This weekend we attended CHEF (Christian Homeschoolers Education Fellowship) Convention in Birmingham.

It was really nice, though not nearly as crowded as last year…so there ended up being less vendors in the curriculum hall…but it made for a quieter and less crowded events and workshops. More for me.

I really enjoyed many of the workshops. I especially liked Kay Ness who did a few workshops on the neurodevelopmental aspects of learning math and reading. She has a very scientific background, which I think really helps to explain learning pathways to the non-scientific person like me. She had a few good pointers that helped me understand how to really teach math — what I should or shouldn’t expect my daughter to learn at this age and how to actually go about teaching her. It just made a lot of sense to me. I like my info bottom line, cut and dry, to the point…and she had that really meat-y information I was looking for.

Some of the other speakers were inspirational, fun, or entertaining…all of which made the whole conference a well rounded experience for me.

What I really liked about this year’s conference (besides getting a chance to meet so many cool homeschooling families across Alabama) was that Integrity Music was there, and their children’s worship instructor (Annette Oden) facilitated a children’s worship workshops and Nyomi got to participate. They got to practice a few choreographed worship songs and perform the following morning during the main assembly. IT was beautiful! The children were so free to worship, jump, praise, and dance. Those kids made me proud. It was the highlight of my daughter’s time there and she had a blast!

It was so good my husband bought the 52 week children’s worship curriculum (SPK 52), and I plan to use it in our homeschool this coming school year.

I got some good used science curriculum at the used book sale. Then in the curriculum hall, I ran upon some good grammar material (Shurley Grammar). I purchased it after another homeschool mom gave me raving reviews on it. I also got a few books on motherhood, biblical womanhood, and all those topics that mean so much to me in this phase of my life. Not just the typical self help books, but books that show me the good ol’ ancient ways of womanhood that WORKED. I want the real deal. I want real advice that worked in the past and will work today for every woman who loves God. I don’t ever want to go back to the “good ol’ days”, but I have great respect and reverence for the way women honored their families back then. There was none of the selfishness that modernization has brought upon today’s typical pop culture family. I could write a whole post on that…but I’ll save that for another time.

You know, I have pictures galore on my camera…but I’m having a hard time getting my camera to sync with this PC.

Once I get it working on my laptop I’ll have pictures of Nyomi dancing on stage during the worship session. That was fun

While we were away at CHEF this weekend, Nyomi received her new Strawberry Shortcake dolls (which her daddy ordered for her when she lost her other one in our luggage at Delta the week before last). She still misses the old one dearly, but is beginning to enjoy the new doll, although it does look a little different from the one she had before.

Update on Zoe: she’s a strong baby! She’s now 5 1/2 months old, scooting, flipping over, pulling my hair, squeezing my nose, shoving her fist in my mouth, and verbally fussing or happily squealing depending on her mood. She’s eating pureed pears, apples, carrots, squash, sweet peas, sweet potatoes, and of course her rice and oatmeal cereal. She’s still nursing. It’s sad to know that it won’t be long before the use of my beloved nursing cover and sling will be over as she’s getting older. I so enjoy the feeling of having my baby receive her nourishment from me. Breastfeeding is so intimately beautiful. I’ll really miss these days when they’re gone…which is why I want to purpose to live in the moment as often as I can and enjoy Zoe being a baby. I have no complaints — she’s a really good baby. Nevertheless, I know she must grow up. I’ve learned with Nyomi that they grow really fast, and when they do I must transition along beside them. I am learning to embrace Nyomi’s maturity and her growth, knowing that it is a process in life that is inevitable. Part of me just wants to reject it…almost as if I am afraid of her growing up. Each time I look at her it seems that she’s grown another inch and it almost scares me– but I have to constantly remind myself that yes, she will get taller and wiser and older, but it just means that I as mom will need to adjust to her next stage of life and parent her from a new perspective with each new phase of her growth.

Motherhood…

Speaking of that…there is another transition that I feel happening within my spirit about the direction of my business/ministry. As I’ve been praying about direction for Faith Media the Lord has shown me a few things already…

It seems that I’ll either be completely phasing out tech help to work at home moms or adding on a new business venture that will be a family based business - a publishing company. Ebooks, audios, and curriculum will be in the works…

Meanwhile, anything that compromises my position as wife and mother will have to go out the door. My time is so valuable and precious, and tech coaching isn’t exactly my cup of tea these days. I love teaching it, but just don’t have time for all the one on one stuff. I have SOOO many more projects and dreams and visions that need to be brought forth and I can’t hold it within the box of my degree (tech degree = life calling/career). It’s really not true.

