At the Forum: December 23,2009
December 22, 2009 by AmyF
Welcome to this week At the Forum. Hope all is well with you and your family. With one week until Christmas, my family has been a little distracted with the smells and sounds of the Holiday. Santa Came to town by fire truck to one of the places we went to last night. We went caroling last night with the church youth group and had hot cocoa by the fireside. Then we went outside and joined the rest of the festivities of the night. There is nothing like watching kids snow tubing down the hill. What a great way to start the holiday week!
Another way to start the week off is to come and visit the forum. There are so many topics and so many members- you are bound to find something that interest you. Here are a few topics that may interest you:
- Are you a down to the wire kind of person or a early bird? Do you have all your Christmas Shopping done?
- School and Vacation? Do these words mix well? What is your schooling plans this Christmas break? Are you taking time off or continuing with school?
- One of my New Year’s Resolutions this year is to be more frugal. Have you any ideas to share with us?
- What is your favorite Christmas of Holiday Song? I have shared mine here and would love to hear what yours is.
- Tis the season for giving. I always think of the community as a great giving opportunity.. What about volunteering, food drives, visiting nursing homes? Do you count these toward school credits or a certain class?
- What is on your Christmas List? Do you have a few things you want?
I hope that if you have not had a chance to visit the forum, come by and say hi! Come share your stories, your praises and prayers, your school day and most of all- your words of wisdom. Until Next week, I will see you at the forum!
At the Forum: Christmas shopping, pageants and chatting
December 11, 2009 by AmyF
Two weeks until Christmas? Wow! This year seems like it has sped up all of a sudden. Schedules have become hectic and you may need a little time to rest. I would love to have you come and visit the forum and share your “down” time with us. Here are a few topics you may want to add a post to:
- How do get back into your routine after a major life disruption? For example, moving? Lack of sleep due to a young child’s refusal of bedtimes and frequent night-waking? (This is a purely hypothetical question of course…)
- What have you been studying this December? We have a section with 12 different Learning Methods. Come share what you have been doing in your homeschooling lately.
- With the New Year around the corner, budgeting is on many minds. How do you save for your Christmas Shopping? Do you set a budget? Are charities included?
- What is your favorite thing about the Christmas Season?
- Did you play a part in a Christmas pageant or play? How about your kids? Would love to hear your stories.
- On the forum we have a section that is for subjects. Do you have something you have used in schooling to recommend as a gift idea? The Subject area would be a great place for recommendations.
- Would you be interested in chatting with other forum members? Please answer our poll.
- Who were the winners of the Christmas Giveaway on the Forum? You can find the answer here.
Hope you get a chance to come by and say hello. Until next week, I will see you at the forum!
Amy Fleeker is a part of a great family that includes a husband of 12 years, 3 children, a dog and a cat. Her homeschooling style is eclectic with a emphasis on classical teaching. When with her family, you can find her watching movies, playing board games, and living life with a great sense of humor and knowing that God is all around. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, tatting, crocheting and doing a little family history. You can visit Amy at her blog, Counting Change Again, or at the HOTM forum, where she is the Lead Moderator.
At the Forum: Classical Education, Noisy Toys, and Picky Eaters
December 4, 2009 by AmyF
The year is coming to a close so fast! In my neck of the woods it is currently 10 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -1. Perfect weather to homeschool during the days and snuggle up near a fire with a warm blanket and a drink at night. I have noticed that my kids have lost their focus as the closer Christmas approaches. This is where the forum becomes such a great resource and support for me. Here is a few conversations you may find there:
- At any age picky eaters are hard to deal with. How about a toddler with finicky ways? Do you have any ideas to help this member?
- We are curious about your favorite resources for Classical teaching. Do you have a favorite website, book or resource that you use?
- With Christmas around the corner, what is your opinion on noisy toys? Are you the giver or a receiver of one?
- How many pages do you recommend to someone who is new to notebooking?
- Are you doing a Bible study with someone? What type of things do you do to prepare for it? Would love some tips!
- This month Heart of the Matter focused on Special Needs in their ezine. Here at the Forum we have a great place for you to start discussions about Special Needs.
