master’s hand scroll · 2010. 1. 6. · the girls will walk in their regular casual attire. we...
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January/February 2012 ISSUE 54
3979 County Road 434Moulton AL 35650
www.mastershandchristianschool.org
Contact Information
For Administrative/Co-op
Questions:
Susie Rencher256.355.5699
Allison Fleming256.974.4352
Office Hours
MONDAYS 9:00 - 3:00
- Jan 30th- Feb 6th- NOT in office Feb 13th- Feb 20th- Feb 27th
MASTER’S HAND SCROLLa Ministry of Faith Baptist Church
Master’s Hand Christian School
MHCS Schedule for the Spring SemesterCo-op Days and Special Events
Co-op Days for Jan.: 27th St. Jude Math-A-Thon started on the 13th Co-op Days for Feb.: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th Senior Graduation Fees are due on Friday, Feb. 3rd MHCS Science Fair is on Monday, Feb. 6th Money for SAT Testing is due on Friday, Feb 17th Money collected for the St. Jude Math-A-Thon is due on Friday, Feb. 17th
Co-op Days for March: 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd MHCS Art Fair is on Monday, March 12th We will NOT have co-op on Friday, March 30th Friday, March 30th is the High School Banquet We will NOT have co-op on April 6th and 13th Friday, April 6th is Good Friday Monday April 9th - 11th is SAT Testing - Notice that this is a date change MidSouth Homeschool Convention in Memphis, TN will be April 12th - 14th
Co-op Days for April: 20th and 27th MHCS 2012-2013 Registration starts Friday, April 27th at 8 am MHCS Used Book Sale will be on Friday, April 27th Cop-op Days for May: 4th and 11th Friday, May 11th is the Last day of co-op classes Friday, May 11th is the MHCS Band, Choir and Baton Performance at 6 pm Kindergarten Graduation is Thursday, May 24th at 6 pm High School Graduation is Friday, May 25th at 6 pm
Weather Information
If Lawrence County Schools are closed or delayed due to weather problems, MHCS will either not meet for co-op classes or will start at 10 am. Field trips or extra curricular activities will be canceled if school is closed. We do not follow any public school schedules.
JOSHUA NEWTON WAS HONORED BY THE SHOALS AREA CHAPTER OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION ON DEC 03, 2011. HE ENTERED AN ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST AVAILABLE ONLY TO EAGLE SCOUTS. THE CONTESTANTS ARE GRADED ON BOTH THE ESSAY AS WELL AS A TWO PAGE APPLICATION WHERE THEY LIST LEADERSHIP, ACHIEVEMENTS, HONORS, AND ACTIVITIES, NOT ONLY IN SCOUTS BUT IN CHURCH, SCHOOL, AND COMMUNITY. FIVE YOUNG MEN PARTICIPATED IN THE CHAPTER AND HE WON FIRST PLACE WITH HIS ESSAY ON THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER. THIS GAVE HIM THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPETE IN THE STATE CONTEST. THERE ARE 16 CHAPTERS IN THE STATE THAT EACH COULD SEND A CANDIDATE. HE WAS INFORMED ON JAN 16 THAT HE WON THE STATE CONTEST! ON FEB 25TH HE WILL BE AWARDED A TROPHY, A CERTIFICATE, AND A SCHOLARSHIP OF $300.00 AT THE STATE CONVENTION. HE IS NOW BEING SENT TO COMPETE AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL. THE WINNER AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL WINS A COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP OF -1ST PLACE $8,000; 2ND PLACE $4,000; 3RD PLACE $2,000. PRAY FOR HIM THAT HE WILL WIN FIRST PLACE IN THE NATIONAL COMPETITION.
An Anthem of Heroism
by Joshua Newton
“Oh say can you see, by the dawn’s early light” is a phrase Americans easily recognize from our national anthem. What has become one of America’s favorite patriotic songs began as a poem inspired by the events of one fateful night in 1814 when the British Navy besieged Fort McHenry. People may not realize just what a pivotal night that was in our nation’s history.
