Encouraging Gifts, Talents, Passions and Abilities

I have memories of our now 13-year-old daughter as a toddler trying to plant every seed she could find or come across in our yard. She could  barely talk and was digging holes planting seeds.  She seemed to have a spot (or two)  cleared out in the flowerbed waiting and watching for something to spring up. I had no idea at the time this interest would continue to grow and the Lord would develop in her a deep passion for self-sustaining farming and homesteading. I am thankful we allowed those holes to be dug. Two moves later it really doesn't matter one bit that it wasn't a perfectly maintained flowerbed however it does matter that her passion was nurtured and encouraged. 

I recall having the kids pull weeds as a disciplinary activity when they were younger. It always seemed to work for Logan; you would clearly see his misery with each and every second that passed.  (There were great Biblical lessons to tie into our talks after the activity was complete) I attempted this activity once and only once for Maddy. I sent her out to weed the beds and she enjoyed every single second and even asked to stay longer when her time was up. It gave me insight into her unique passion, not to mention the understanding that this wasn't a successful technique for discipline. 

Now at 13 years old she is constantly learning and sharing her passion with others. I wasn't thrilled when we decided to rent a plot of land at the community garden three years ago. I thought I was sacrificing time I didn't have but little did I know how The Lord would use the dirt, weeds and harvest to teach us some valuable lessons.  Maddy's interest exploded and her passion was shared with many others and us over the past few years. We added an additional plot of land each year and now have 3 plots, a 30x90 area now.  I am thankful  the Lord gave her (and all of our children) passions beyond our own interests as parents.  We continue to learn many things through our children's gifts/talents/passions and we have the privilege of encouraging, affirming and praying they will use everything to advance the gospel.  

1st big harvest in the garden (last week)  

It brings me so much joy to listen to the sweet conversations between these two at the garden. I have overheard them talking as they pull weeds sharing their dreams with one another. 

We enlisted Billy's help this week picking beans and peas! We picked over 8 pounds of beans!  Many hours are spent in the garden weeding since we don't use chemicals on the plants. Madelyn saves many of her seeds and almost everything is organic, heirloom and Non-GMO. 

This tough time of the season is when you can look around at the other plots and see who has given up because of the weeds or lack of time.

This is the second harvest. Can you imagine how much all this organic produce would be at the grocery store?!

The work continues after harvesting. We spent several hours' together washing, drying, snapping, shelling, blanching, freezing, cutting and storing the produce. So many great conversations were had and Madelyn works diligently with so much joy and contentment. Also, I am thankful that our work helps tremendously with our grocery budget and they enjoy sharing the harvest with others.

Little by little our picky eater is attempting to try new food as she helps in the garden. 

Stay tuned our harvesting season has just begun! 

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10 

In the comments below please share some of your childrens' gifts, talents, passions and abilities and how you are encouraging them to use them to serve others.

Peek and see

Here is another peek at our school week! Allowing others to look into our day brings quite a bit of vulnerability to any mama who teaches their children at home.  Many people have strong opinions on how and where children receive an education. I tend to want to tuck my head and do as the Lord is leading our family with confidence and not engage in conversations that would attempt to deter my thoughts and heart with what we know is right for each of our children. I am surprised each and every week I receive phone calls, facebook messages, emails and face to face questions about how we approach school. We always said we would make an individual decision for each of our children with how we approach their education ever since Breanna, our oldest, was a baby. We said if we felt it was best to homeschool we would be willing but I really didn't think it would ever happen. But it did. Various and different reasons each for Maddy and Logan led us to keep them home for the past year and a half (perhaps another post for another day).  We started homeschooling Maddy mid year during 6th grade and Logan started his 5th grade year. Breanna graduated from public school and Olivia attends a public school. I am not anti-public school nor wish to participate in conversations that declare an overall statement that everyone should homeschool or conversations on the other side of the pendulum that no one should homeschool. Sweeping statements of only one way to approach kids that are uniquely different cause me to cringe. We will continue to seek the Lord and be willing to do what we think is best for each of our children. 

