Meaning and Memories: Christmas Traditions

Christmas is upon us. As I write this, I believe it is only 11 days away. Christmas is absolutely one of my favorite times of year (even though I don't particularly like the cold). One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the individual traditions that each family has. They are all different, but they all hold with them meaning and memories. For example, a few of our family's traditions are decorating the tree together, buying and wrapping gifts for one another, cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, and having the family over on Christmas day. I love the Christmas traditions that my family has, and I look forward to someday starting my own traditions (as well as keeping some of the old ones) with my own family. One of the best parts of Christmas is that it brings back that much-needed element of family to this world that seems to have forgotten it. What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions? I hope that you are able to celebrate them with your family this year!

Merry Christmas!

Teacher Training

My brother and I.

Today I would like to write to the stay-at-home-daughters (SAHD). This is officially my first year as a SAHD, as I just graduated in December. But as I am doing an online school course, I still feel like somewhat of a student. I am looking forward to graduating, when I will have more time to devote to things for training to be a stay-at-home-mother. But I am doing what I can now. This year in homeschooling, my mother is letting me teach my younger brother spelling. It is going pretty well so far-spelling is one of my stronger points, and my brother is a pretty good speller. ;) I am enjoying it and learning a lot-about my teaching style, changes to make when the curriculum needs some improving, etc. If you are a homeschooled SAHD with younger siblings, I would highly encourage you to try teaching a subject-with help and supervision from your mother. In most cases, she has been homeschooling for many years, and can offer an amazing amount of advice. It will give you wonderful training for the future when you may be homeschooling your own children. Also, start out small. This year I am only teaching spelling. But maybe next year I will teach 2 subjects. I would also suggest to teach not only with your strengths but your weaknesses as well. (I guess that means I should take science or math next year... oh dear!) As a SAHD you have a wonderful opportunity to learn and train at home, and get a "jump-start" for when you have your own family. Take advantage of this opportunity!

~Brooke Reninger

I Love My Father

Fathers' day is only 3 days away. So of course, this is the time that most of us think of our fathers. I just want to say- I love my father! He is an amazing Christian man, and has taught me so much about God and living a godly life. I am so thankful for his guidance, involvement, and love in my life. I am thankful that he is committed to families, homeschooling, and serving the Lord. He truly does inspire me; his love is a wonderful reflection of the love my heavenly Father has for me. I hope that I can be his Abigail- his joy. I thank God for my father- I love you Daddy!
~ Brooke Reninger

A Grandmother's Legacy

Many of you know how I love to write poetry. A few years ago, I found out that my grandmother had also written poetry. I decided to share some of her poetry with you today, in a tribute to her. You see, she passed away last night after battling cancer.

My grandmother was a very talented woman. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and a talented seamstress. She passed these talents on to her daughters. She believed in the family. She came from a family of 13 children, and with the help of her husband, raised 7 children of her own.

My grandmother made a very special gift for each of her granddaughters. A bride doll, with a handmade dress and veil. (See attached picture.) I am her youngest granddaughter, and will be the last one to get married. I believe that my grandmother had a vision- a vision of a family for each of us, that we would each continue the family that she helped to start. I believe in her vision as well, and when God sends me my husband, I will remember her vision. I am thankful for the legacy that my grandmother passed down to her children and grandchildren- that of faith and family.
Brooke Reninger

Here is a poem that she wrote to her own mother:

Dear Mother

From your deep and peaceful sleep,

You climbed the stairs; Or Lord to meet.

And as they dressed you in a long white gown,

Just a soft sigh, but not a sound;

A tiny tear touches your face,

As they pin your wings in place.

And above your beautiful soft white hair,

A halo shines in all its glory there.

A glorious walk down that golden street,

Your husband and all your friends to meet.

To express your many joys and gladness.

No more sorrows, worries or sadness,

Where love, faith and hope is the key.

what a beautiful, wonderful place to be.

You take your chair on the righthand of the Lord.

"So children, look at me,

An angel, I am to be."

So cry no more and dry your tears,

For to me you shall come through the years;

So continue to have patience and strong love,

Someday we shall meet in our heaven above.

Your Loving Daughter,

Doris Ruth