Events were set in motion for the inspiration of our country’s beloved national anthem when Dr. William Beanes fell captive to the British Navy. The British accused Beanes of aiding in the arrest of their soldiers following the burning of Washington. Francis Scott Key, a prominent attorney at the time, was appointed by President Madison to secure Beanes’ release. Pursuant to the President’s order, Key boarded the British flagship HMS Tonnant docked in Chesapeake Bay where he negotiated with Major General Robert Ross for Beanes’ release. It was also here that Key and Beanes overheard the British officers discuss plans for their upcoming attack on Baltimore. To protect the secrecy of this battle plan, the British detained both men overnight.
During that cold, rainy, September night, Key witnessed Baltimore being attacked by the British Navy. He must have felt a deep sense of helplessness as he watched our eastern seaboard being bombarded. Throughout the battle, the ships HMS Erebus and HMN Meteor showered Baltimore with gunfire. It is this gunfire that Key describes as “bombs bursting in air” and “rockets” red glare”. He peered through the darkness all night anxiously waiting the outcome. “By the dawn’s early light” of September 14, 1814, it became evident the brave American soldiers had withstood the horrific British attack. The siege was over! Just imagine the emotions Key must have felt when he saw his beautiful flag flying high and proud. Those glorious fifteen stars and fifteen stripes1 on that magnificent flag later became known as the Star Spangled Banner Flag.
The following day, Key wrote a poem about that night entitled “Defense of Fort McHenry”. When both men were finally released on the evening of September 16th, Key was able to put the final touches on his poem. Sometime later, Key gave his poem to his brother-in-law Judge Joseph H. Nicholson. It was Nicholson who realized the poem fit a popular melody, “The Anacreontic Song”, composed by John Stafford Smith. Over time it gained in popularity, eventually leading to its debut performance in October 1814, at Captain McCauley’s Tavern. Eventually, on July 27, 1889, the Secretary of the Navy signed General Order # 379, making “The Star Spangled Banner” the official song to be played whenever the Stars and Stripes were raised. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson ordered it to be played at all military or patriotic functions. Finally, with great pride, “The Star Spangled Banner” was made our national anthem on March 3, 1931.
Today Americans pay tribute to all the heroic men and women who have defended our great nation by playing “The Star Spangled Banner” at activities ranging from NASCAR racing and sporting events to important political functions. “The Star Spangled Banner” is a beautiful work of art that reminds us daily just how lucky we are to be able to call ourselves Americans. It truly is An Anthem of Heroism.
Off To See The Wizard!Carol Bunn is getting a group together to see the play The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by the College Street Players in Hartselle. The time planned is Wednesday,
February 22, at 12:15. It will last 1 hour and it’s $5.00 per person. As of now we have the place to ourselves so we need a big group to reserve this time. If we do not get at least 20 we will move our time to 10:15 that day; however, there will be a large group already in attendance and it will be packed. Please email Carol privately if you are interested. You may send your
check to her and we won’t have to pay at the door.
