Category: #Write365

Posted in #Write365, family

Almost Christmas

Posted on by Patti Pierce

write365reducedsize

So it is hard to believe it is almost Christmas.  For the past several years, we lived in the state of Pennsylvania.  First, in the western part and then in the central part.  Both places we were surrounded by mountains.  We were almost guaranteed to have a white Christmas – even if it was just because there was still snow on the ground.  It is hard to believe it has been 8 years since we left eastern North Carolina courtesy of the Army Reserves.  Now we are on our third station since then.  For the second time, in his tour of active duty reserves, we are at the company level.  This means more soldiers to care for and more work with being the Family Readiness Group leader.

Our children are now eight years older.  It is hard to believe that in June our oldest will be turning twenty-one.  Time seems to just fly by and I am not sure where it has flown to.  Before I know it, all of our children will be grown and gone making their own  way in the world.  But at least for now, I still have several years of knowing they are at home with me.

Here are some pictures of snow from our time in Pennsylvania.  This picture is from our first rental in central Pennsylvania.

2013-11-26-10-14-40

This picture was taken in February as we were driving through Pennsylvania on our way to Texas to see if we could find some place to live.

2016-02-16-14-16-41

Finally, this is a picture from our last home in Pennsylvania, with the snow.

2016-02-09-17-33-57

Now we live in Texas on the gulf coast side of the state, and it will take a miracle for us to see snow.  It is going to be hard to adjust to warm temperatures – especially in December.  But when I take the time to stop and think, I realize that for half of the earth, Christmas comes in the midst of their summer, so what do I have to complain about.  This morning I was reading a blog post by a friend of mine and she talked about perspective and how it can change our views basically.  It reminds me I need to focus on the positive things rather than the negative ones.  It is so easy to fall into the trap of expecting what I want, when I want it and how I want it; rather than being thankful for all the blessings we have. After all, there are not too many places in February where this could happen:

2016-02-20-17-09-43

Even though the water was somewhat cold in February, they really enjoyed themselves in the pool.  So we are trying to find a new normal and new traditions in our new town.  But it still takes some time to adjust and adapt.

So how are holiday preparations going where you are?  I would love to hear from you.

#Imissthesnow

Posted in #AmazingFamily, #Children, #family, #homeschooling, #Write365, Homeschooling

A Lesson In Civic Responsibility

Posted on by Patti Pierce

write365reducedsize

Ever since my oldest son was born, every year, either my husband and I or just me alone would take our children along with us when we went to vote.  I felt it was important for them to learn about the process and the importance of voting.  We need to let our voices be heard and counted.  Most years, we went as a family.  Ever since we started homeschooling, I count it as an educational field trip.

Two years ago at the midterm election, our oldest son became old enough to vote.  This year our second son was going to be eighteen in time to vote in the election.  Back in March, we moved from Pennsylvania to Texas.  Upon arriving, my husband and I were registered to vote when we changed our drivers’ licenses from one state to the other.  Then a few months later, my mom and two oldest sons were registered to vote.

So yesterday afternoon, we  loaded everyone up into the van and drove to the voting location, even our youngest two who could not vote.  Upon arrival, I saw a line of people and expected we would have to wait.  But, they were in a different line from the one we needed to be in to actually vote.  Because nothing is ever simple for our family, I had hidden my second son’s voter registration card from myself.  So I quickly said a prayer that he would have no problem.  I stepped up to sign in first. Once I signed in, I asked about our second son.  The lady informed me she would use his identification information to look him up.  My daughter, our youngest who is not a crowd person, chose to walk with me.  We were taken to the voting booth and the lady made sure I knew how to use the machine.  I began the voting process while my daughter watched.  My husband and oldest two sons were each shown a booth in turn.  Finally, our youngest son decided to stay with my mother.  I finished first and exited the voting area with our daughter.  We waited in the hallway for everyone else.

My husband was the next to exit the room.  Then our oldest son exited followed shortly by my mom and youngest son.  So  all that was left for us to do was wait for my second son to exit.  I suggested my oldest son take the keys to our van so my mom, youngest two and himself could get settled into the van.  As they headed to the exit, my husband and I waited for our other son.  I could not figure out what was taking him so long.  About the time I was ready to look back at the voting room, I saw him.  Uninformed by the person instructing him on the proper voting procedures, he exited the same door we had entered the room.  So we did not see him come out since he went and sat on a bench to wait for us.

The funnier or scarier thought is when the next election rolls around, my other two children will be old enough to vote.  I pray we have instructed them in the way they should go so they will take this responsibility seriously.

So if you have children, do you take them with you to vote?

#ivoted #familyouting

 

 

Posted in #Children, #Teaching, #Write365, Math, Uncategorized

Math, Math and More Math

Posted on by Patti Pierce

write365reducedsize

So I was looking back through my past posts and I realized I have been rather neglectful of this blog.  So I plan on changing that starting today.  The first topic I want to cover is math.

I have three sons: ages 20, 18, and 16 plus a daughter who is 14.  With the exception of the 16-year-old, they somehow all missed getting a love of math from their father and me.  It seems ironic to me with having a mom who has actually taught math in the Public School System, that some of that knowledge and love would have been passed on to them.  Maybe that is why only the 16-year old has it (seeing how I was actually teaching math when I was pregnant with him).

But the facts remain the rest of my children do not love math!  So through the years, we have tried a variety of math products.  Some we have loved.  Some I have been the only one that loved them.  Others have been miserable failures.  Over the next several days, I will share what has worked and what has not worked for our family or even for particular children.

What is working for you right now?  I would love to hear from you.

 

Posted in #write31days, #Write365, Scriptures of Praise Series

Scriptures of Praise Day 31 – Philippians 4:8

Posted on by Patti Pierce

31-days-of-scriptures-of-praise

Today is the final day of my Scriptures of Praise series.  I pray this series has been a blessing to you.  The Scripture I have selected for today is Philippians 4:8.  Here is the Scripture graphic I created for it.

praise-philippians-4-8

I feel this is the perfect verse to end this series with today.  We should concentrate on things that are pure, lovely and good.  We need to praise God for these things.  I pray  for God to bless you today with so many blessings you constantly find yourself praising Him.

I would love to hear from you.