So here is a peek behind the scenes.

Madelyn creates her own projects and she will work on them during the day in between her scheduled studies (History, Science, Spelling, Literature, Civics, Grammar, Handwriting, Math, Health & more!) She enjoys learning, is passionate, innovative and has many dreams and ideas. She likes to create PowerPoint presentations as an avenue to teach others what she is learning. We have sat through various presentations over the past few years and we have learned so much in the process. She is currently working on a PowerPoint about GMO's. (Genetically Modified Organism's)

I love the picture of Maddy above, the way it captures her focus, determination and a little of her personality. Logan shot that photo. He has a growing interest in photography, videography and journalism. He recently set up his own YouTube Channel.  We were reluctant to allow him to have this avenue but I am thankful we did because it has fueled his interest and creativity.  You can check out his Channel here

Logan spotted a new bird at the feeder this week so he ran outside to capture a picture. As many of you know they participate in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Click here for the link (for kids and adults). All kids are different right? I decided at the beginning of the year I wanted this to be a consistent activity that they participated in during the week. Not all kids show an interest in what you might get excited about...at first. It's a challenge that keeps me intrigued and studying how each of our children learn. Madelyn will sit by the window and wait for the birds to come to the feeder . She will study the bird with a large bird poster and field manual. She might have a notepad beside her so she can do further research on that particular bird's migration pattern or other detailed information. Logan wasn't opposed to the project but not thrilled at first. It was a challenge for me to see how to bridge the gap with his interests and how he learns. So, I handed him my camera.  He knows, I don't hand my camera to just anyone so his time of birdwatching and recording data is special. I had to chuckle this week when he was taking a picture and he said, "Look at this picture of this chickadee thingy." This weekly activity has allowed them time to slow down, observe, record data while participating with people all over United States.

Every week or so we make a quick trip to the library. Madelyn is just as predictable as Logan when we get there. She will quickly grab a couple fiction books and then race over to the garden/nutrition/fiber section. Logan knows the exact book he is going to get before he walks into the Library. He has laser focus and will not deter from his mission. He will search the computer for the location of the book, pick up the book and  be ready to go within a couple of minutes.  This was the first time that Logan has gone to the library and was content to sit patiently while waiting for Madelyn to browse through the books. He wasn't anxious to get on to the next thing or grumbling and complaining about how long it was taking. He sat down, put his feet up and relaxed. He didn't even notice me taking this picture. It was just one of those moments that I wanted to etch into my memory so I could recall it when I need to remind him to exhibit self control in the future.  

I gave both the kids a rubric and set a date for a book report of their choice. Logan read three books in two days! This is a huge step as I recall the first part of the year he was so concerned about how much time he had to read or had left to read that he was not enjoying the actual book. I just watched him and thanked God several times for allowing me to see progress.

 A few people ask me about our Math Curriculum. This year we used Teaching Textbooks. The kids have enjoyed the program. This is the only subject they do on the computer and it is a CD program. The program keeps a log of their grades as they complete lessons/lectures. If you purchase this curriculum for Math you can use the ID number for 4 or 5 times.  We were not sure if you could buy this used but you can! Just make sure you ask how many times the ID has been used. Billy's parents purchased Madelyn's Math curriculum and we borrowed Logan's from a friend. We purchased the textbook/workbook with Madelyn's and I must tell you it is not necessary to spend the additional money for it. We haven't opened the books at all. The books duplicate the exact lecture that is displayed on the screen. There are additional "helps" but both our kids have been extremely successful with this program.

Olivia was out of school for President's Day so we took a field trip to the Whitaker Center. 

Hands on demonstration about air. It's always fun to watch one of your siblings being included in the demonstration! 