Second Annual MHCS Little Miss PageantOur second annual MHCS Little Miss Pageant will be on Monday, February 27, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Gym at Faith Baptist Church.Hey Girls! The grades have been raised!There will be 2 categories this year. Girls in the 1st grade thru 6th grade can participate.It is time to start registering for the Little Miss Masters Hand Pageant. There will be a mandatory rehearsal on Monday, February 20, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Gym. The girls will be judged in 3 categories. There will be a talent part where the girls will show off what they can do best. This year we will not have an interview segment but a casual wear walk. Where the girls will walk in their regular casual attire. We will then transfer to our evening gown category.There will be applications in the office this Friday or you can come see me, Tonda Turner. Applications are due NO later than Friday, February 10, 2012. There is a $20.00 Registration Fee to be paid when registration papers are turned in. We have to have at least 8 contestants to put the pageant on. It takes a lot of time and money and we look forward to having a great turn out. This will be a night your daughter will never forget, so sign her up Today! If you have any Questions Call: Tonda Turner (256)351-7850
JANUARY FIELD TRIPLet us take a galactic tour at UNA's Planetarium where a visit to the cosmos will remind us of our awesome God who created it all. No doubt we will see His glory and majesty amongst the stars. Dr. Melvin Blake a Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Physics and Earth Science will be giving us a slide presentation and constellation talk while enlightening us about the night sky. An age appropriate (1st-12th grade) activity will follow the presentation, giving us a hands-on physics experience. Join us as we blast-off to the vast expanse of what surrounds the earth and where stars are always within your reach.Where: UNA Planetarium in Florence, ALWhen: Tuesday, January 31, 2012Time: 10:00-11:00 am (May go over) Cost: $3 per student, adults free
FEBRUARY FIELD TRIPFrom 1886 to the present experience the star-studded history of Daimler-Benz, the world's premier automobile manufacturer. The story is chronicled in the Mercedes-Benz Visitor Center, the first of its kind outside Germany. The architectural show case brings to life the company's vision, to produce nothing less than the most exceptional automobiles in the world. The Visitor Center's exhibits propel people down a multimedia path through the past, present and future of automotive technology. MHCS will go and experience quality automobile manufacturing from the ground up...literally! Our time will include a factory tour and museum visit. Children must be 12 years of age or older to tour the factory, but younger students are allowed in the museum.Where: Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Facility in Tuscaloosa CountyCost: The tour fee is $5 per guest unless we have a group of 10 or more, then the cost will be $4 per person. The museum is free admission for all. I do not have a set date or time for the February field trip, because I am needing to see if we have enough people interested in going before making reservations. Since advanced reservations are recommeded, it will most likely be scheduled for the end of February. A sign-up sheet will be available at MHCS on Friday for both field trips or you may e-mail me at [email protected].
SCIENCE FAIRThe Science Fair is scheduled on February 6. Project set-up will be from 3:30-5:00 that day. Or, students may choose to drop them off at the end of co-op on Feb. 2. Drop off on Friday will be for simple projects only. We cannot assemble anything for display for you. If you can safely package a display board and object for display (for example-have it all in a sturdy box) when dropping it off on Friday, we will be glad to set it up for you on Monday.Your students should do a project on a subject they enjoy. They might choose to do something inspired by recent news in the field of science. Maybe there is some situation or problem that bothers them and they would like to investigate why something happens and how they can change the outcome. The Decatur library has dozens upon dozens of books on science fair projects. There are also good online suggestions. (See links at narsef site below.) Science fair projects do need to be on some type of display board but may also include models or objects used in the experiments. Please make sure that everything included is completely safe and not likely to cause a mess.Students in grades 5 and up may advance to the regional fair. There is a list of rules and regulations for that fair at: http://narsef.uah.edu Please note that the seemingly complicated rules apply mostly to certain categories, such as those using live subjects. If you would like for your student to advance, pay attention to the forms that must be filled out because it is much easier to fill out the forms as you go rather than go back and try to dig out the info later. In addition to awards from the science fair organizers, a variety of awards (some in the form of money or popular electronics) are given out at the regional fair by different businesses and groups.Tips: It is very important to follow the scientific method when doing a science fair project.* This is not complicated and there are plenty of online explanations. Most judges will not even consider a project that is basically a report no matter how much work was put into that project. Also, while it is fine to use a project from a book or website, the student must do some reading and research on the project as well. Copying everything from one source, including the hypothesis and conclusion, is a huge turnoff for the judges. We use experienced judges and they know! In the 2010 science fair we had one age group where most projects were almost complete copies of websites or books and other projects that were reports rather than being based on experiments. There weren't three projects that had been correctly done that could be awarded ribbons. The judges asked if they had to award all ribbons. We told them no. ***The only exception to projects which follow the scientific process are projects that are computer, mathematical, or engineering related projects that are seeking to create something new or address/correct problems in those fields. For more complete information on projects that don't necessarily have to be inquiry based, go to the student handbook at this webpage: http://www.societyforscience.org/
FYI
SAT TESTINGMHCS will be giving the SAT test on Monday - Wednesday, April 9th, 10th and 11th. Students who are taking the SAT test are required to attend all THREE days. Please be here on Monday by 9:30 am and by 9:50 am on Tuesday and Wednesday. Each student needs to bring a #2 pencil.Calculators can ONLY be used for 4th - 12th grade testers in the Problem solving subtest of Math.Please have each student bring something for lunch and for 2 snack times. Test should end around 2 pm each day for students.We will stop taking orders for these tests on February 17th. SAT test are $55 each the OLSAT is $75. Non-MHCS members may test with us for $65 for the SAT and $85 for the OLSAT. You may mail in your fees or pay in the office on office days and co-op days. Be sure to include your child’s name, grade, birth date, and the date you started schooling this year. If you are willing to be a tester, please contact Susie Rencher for more information.