If you have not had a chance to visit us, come by and say hi! Until next week, I will see you at the Forum
Amy Fleeker is a part of a great family that includes a husband of 12 years, 3 children, a dog and a cat. Her homeschooling style is eclectic with a emphasis on classical teaching. When with her family, you can find her watching movies, playing board games, and living life with a great sense of humor and knowing that God is all around. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, tatting, crocheting and doing a little family history. You can visit Amy at her blog, Counting Change Again, or at the HOTM forum, where she is the Lead Moderator.
At the Forum: Giving Thanks 2009
November 27, 2009 by AmyF
When I was little, my family would travel to my granny’s house for Thanksgiving. I loved this time of the year when our family would spend time together. And on Thanksgiving, we would all gather at the table, stare in awe of the Great Bird and all the fixings. We would start the meal off with a prayer and then start eating. Now that I am older and have my own family, we have started our own traditions. We still have that fabulous turkey and fixings that we love, followed by prayer, but we do one more thing as we are gathered at the table- give thanks. One by one we take turns telling each other what we are thankful for this year.
This year, I would like to share this moment with my “other” family, the Heart of the Matter forum moderators. If you have not had a chance to come to the forum, pull up a chair and enjoy your time with us as we give thanks….
- My savior, who loves me unconditionally and molds me daily.
- My husband, who is my hero and the greatest man in the world.
- My son, who warms my heart and brings me joy everyday.
- Being able to homeschool and give my son a precious individualized education.
- The greatest group of best friends, online and offline, that a girl could ever wish for.
- My mother, who is not only my mom, but is at the top of that best friends list.
- Seriously, the internet…it enables me to minister to hundreds of thousands of women across the globe.
- Having all our material needs met…from food, clean water and clothing, to a warm house and soft bed.
Screen Name: AmySue
Classical, Gifted
“I am thankful always for salvation, God’s Word, and abundant life in Christ! I am so thankful for the family God has blessed me with and that I get to be home with my girls every day. I’m thankful that even when I forget to be thankful…God is faithful to remind me of His many blessings. To have a personal relationship with the Almighty God that created our universe just blows my mind…no matter how bad a day it is, I can always be thankful for that. I am also thankful for laughter, hugs, and bean and cheese burritos. They make life so nice.”
Screen name: angellmills
Primary Education, notebooking, Bible Study
What I am thankful for:
- a warm home and warm clothes
- hot water heaters and a good washing machine
- plenty of food in great variety
- my oven
- being a mom and a wife
- creativity and curiosity
- the grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ
ScreenName: Jimmie
Learning Methods: Charlotte Mason
I am thankful for my faith. It is seeing me through difficult times.
I am thankful for my marriage to a wonderful man who is perfect for me.
I am thankful for my daughter, long awaited, and loved beyond belief.
I am thankful for having had a good a loving childhood with two parents who did the best they could.
I am thankful for my little, warm, house that is filled with love.
I am thankful for my husband’s family who has taken me in as one of them.
I am thankful for my mother-in-law, and my mom’s friend who make sure that my mom gets out and does things with someone other than just me.
I am thankful that I was led on this journey to home schooling.
I am thankful that we live in a country where my daughter can grow up to do just about anything.
I am thankful for a friend who I can laugh with at some of the “bumps” along our path.
I am thankful for our dogs who make me smile.
Screen name: 3000melanies
Taking Care of You: Health & Wellness, Special Needs & Chronic Illnesses
I am thankful this year for:
- God’s love in our lives. He is always there!
- My family, both my immediate family and my extended family, who have been a great support for us. This year especially as it has been very trying.
- A new baby
- healthy children
- the freedom to homeschool my kids
- scrapbooking and crafting
Screen name: Bonnie
Crafts & Hobbies, Learning Methods: Unit Study Approach
I am thankful for my health as I’m a 2x cervical cancer survivor.
I am thankful for my family and my God.
Screen Name: nikowa
Parenting: Adoption
“Gosh it has been quite a year for our family! We have been through lots of changes and many blessings have come our way. First and foremost, I am thankful for God’s love and guidance in my life, I would be nowhere without HIM! I am also extremely grateful for my family. God has blessed me with an awesome husband and 4 beautiful children, not to mention my extended family which has been there for us so much. Especially this past year! I am thankful for the blessing of my youngest child, Joey. The Lord gave him to us after many years of loss and prayer. I am thankful for the opportunity for my husband to go to school and gain knowledge and skills he needs to better provide for our family. I am thankful that throughout the past year, my children have not been sick, as we have not had insurance. And to wrap this rambling up, I am also thankful that I am able to homeschool my 3 youngest kids, that we have a warm home and food, that I have a strong, happy marriage, and that I have made so many wonderful friends by being involved in HOTM! Blessings to you and your family this Thanksgiving holiday, I hope it is a memorable one!”