The Whitaker Center is a great place for hands on learning. If you have a family membership the IMAX documentary films are discounted $2 per ticket. We didn't see a film on this trip due to it being a holiday they were only showing the movie Frozen...uhhh no, thank you. We hope to go back soon to see the Jerusalem Documentary. 

Could anyone not smile while doing a Grammar lesson with a bunny hanging out under their legs?

There are times that chores need to be completed before, during or after the school day. It is part of being a family and builds character. 

Then some Physical Education looks like this! I should have ventured up the hill as he met up with some buddies but it was really cold.

I signed the kids up for a Science class at Messiah College's Oaks Museum

We enjoyed this activity and it was nice to see both kids participate and eager to talk one on one with  the adults to gather additional information about what they were teaching. The kids did further research the following day and wrote a report on something new they learned at the Museum. There are a few additional classes that are being offered click here for the topics/dates. 

Saturday we had another snow storm, so why did I post a picture of Saturday when we are peeking into our school day? It seems that learning is just a way of life and doesn't have to occur only between certain hours. Madelyn will go outside to play but she decided to work on her garden while it was snowing. She spent hours playing in the soil. She wasn't in any hurry to get the job done and move on to something else, she sat quietly and placed the seeds in each pod carefully and stopped to research about the plants to see what would be good companion plants. It has been a very cold winter and many people are ready for it to be over, but not everyone. Logan as you can see is one happy fella during the wintertime. He enjoys each and every snowfall and is eager to spend time at Ski Roundtop snowboarding. He has made a couple videos of his adventures so be sure to check them out here

We have some exciting things planned for the rest of this week...stay tuned!  

Jumping~

Madelyn is learning a lot and improving with her riding skills. Here are a few pictures as her trainer, Mrs. Christy, at Hanoverdale Farms gives her instructions during her lessons. (These are pictures from a couple lessons)

 

 

 

 

Stopping for instruction from Christy

At the end of the lesson there are usually other riders watching and warming up as Madelyn finishes her session. She has enjoyed getting to know the girls and has also had the opportunity to help them at a show.

 

Madelyn has enjoyed riding with Megan for over a year now. These girls have both come a long way and their growing friendship is sweet. They have a lot in common and her family is a part of a church plant on the West Shore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olivia watches Madelyn closely and wants to be right in the mix while tacking and untacking the horses.

 

 

Maranda recently started riding and joined the girls on Wednesday nights : )

New Activities= New Friends

 

 Madelyn has kept us "hoppin" with her new hobby and activities. She has met so many new friends and has learned so much the past few months. It is great to see her thriving, growing and enjoying this activity. Billy and I grew up participating in sports and she has certainly introduced many new things to our lives like band, chorus, horseback riding and 4-H

 

 

We have met many new friends with Madelyn's 4-H group. I have been blessed by this friendship and so enjoy all the time we have at the shows, meetings and events to talk. The best part is they only live a few blocks away from us.
As you can see by the girl's sleepy eyes, we left before daylight to get to a show about an hour away

 

 

 

 

Can I tell you what I enjoy the most about going to the shows?

TALKING!!

There is a good amount of time waiting if you only have a few rabbits to show and it allows for plenty of great conversations.

 

 

Madelyn has enjoyed making many new friends and there are several kids who attend shows from our local "Fur and Feathers" group.

Make sure you check out her website to see how her bunnies placed and to hear about her experience from her point of view...She loves comments : )

Click here

Bunnies and Worms and Websites...Oh My!

Who else in our house would receive a package that has a bright yellow tag that says "Live Products"?

Maddy is working on her worm compost project and was eagerly waiting her package from Uncle Jim's Worm Farm

Preparing her compost bin...girls and drills

Putting into action all that she has researched over the last few weeks for this project.

Maddy has been eagerly waiting for her bunny to have babies.



"Almond" started nesting early Friday morning

 



She had 4 "kits" and 2 survived (which is actually pretty good the first time around). Maddy was beyond thrilled as she watched the process and said,

"How on earth can someone not believe in God after watching this!?"