SPORTS NEWSSt. Jude Math-A-Thon
MHCS will participate in the St. Jude Math-a-thon this year. For those of you who have not participated in this it is a great way to help the patients at St. Jude and a fun way to help your kids with Math.Join thousands of schools around the country taking part in the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Math-A-Thon® program this school year. Math-A-Thon is a free, education-based program for grades K-8 that benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital while helping kids improve their math skills. The program is designed to complement existing curriculums while teaching students the importance of helping others.You can join the fight against childhood cancer by signing up at the MHCS office. Master's Hand has already set up our Web Page. You can go to https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/event/page/displayEventPage.do?eventId=191358&programId=551to sign up. You can also start doing your math problems online now.We will have books to hand out on Friday. You do not have to do both, you can choose, online or book form. If the site does not pull up, the event is registered as Master's Hand Christian School in Decatur Alabama. Just a bit of information : St. Jude is currently helping 7 kids from Lawrence County and 16 kids from Morgan County. Thanks for helping!!
Yearbook Sponsored Fun Days!
YEAR BOOK STAFF IS SPONSORING "WHAT TO WEAR?" DAYS. This is just for fun, but we hope that lots will participate. It's for all grade levels. Use your imagination and own interpretation on what each day means. It will be interesting to see all the differences! Remember School Dress Codes still apply. January 27 - Hillbilly Day
February 24 - MHCS/Red&White Day March 16 - Hero Day
April 27 - Granny/Grandpa May 11 - Dressy Day
Herb HelpThe herb class needs small, glass jars for projects they are doing throughout the year. The best sizes are 1/2 pint size or baby food jars with lid. We can even use any small glass jar that you may get when purchasing food like salsa, olives, ect.... I will set a box on the table near the office labeled for this and will keep it out each week.Any help with this will be greatly appreciated!
By Matt McGough
Kelsee Nicole Proctor was 5-years-old when she fell at a friend's birthday party.
She began to cry as her mom came over to soothe her. At the time, Mrs. Proctor didn't think anything of it. Kids accidentally fall and get hurt at birthday parties all the time.
But for the rest of the day, Kelsee limped and cried. In the following days, the pain worsened.
Kelsee could not put any weight on her leg at all.
She would use her arms to drag herself across the floor into her parents' bedroom, crying with pain.
After a few weeks of this, Kelsee's parents realized something was not right and took her to a doctor. At 5-years-old, Kelsee was diagnosed with Perthes disease.
Perthes is a disease of the hip joint characterized by a growth or loss of bone mass in the head of the femur.
In Kelsee's case, the ball of her femur enlarged so that it would not fit into the hip socket. She was 6-years-old when she had her first surgery.
To fit the ball back in the socket, the surgeons had to cut Kelsee's femur in half. They also inserted a plate and screws.
"I remember being scared," Kelsee said. "I didn't know what was going to happen."
In the months after her surgery, Kelsee was in a full body cast from her neck to her ankles. There were metal bars in the lower half of the cast to prevent movement of her legs.
When she was 7-years-old, she had her second surgery in which the surgeons removed the plate and screws. The ball of her femur was in the socket, but the doctors said she would most likely be in a wheelchair or use crutches the rest of her life.