Screen name: hsmommaof4
Assistant to Forum Lead Moderator
I Am Thankful For:
The salvation of Jesus Christ: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
(Rom. 5:8)
A wonderful husband. We’ve been married for 21 years and love each other more than ever!
Being blessed to be a mother of 3-it took me several years to have children and I know that I am truly blessed.
Having the honor to homeschool my children-I cannot imagine our lives any other way. It is hard sometimes but always worth it!
My wonderful church-I am blessed to be a Sunday School teacher and have a part in our youth ministry-I love all of those kids so much!
Living in our wonderful country-we have lots of problems but we are still a blessed nation.
Wonderful friends, some of which I’ve never met “in real life.” I am thankful to have so many warm, wonderful friends who live all over the world!
Thank you for this opportunity to share just a few of the things for which I am so thankful.
Screen name: Rhonda@livingwater
Learning Styles: Auditory, Creative Learning: mini- offices
As I reflect over this year and years that have gone by, I can’t help but thank God for the life he has planned for me. Here are a few things I am thankful for this year:
- A God that is there for you no matter what time of day, situation and with unconditional Love.
- A best friend that I have been married to for almost 13 years.
- Three Marvelous Children that continue to amaze me.
- A roof over our head, food on the table and other comforts of home.
- Husband’s Job that provides the means to keep this family afloat.
- Friends and family (on-line and in person) that continue to be the backbone of my support emotionally, spiritually and physically.
- The ability to homeschool. I am not the only one doing the teaching, I learn from the kids too.
- Churches that I have attended this last year. God’s House and family are just so amazing!
- A cat and dog that give my family love, companionship and the entertainment we need.
- Heart of the Matter Magazine and Forum Staff, Members, Readers, and Moderators. So thankful to be part of the team.
Screen Name: fleekera
Lead Moderator
Thank You for sitting at our table and letting us share our thatks with you. Don’t worry the fun does not have to stop now. You can come visit all of us, twenty-four hours a day, in the comfort of your home. Happy Thanksgiving and until next week, you know where to find me- At the Forum!
At the Forum: Thanksgiving Part 1 – Nov 24
November 24, 2009 by AmyF
Everywhere I go this week, I smell the sweet aroma of Thanksgiving. Stores are packed with people preparing for their Thanksgiving Holiday Meals. Our town is preparing for the start of Ski season and you can see the completion of hotel expansions and road construction winding down and store fronts and other building are being decorated with holiday adornments. This will be our first winter in the Rocky Mountain Range, but if this week’s weather is just a glimpse into it, it will be one beautiful cold season.
This week at the Forum, I would like to start part one of a two part series focusing on Thanksgiving. I have met some great people at the forum and would consider them to be my cyber family. They are a great group of people that are passionate about their commitment to homeschooling, parenting, being a part of their community and in everything else they may do. If you have not had a chance to visit us and would like to, come on by. I believe you will find the same feeling I experience when I am there….. HOME.
Please come join us this week as we chat about the following Thanksgiving topics:
- Over the hills and through the woods to Grandmothers house we go. What are your plans for Thanksgiving?
- What do you cook for your Meal? Is there a recipe you would like to share with us? Could be something you cook or maybe a recipe that a relative or friend has brought to your table.
- You are just about to Aunt Sally’s house and have worried all the way about how you are going to survive another holiday with your family. Perhaps you, your spouse of other family member may have a step-relative you must contend with? Let us give each other with encouragement, support and a positive attitude to family get togethers.
- If you are like me, I bought a truckload of food to cook for the Great Turkey Day. And now you are staring at those leftovers wondering what to do with them. How about sharing a few Thanksgiving left over recipes with each other?
- When do you start decorating for Christmas?
- The day after is here and the famous Black Friday sales begin. Are you one of the ones to get up in the wee hours of the morning to get those great deals?
- Family has gathered and you are looking for things to do. I have posted a reminder of the Heart of the Matter 25 Days of Christmas Cookies here. You can get some great pictures together and share a recipe too!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and can’t wait to see all the food posting for the holiday ahead. Join me, next time for At the Forum: part two. Until then, you know where you can find me!