Women’s ministry is still definitely very important to me, and is part of my calling. Therefore, Christian Ladies Connect will continue on. MOre word about this year’s summer convention soon.

What about my programs on internet marketing, podcasting, etc.?

I don’t know. Times are changing and in order to truly sell reputable online courses I’d have to continue to revise and update my video courses which is something I actually dread doing for my Podcasting Basics 101 (bootcamp). I put so much time and energy into creating it only to watch new methods of podcasting unfold and new services and companies online which offer different platforms (that make even more sense to me than what I’ve offered in the course). I’ve also seen companies go obsolete and disappear online after I’ve created a course based on how to use their services. That’s really bad. Internet marketing…same thing. What works today may not work tomorrow. Today’s Google algorithm may get me that much-needed traffic…but next year the algorithm may change and I may be back to #4 or 5 instead of #1 under a key term in Google…and to be honest, I don’t have a team of experts working for me in Faith Media to help me keep on top of the internet marketing game, and I obviously don’t have time during this phase of my life to stay on top of Google or any other search engine marketing for new strategies, etc., nor do I have the desire to. So that phase of my business is over.

It hasn’t been reflected on my website yet, but is something I’m redeveloping with time.

Okay, time for bed…

I’ve got to get some rest and think about my goals for the upcoming 2nd half of this year 2008.

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Wow, what a week.

Life is definitely different now that Hubby is back home.  different but good.

Zoe is still growing up.  Here’s my little angel:

Then there’s my Nyomi who is growing by leaps and bounds and just hit another growth spurt not too long ago:

(I was playing around with my digital camera, attempting to take a good closeup in front of our house near a small tree):

I have lots going on in my personal life.

1.)  Our homeschool year is nearing completion.  Our community co-op meets only three more times before Summer Break…so we’re winding down a bit.  I’m going to begin the process of planning out our new school year for the upcoming year, which I’m contemplating it being year round with small 2-3 week breaks in between.  I just don’t like the idea of taking off a whole summer (3 months).

2.) I officially accepted the call into the ministry to teach the Word of God, as of April 2nd.  Ministry opportunities have been increasing for me immediately after I accepted this holy  charge.  I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to head up a bible study group at the Pink Collar Club.

I’ve always known God had called me to teach the Bible, but for some reason ran away from the stigma of “minister” because of the mode people place tend to pigeon-hole you in when you say that are called into the ministry.  So in the past I never wanted to portray myself as a minister…but that is exactly what each Christian is in a sense.  I no longer run away from this.  I embrace it because it is what God wants for me and for the world.  He has a purpose.  I was already doing the work, but just running away from the idea of the traditional sense of it.  But it is what it is.  God will use me in my own personality to deliver His message His way and I’m open to that. In fact, it’s such a strong calling that if I ran away from it ever again I’d be going against His will. I have to give an account for how I lived my life on this earth, and answering HIm when He calls is part of my accountability.

During this process of accepting the Call, I also discovered how to help others accept their call.  At ChristianLadies.net, I’ve invited several godly women to come on board with me and share their experiences as Christian women and special topics of expertise that God has gifted them to share with others.  So far the Lord has brought people from as far away as Nigeria to be a part of this and I am honored beyond measure.  Read more about our resident experts here:  http://christianladies.net/resident-experts/

3.)  I began a few more social networking groups as add-ons or sister sites to WAHM University and Christian Ladies Connect.  They are:

 http://wahmuniversity.ning.com

http://christianladies.ning.com

Piece by piece, it’s all coming together.  From the outside looking in it may seem confusing to some, but there really is a method to the madness.  There is a plan to all the projects that I’ve begun.  Sometimes it feels like it doesn’t make any sense to me, but I know the urgent call and the shift in seasons and the times to pick up a brick and begin building, or the seasons to put down the bricks and stop building.  I’ve had to submit to both.  Even though I don’t clearly see the whole picture, the vision is becoming clearer with time.  Meanwhile, I walk in faith and I don’t answer questions liek “WHY?”  or “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”

I get the raised eyebrows, the questioning looks of wonder when people see the degree M.S. next to my name but notice that I’m home all the time.  I simply smile to myself.  It’s different indeed.  I homeschool a 1st grader, care for an infant, manage my home, run a home based business designing websites and podcasting, run an online women’s ministry, plus manage over 15 domain names/websites, and still have time for my husband at the end of the day…hmmm…

And what’s more is, I ENJOY it!