They said, at best, she would walk with a limp.
Now, seven years later, it is the more flexible of her two legs. Kelsee is not in a wheelchair, does not use crutches, and does not walk with a limp. She can run, jump and do just about anything else she sets her mind to. She has even participated in a race, and finished in the top five.
Kelsee's story shows just how wonderful God is. In the best case scenario, she was supposed to have a limp for the rest of her life, but her leg is perfectly normal.
Some would call it luck, but Kelsee knows it is much more than that.
~
(This is the first in a series of articles written by Scott Turner”s Journalism class. Students wrote about people associated with MHCS as part of an end of the semester assignment.)
People You May Know (or not know...)CALLING ALL BOYS!!
The Boy Scouts of America Troop 77 is now accepting new recruits. We meet weekly at Fairview Church of God on Mondays from 5:45pm -7:30pm. The Troop also does a Monthly Campout and a Week Long Summer Camp at a Boy Scout Reservation. Please contact Scoutmaster Scotty Rencher at 256.355.5699 or Committee Chairman Rob McGough at 256.227.7035 for more information. Scouting supplies, such as uniforms and handbook, can be found at the Huntsville Scout Shop, 2211 Drake Ave S.W., Huntsville.
2nd Semester Fees are Due Now
The second semester fees for the following classes are due now: Band, Ballet, and Art: Band is $50 per semester with a $30 each additional sibling fee. Ballet is $50 per semester with a $40 each additional sibling fee. Art is $75 per semester with a $37.50 each additional sibling fee.
Progress ReportsProgress reports were due on January 15th! If you have not already turned this in, please do so now. If not turned in by Monday, January 23rd, a late fee will be added. Forms may be printed from our website. If you can not access this form, you may hand write or type your own. Please be certain to include the number of the days you have schooled so far this year.
2012 CAREER & WORKFORCE EXPO - Calhoun Community CollegeThe Calhoun Community College Tech Prep program invites you and your students to meet the workforce of the future at the 2012 CAREER & WORKFORCE EXPO.This year’s Expo is scheduled for Wednesday, February 1, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Kelley Gymnasium on the Calhoun-Decatur campus. Each year over 1,000 students, parents and educators from seven school systems in Morgan, Limestone, Madison and Lawrence county attend the Expo. The event brings together employers with the future and business and industry participation is vital to this event. Teachers, counselors, parents and Calhoun students are invited to attend. This year exhibitors have been asked to post their top three in-demand or hardest to fill positions at their booths. This is great information for students to have as they begin to plan for future employment!Typically early to mid-morning is the busiest time of the event with several hundred students from area public schools attending throughout the morning. If your school is planning to bring a large group of students please let us know so we can build that into the Expo schedule.Workforce readiness is a need that has been identified repeatedly among employers in our area. This event is an effective way to reach young people and encourage them to begin preparing to fill the jobs of the future by developing the skills they will need. The success of the Expo will depend on the participation of our area schools, businesses and industries, and we hope you will be able to take part. If you have questions concerning this, please contact Gwen Baker, Calhoun Tech Prep, at 256-306-2665, email at [email protected] or Anita Baugher, Secretary, at 256-306-2671 or via email at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you at 2012 Career and Workforce Expo.The Workforce Expo is presented annually by the Calhoun Community College Tech Prep Consortium in conjunction with the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, Morgan County Economic Development Association, Lawrence County Industrial Development Board and Limestone County Economic Development Association. Gold sponsor for the event is Joe Wheeler EMC. Silver sponsors are 3M, Alabama A&M, Eaton Corporation, Redstone Federal Credit Union and Toray Carbon Fibers.