Amy Fleeker is a part of a great family that includes a husband of 12 years, 3 children, a dog and a cat. Her homeschooling style is eclectic with a emphasis on classical teaching. When with her family, you can find her watching movies, playing board games, and living life with a great sense of humor and knowing that God is all around. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, tatting, crocheting and doing a little family history. You can visit Amy at her blog, Counting Change Again, or at the HOTM forum, where she is the Lead Moderator.
Military Families, Living Books, and Celebrity Chefs: At the Forum – 11/13
November 13, 2009 by AmyS
Welcome to this week’s At the Forum. November is such a beautiful time of the year. Fall is taking place around many parts of the world and the colors are so vivid. Not just the season of fall makes November a picturesque month but, it is a start to the season of giving. This week we kicked off this season with Veteran’s Day. Millions of women and men have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We hope you had the chance to thank someone for their efforts and the freedom they are fighting for us.
- November is National Military Month. What has your community done for the families and people that serve?
- Do you have any homeschool organization tips?
- What are some things that you are passionate about? Some things you absolutely love? Things that totally, entirely invigorate you?
- Where do you read? We all love the living books aspect of CM. So, here’s the question, WHERE do you usually read those living books?
- What is happening in your unschooling house this week?
- Which celebrity chef would you most like to fix you a meal?
- Not sure why they call it useless facts, but I love to read them. Do you have a useless fact you have wanted to share but never had the chance? Well here is your chance!
Thanksgiving is approaching and it closes the month of November out in such a humble way. At the forum this week, we would love for you to share your memories and traditions of Thanksgiving. If you have a story to share with us, and have not registered, come by and share your experiences with us.
Until next week, I will see you at the Forum!
Amy Fleeker is a part of a great family that includes a husband of 12 years, 3 children, a dog and a cat. Her homeschooling style is eclectic with a emphasis on classical teaching. When with her family, you can find her watching movies, playing board games, and living life with a great sense of humor and knowing that God is all around. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, tatting, crocheting and doing a little family history. You can visit Amy at her blog, Counting Change Again, or at the HOTM forum, where she is the Lead Moderator.
Netflix, Frugality and Charlotte Mason: At the Forum – Nov 6
November 6, 2009 by AmyF
Thank Goodness it is Friday. It has been a busy week in my household and the busyness has stretched its way to the Forum. I am sure I am not the only one who has benefited from the questions and advice that has been posted. We would like to extend an invitation to you if you have not been to the forum yet. Come on by and register. And check these discussions out while you are there:
- Do you use Netflix? Have you viewed these great videos for schooling? Do you have your own list you would like to add too?
- Do you have some fun ways to keep school going when the focus is not there? We can’t always take a break when things aren’t going well, but at those times, it seems like we need fun to keep going on. Here is what we do. How about you?
- With so many subjects and studies to do in November, share with us your notebooking and lapbooking activities you are doing this month.
- Is your teaching style Charlotte Mason? What areas do you strive to be more CM?
- Are you a frugal guru? Do you have a unique way of saving and would love to share your brilliant ways with us? Come post your ideas at Fabulously Frugal.
- Speaking of Frugal ways, I must repeat this thread this week. Have you seen or heard of any great holiday deals?
- And last, but not least I would like to focus on one of my favorite sections and invite you to post some questions, advice or your experience in this area. If Adoption has been a part of your life or is in your future, stop by here and share your stories or post a question too. It is a great place to give support to each other as you go this journey.
As I think of the past weeks and all that has happened on the forum, I can’t help but mention that we are only eight away from 200 members! What a great support group for all of us. Come join us and maybe your question will be highlighted in next week’s At the Forum. Until next week, you can catch me posting there!
Amy Fleeker is a part of a great family that includes a husband of 12 years, 3 children, a dog and a cat. Her homeschooling style is eclectic with a emphasis on classical teaching. When with her family, you can find her watching movies, playing board games, and living life with a great sense of humor and knowing that God is all around. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, tatting, crocheting and doing a little family history. You can visit Amy at her blog, Counting Change Again, or at the HOTM forum, where she is the Lead Moderator.