So I might be a little on the odd side.  But I love my life!

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Today…organizing, teaching, cleaning, exercising, business…Here are my updates

• organizing my desk drawers
• laundry: cloth diapers, folding and putting away last night’s laundry, still a pile on my daughter’s bed
• exercising: worked out to Leslie Sansone’s Walk Away The Pounds - did a 1 mile walk
• teaching: bible: Noah’s ark, science: butterflies, math: place value,  grammar:capitalization, handwriting, sentence structure
• family: visiting my parents, taking the kids out to see grandma and grandpa
• organizing: sorting old mail
• cleaning: dishes again and again, kitchen table, bathroom sinks, bathtub.  Giving baby a bath, washing her hair, giving oldest bubble bath, untwisting my hair for a shampoo
• business and ministry: networking with newest resident expert at Christian Ladies Connect, checking on WAHM University’s stats progress

Busy day indeed.

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This weekend has been a busy one.

I enjoyed revising WAHM University – looks much better now, and really highlights our resident experts/coaches/”virtual professors”.

I’m still on the look-out for additional experts in  subjects such as:

• business finance
• business start up
• delegation and management

…plus, I’m always open to new ideas.

If you’re reading this and you feel you qualify to help other wahms (work at home moms)  in any of these areas, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Anyway, it’s been an interesting weekend.  Never boring.  My life is never boring to tell the truth.  I think that’s a good thing — it’s just that I wonder if I’ll ever slow down long enough and take a breather (and they say being at home with your kids is boring ? PuLEASE!)  There is absolutely nothing boring about it…

I say being at home is only what you make of it.  If you see childrearing as a non stop commitment of dirty diapers, never ending laundry, dishes, and carpooling then that’s exactly what your life will be like.

I’ve decided to never have a boring day.

Surrounding myself with great books, educational CD’s and training materials, good people, the internet, a passion to help others,  and the Word of God — that’s all I need besides my family to keep myself quite happy and content.

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Another weekend, another day…

My bible studies– they’re going okay, but nothing like the euphoric world of intense, quiet bible study that I dream of.

Nope, nothing like that.

It’s more like I’m jogging and jogging and jogging to catch up and I never do.

I SO want to really get in tune with God’s Word in a whole different way this year.  I mean, REALLY study.  But (and there’s that “but” again)…I seem to find time for everything else and struggle to find the time to truly do in depth study.  Oh, I read my daily readings, but I want to be more intensely focused on learning the Word of God as I go along…

So, as I know , anything that’s important to us in life, we’ll make time for.  I’m just going to have to make it a priority, because it is my heart’s desire, and it is God’s will.  If I have to put study materials along with my bible, pens, notebook, and everything at hand on my desk so that each time I pass by my desk all day long I’ll be reminded of my studies, then I just have to do that.  Whatever it takes.

Family Updates:  Nyomi is doing much better.  The cold is gone, praise the Lord! :-)   Also, I’m feeling the pressure of getting back in shape.  Baby is now 3 months old and it’s time to start hitting the treadmill.  I’m feeling frumpy and saggy, and pretty much like a milk machine all day.  These days the self esteem has taken a slide downhill, and I know it’s because I don’t feel my best.  I mostly want to feel better about myself.  I did lose a lot of weight but fail to see it because, again…I’m too hard on myself.  (I’ve always been inclined to set extremely high standards for myself).  So…I have to keep telling myself “you just had a baby!  Chill out!”  Great thing Hubby continues to keep me uplifted.  He has nothing but good to say about my body.  He’s the one grounding force to keep me sane (he and my mom).  I’ve been readint this book by Jackie Keller “Body After Baby”, and hoping that some of the tips may help me.  I mean even completely try out the program with the menu and exercise suggestions.  Or I may just begin walking to my Leslie Sansone’s Walk Away The Pounds DVD’s again.

Business updates:  I have a new client.  I’m finishing up some updates on WAHM University - my site for professional work at home moms.