Veritas Classical School Informational Meetings
Veritas Classical Schools offer homeschooling families a unique complement to their home study program by providing a Christian education in the tradition of the classical liberal arts. Veritas teachers provide a classical education for students by meeting one day per week to provide instruction; opportunities for discussion; evaluation of student work; and weekly assignments. Students have the benefit of both instruction and accountability as they complete their assignments under the supervision of their parents for the remaining days of the school week.Informational meetings will be held on Jan. 26, Feb. 23 and Mar. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Redeemer Presbyterian Church located at 9580 Madison Blvd. Putnam Plaza, Suite 6 Madison, Alabama 35758.Questions? E-mail [email protected] or call 256.339.2856.www.veritasalabama.com
Burritt on the Mountain
Burritt on the Mountain offers Home School Happenings, a fun and educational enrichment class, each month. We are currently accepting registrations for spring semester classes. Sign up for all five classes – or only one or two. Program description and registration form may be found on our website at www.burrittonthemountain.com. Click on Education, then Children, then Home School. Families that have questions, may contact Tammy Cooney at [email protected] or 256.518.3931.
SENIOR NEWS
2011-2012 Senior Class Officers
**BANQUET WORK DAYS**
1:30 - 4 pm.
Jan 20th
Jan 27th
Feb 17th
Feb 24th**Friday, March 30th is
the High School Banquet**
About Me
Joshua NewtonJoshua likes cars, trucks fishing and the country.
He dislikes Rap music and the city. Joshua plans to go to Calhoun Community College. He wants to be a
professional engine builder.
Hunter CoueyHunter likes video games,
hunting and swimming. He also likes dogs, football
and 80's music. He dislikes stormy weather. Hunter has not decided if he will go to college but he
does plan to find a job.
Brett GodbeeBrett likes music (guitar), sports
(football), Tennessee Football and Indianapolis Colts. He
dislikes Obama, golf and some Rock music. His is
undecided about his future plans.
Phillip FitzgeraldPhillip likes golf, Auburn Football, baseball and drums. He dislikes school and cleaning. He plans on attending either Oklahoma Central or Mississippi State. Phillip wants to play golf in college then become a professional golfer on the PGA tour.
REMINDER OF WHAT IS DUE NEXT SEMESTER
- Total Senior Walk Fee is $120.00 and is due by February 3, 2012. This payment includes: Cap, Gown, Sash, Hat, and Tassel (This will go home with you) & Supply’s, Decorations, Reception, Paper Products and Food.
- If you are not participating in the graduation ceremony the fee is $30.00 due by February 3, 2012. We have already started plans for some aspects of the program and seating **You may pay any of these fees in the school office before the due date**
- 15 photos of the Seniors will be needed by March 15. ** This year photos need to be on a CD**
- Susie and Allison will be announcing accomplishments and further plans at graduation. This needs to be typed or neatly handwritten and turned in by May 4th. Also if you plan to do a talent at graduation this will also be due on the 4th.
- Be thinking about what you will do with your Senior Table at Graduation.
**There are several students that still need to set up a time with Susie to check on their transcripts. Mondays at 10:00 am or 2:00 pm. This needs to be done as soon as possible! **
NEWSWORTHY & NOTABLE!!
Connor Griffith earned his 2nd degree black belt in tang soo do on November 12, 2011, from
Webster’s Karate. He has been training in martial arts for 6 years.
McKenna Maloney, 7th grade, and her ice skating partner, John Weiger, 9th grade, of Athens performed a pairs program to "It's a Marshmallow World" during the Point Mallard 9th Annual Christmas Ice Show "The Snow Must Go On!" on Saturday, December 10, 2011.During the program, they perform two throws and one lift. The pair has skated and performed together since May, 2010.
North Alabama Home School Eagles Basketball Schedule
01/16/12 JV/V Life Christian Academy - away01/23/12 JV/V Life Christian Academy - away01/30/12 JV/V Covenant Christian01/31/12 JV/V Madison Baptist - away 6:30 PM02/03/12 JV/V Providence - away 6:00 PM02/10/12 JV/V Cornerstone02/13/12 V Valley Fellowship - away 6:30 PM
***Tournament TBA*** www.naeagles.webs.com
ART in MotionThe Hartselle Art Studio and Gallery’s (Ms. Michele) 3rd annual Art in Motion 5K/Fun Run is scheduled for Sunday, April 15, 2012. All proceeds from the run go to the HASG Scholarship Fund, which, since 2008, has been able to present thousands of dollars to deserving senior art students. This fund is raised annually with donations and various fund raisers, such as this race.Mark your calendars today....You will not want to miss it!