Snuggies, vacations, and workboxes: At the Forum – Oct 30
October 29, 2009 by AmyF
Has it been a week already? This week seems to have flown by quick At the Forum. You have really made it a great week too! Did not know we had a forum? With 1,327 post and 177 members, we have one thing missing – YOU! So come on by and register because this is what you are missing:
- Sunday is national Snuggie day. Maybe you can recommend a hot drink or book while snuggling up with your Snuggie.
- We definitely have an abundant amount of a certain name on the forum. Curious? Here is the place to see.
- Or perhaps you are dreaming of warmer weather or a vacation? Come dream with me where money is no object and pick your destination.
- With the holidays less than two months away, we need some insight on great deals. Have you seen or purchased any great holiday deals?
- What math games do you recommend for workboxes?
- We have started a list of resources for mini-offices. Do you have any to add?
- Come join us as we pray for those that have been struck by flooding, fires, typhoons and earthquakes around the world.
Well, that is all for this week, until next week, see you at the forum.
Amy Fleeker is a part of a great family that includes a husband of 12 years, 3 children, a dog and a cat. Her homeschooling style is eclectic with a emphasis on classical teaching. When with her family, you can find her watching movies, playing board games, and living life with a great sense of humor and knowing that God is all around. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, tatting, crocheting and doing a little family history. You can visit Amy at her blog, Counting Change Again, or at the HOTM forum, where she is the Lead Moderator.
At the Forum: 10-23-09
October 23, 2009 by AmyF
Do you have a topic you would like to talk about? A question you think that someone Must have an answer? The Forum is the Place for you! There are people waiting to hear from you and registration is easy.
To get started, here are a few that may interest you:
- Want some info on things to help out with this flu season? I have been hanging out at hospital this week and have picked up a few things from the staff and my sick child. This is in no way a complete list and is in need of other suggestions.
- Help! My Son is waking up screaming! Does this sound like one of your children? Can you offer the Mom some advice?
- Do you have any teacher gift Ideas for the upcoming holidays?
- Co-Schooling, what is it? Replies needed here.
- Thinking of adoption & don’t know if you should? In the process of adoption? About to finalize? Adopted already, but need prayer?
- How about a praise report? Did you have a good week and would like share with others? We have two areas that may be for you! General Chit Chat and Praises and Prayer Request
- What math program do you use? Is it Life of Fred or another math curriculum you would like to advise others to use?
- Finding a movie that is appropriate for the whole family can be difficult. Have you seen any good Family Movies?
- Are you pregnant and would like to share your glorious news?
Well, that is it for this week At the Forum. Until next week, I look forward to seeing you there!
Amy Fleeker is a part of a great family that includes a husband of 12 years, 3 children, a dog and a cat. Her homeschooling style is eclectic with a emphasis on classical teaching. When with her family, you can find her watching movies, playing board games, and living life with a great sense of humor and knowing that God is all around. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, tatting, crocheting and doing a little family history. You can visit Amy at her blog, Counting Change Again, or at the HOTM forum, where she is the Lead Moderator.
At the Forum – Oct 16: the 80’s, adoption, and middle school
October 16, 2009 by AmyF
Welcome to this week’s At the Forum. We actually have hit a milestone this week. With the help of our members, we have hit 1000 post! What a great milestone and if you have not had a chance to visit the forum…. come on by and register. Here a few areas you might want to check out while you are there:
- Visit or new adoption topic in our parenting section. Some of the categories include step-parent adoption, private adoption, and international adoption . You can also find a place to share your resources and tips with other in your adoption journey.
- Have you ever done an online bible study?
- Do you have a craft or hobby you would like to introduce us to?
- What do you think about the 80’s fashion style making its rounds again?
- Are you reading a good book that others may like?
- Military families, come share your host country experiences with us.
- What is Middle School in your part of the world?
Do you have a question you would like to ask? Come post it at the forum and it may be the highlight of next week’s, At the Forum. Until then, see you at the forum!
Amy Fleeker is a part of a great family that includes a husband of 12 years, 3 children, a dog and a cat. Her homeschooling style is eclectic with a emphasis on classical teaching. When with her family, you can find her watching movies, playing board games, and living life with a great sense of humor and knowing that God is all around. In her spare time she enjoys scrapbooking, tatting, crocheting and doing a little family history. You can visit Amy at her blog, Counting Change Again, or at the HOTM forum, where she is the Lead Moderator.