Okay- off to spend time with my husband now that the kids are in bed.

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Ahh…how beautiful it is to get out of the house and take a walk!!!!!!!! It felt so good just to get out in the nice brisk cold and walk up the street a bit. By myself.

These days, any alone time I get is costly and sacred!!

Fortunately, my husband is GREAT about helping me out (holding Baby) while I can go relax in a bubble bath, or even check email (like right now).

I’m also grateful for all the wonderful comments I’ve received on Zoe’s birth. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! She really is a blessed angel sent to us from Heaven. We’re so happy to have her be a part of our family. After losing 2 by miscarriage, Zoe is definitely our Godsend, and we prayed especially for her. We’re blessed to have her with us and thank God every day.

Well, I’m sure Zoe will wake up soon for a feeding. We’re still working on the whole fussiness bit (it’s typically every afternoon past 3:00 that she fusses while nursing- and she still won’t bottle feed). I’ve called the pediatrician and waiting on a call back now…

So I’d better go…

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As you can imagine, these days have been filled with attempts to get back into some type of regular family routine. I’ve had lots of family help– my mom has been over every day to help me out (a major God-send!) and my husband has been absolutely wonderful to me since he’s overseen dinner every night for the past week and a half and helps out a lot with the baby so I can take a breather once in a while.
Having 2 kids is definitely different than just 1 and I still have yet to discover what it’s truly like to get out of the house on time with a kindergartener and an infant.

At any rate, I’m enjoying the freedom of just resting as I heal up after the surgery. What’s really great about having a baby during this time of the year is that it’s such a beautiful season, mid-way between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Speaking of season, can it get any hotter for a mid December day? It’s around 70 or so degrees outside and I haven’t had a chance to get out and take a walk in this beautiful weather.

Now, as for web consulting business…everything is on hold for now, at least until January. Same thing for the women’s ministry (Christian Ladies Connect). I’ve been enjoying our study there (What Every Mom Needs by MOPS)…but now it’s time for me to relax (one of my needs!!)

Week 1 was tough…I barely got any sleep. This week is much better, although I’m still struggling to establish some time of structure around our home.

Every day the hours seem to mesh together and before long my morning has stretched to afternoon, evening, and bedtime. Where is the time flying?

Meanwhile, I’ve got my 5 year old to think about who’s still wanting to work on homeschool projects with me. ALthough I’m taking it easy and not too concerned about structured lesson plans for December, art is definitely top of the list. Now that I can do. The plan is to pick a few Christmas projects and just have fun with it this month. We are still working some math and reading into our daily schedule too during my down time (or when I’m not on the computer like right now!!!)

Okay, it’s time for me to go grab a nap while Baby is asleep.

–Dee

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Today is going well…I’m learning how to balance this business thing so I don’t get too caught up in it and neglect everything else at home.

It’s quite a challenge, though, I must admit. Once I get focused it’s hard to peel my attention away from the computer screen, but life calls. I’ve got laundry to wash, dishes to clean, floors to vacuum, games to play with my daughter…but I just want to get to the point where business doesn’t take all of me and i actually have some mental capacity to deal with it all efficiently without neglecting anything.
That is a challenge, and probably the lesson of a lifetime. I’m just glad I’m balancing life from a home office and not away from home…at least in this season of my life. I can’t say how very grateful I am for this opportunity to work from home. It’s awesome, and a dream come true. Not easy by any means, but worth the sweat.

Currently Nyomi is taking a nap…something she hasn’t been doing in years. It’s about time she take a mid-afternoon nap again. That way, she’ll be well-rested by the time dinner is ready and I get a few more minutes to work.

Good news–Family Impact is working with me on a new project for their coaching service! Will reveal the new website soon.
And more good news- a gospel artist promotion company contacted me regarding possibly producing some videocasts…we’ll see how that goes, and I’ll keep you updated. I just finished up our church website…The Tabernacle.net..

Well little brother is on his way over to pick out some CD’s from my music  collection. He’s into gospel rap now, so this should be interesting (all of my Gospel rap is OLD..from back in ‘99!!) He might be able to find a GRITS CD somewhere…I think I outgrew most of my music from 7 years ago. Now I’m into worship mostly and some soul like Lisa McClendon which I absolutely LOVE. (Got every CD she cut).
Better go now…

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