 

 

 

 Love.....

 

 

This girl has a new project every Saturday! Last week she made homemade rabbit treats. I must say our house smelled like a barn for a couple hours. It was beyond awful! 
 

 

 

Here is a picture of Maddy with the sticky notes on the van window. We were coming back from a long day at Ikea and during the drive Madelyn was studying and writing down thoughts on sticky notes. It's only appropriate that the PetSmart sign is peeking through!

 

 

 

Madelyn has children that will stop by to see the bunnies and to ask questions. It is sweet to see how the Lord is using her passion, interest and gifts with others......

This picture is precious to me.

 

 

Madelyn's website is almost LIVE. She has been working on it for weeks. Stay tuned to hear first hand her experiences and information from Madelyn's Urban Rabbitry. You will see pictures of the baby bunnies growth and she will be sharing information that she learns while taking care of her Rabbitry. There will also be links to her favorite rabbit sites as well as the recipe for her Rabbit Treats and information about her compost business. 

This young lady is on the move so be prepared to keep up with her exciting journey.  Make sure you save her website so your children can watch the bunnies grow over the next few weeks and to learn fun facts along the way.

We will let you know as soon as it's ready.

 

Lord, I thank you for the gifts and talents You have placed in Madelyn.. I pray that You would develop them in her and use them for your glory. Make them apparent to me and to her, and show me specifically if there is any special nurturing, training, learning experience, or opportunities I should provide for her. May her gifts and talents be developed in Your way and in Your time. Your Word says, "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is give to us, let us use them" (Romans 12:6). As she recognizes the talents and abilities You've given her, I pray that no feelings of inadequacy, fear, or uncertainty will keep her from using them according to Your will. May she hear the call You have on her life so that she doesn't spend a lifetime trying to figure out what it is or miss it altogether.

(prayer from Stormie Omartian's book)   

PaSRBA Convention- Madelyn's first Rabbit Show

Madelyn, experienced the PaSRBAConvention in Lebanon, PA. a few weeks ago. This was her first time showing her rabbit, Almond. 

 

 

 

Madelyn entered into 3 contest for Friday Night at the show. Breed ID, Judging and Showmanship. Here she s studying in the car on the way to the show. 

 

Showmanship, here she is examining her rabbit and explaining what she is checking.

Judging, this was her favorite contest. She examined several bunnies that looked identical and made decisions on what order the bunny would be placed by compairing it to the standard bunny in that class of rabbits. 

 

Saturday morning....very early we made our way back to Lebanon for the convention. Here Madelyn is waiting to put Almond on the table to be judged.  

Second Place!!!!!   

She was so stinkin excited!  Her first show with her first rabbit and she placed.  It was a great morning and a great first experience for her.

 

 

 

So what do you do after you show your bunny???....

 

You go meet other breeders,

the problem is that you will most likely come home with another bunny!!!

 

Meet Madelyn's new addition "Joy"

"Joy" came "pre-loaded". So we will have some little ones in, oh, about 28-30 days.

Do you remember her first bunnies name? Almond

so she has two bunnies

"Almond, Joy"

funny girl.

 

 

 

Madelyn has been working hard on her hobby of raising rabbits.  She has come up with a name for her future rabbitry and she and her dad even created a logo together.

She is a young entrepreneur and is looking forward to raising Polish rabbits to sell and compete in future shows.  She is currently working on putting together a website to show off her bunnies.

 

Its fun to see her passion and interest in this area.  She is a hard worker and has learned so much on her own over the past few months.  Her 4-H leader Lori Jo as well as her daughter have been wonderful to encourage Madelyn and answer any questions she has... and she has a lot!

 

Personally, I have enjoyed meeting new parents and getting to know the wonderful people in her 4-H group as well as new friends that we met through the show in Lebanon.