart
when it comes to homeschooling.'" - LaTara Ham-Ying, author,
ministry founder, radio show host, business owner, and homeschool mother of two
sons
Affordable and instantly downloadable, this e-book would be
perfect to help you start out the new year inspired,
motivated, and encouraged in your homeschooling journey.
To purchase your copy of Secrets to Successful
Homeschooling, visit
www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com/subscribe/secrets.php
Looking for a way to earn extra money?
Sign up for our affiliate program and you can earn
66% of each sale by telling your
friends about our e-book. Sign up here:
www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com/subscribe/affiliate.php |
Thank you for reading The Home
Front e-Newsletter this month. I hope you were blessed by it. In April, we will
be talking about finishing strong and end-of-the-school-year celebrations. I'll
be sharing our graduation stories and would love to hear yours. If you have already
had a homeschool graduate, please share with us about it. Planning an upcoming
graduation? Let's hear your ideas and questions. Until then, may the Lord protect
and keep your family and God bless America - bless God!
From our Home Front to yours,
Trish
You may forward this e-Newsletter to your friends in its entirety.
If you have any comments, email me at HomeFront@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com with
your feedback.
Copyright © 2005-2006 The Old
Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC
PO Box 1701, Dandridge, TN 37725
All rights reserved.
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