PRAYER REQUEST
Please pray for a speedy recovery for Carol Bunn who fell ice skating and had to have pins placed in her wrist.
Please lift up in prayer Beverly Spicer, MHCS mom, as her dad passed away recently. Prayer for her and her family as they say good bye to a sweet dad and grandfather.
A huge praise to the Lord for Mason Proctor’s continuing recovery. His neurologist pronounced him healthy as of Monday the 16th! Let us continue to pray for his good health and for his family. One can only imagine how stressful this has been.
Too Busy to Make Time for Daddy (part 1)By Christina Rogers
“Mom! Justin’s stinky,” my 4-year-old notifies me while covering his nose and cowering in a corner. I wonder why my own lazy nose has somehow lost its acuteness; still, I hurry away from dinner preparations dimly aware that the potatoes are boiling over. Not only has my 2-year-old produced “treasures” in his diaper, but he also has smuggled a chocolate-covered granola bar into the bathroom, a feat that involves climbing up the pantry shelf like a barefoot bandit and reaching into the box. How did I not notice that? I watch now as my 2-year-old smears his grimy fingers across the never-clean bathroom mirror, and it barely bothers me. I am certain dinner will be late, the hamburger potentially burnt, and my baby is probably pillaging the garbage can for scraps to eat. It’s at this moment that it happens: the expected sound of keys in our back door, notice that my husband Sheldon has indeed arrived. When I was first married I used to listen for those sounds with perfect anticipation, excitement fluttering in my chest, but now . . . I often find myself hoping, wishing, praying that he would be a little late so that I can fold that atrocious pile of laundry draped over the living room couch and put my head on straight. Did I even brush my hair today? It’s a subtle change when a wife goes from enfolding her man in a warm hug the very instant he walks in the door to instead hiding in the bathroom trying to quickly give her hair a brushing and apply some lipstick. Some would say this distinction is part of motherhood. I’m not sure when the severe symptoms began, but like so many mothers I noticed that amidst my scattered state of mind and feeling of failure, there was something new growing—apathy, disregard, and resentment. I found myself actually glancing at my briefcase-toting hero, with annoyance, as I thought to myself: “Great. Someone else who has expectations.” “I’ve had those moments,” many moms admit, and usually the discussion contains statements like “if he helped me more around the house” or “if he wasn’t always in front of the TV . . . .” I, too, have been forced to ask myself, Does my husband really want to come home to a frustrated wife or does he want to come home to a wife who’s sweet and pleasant? With horror, I have been reminded of my own parents’ marriage and my mom’s exuberance on the nights when my father stayed at work late. In every other respect she was meticulous, homeschooling my sister and me with endless energy and dedication. However, the lack of investment in her marriage resulted in tragedy. Now she is divorced with no intact home for the grandkids to visit. That picture has always been one I wished to avoid.
Copyright, 2011. Used with permission. All rights reserved by author. Originally appeared in The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, Fall 2011.(Part 2 will be in next months newsletter!)
Please be in prayer for Carlos Haraway, MHCS dad, and his family as his aunt passed away. They will be traveling to attend her funeral.
Hear my cry, O God;attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed:lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. Psalm 61: 1-3
Classified Ads:FOR SALE:- Honey for sale. I will come to a co-op if there is enough that want to buy some. 1lb. bottle $4.00 or 2lb. bottle $8.00 Angela @ [email protected]
-Hot water heater for sale like new $150.00 also 24 inch log insert for a fire place new $50.00 - We are looking for a queen or king size bed -mattress set,couch ,sofa,chairs for our den, cheap or free. Thank you! Snack Lady or Coffee Man - Donna and Ronnie Gilliland
-I have an older, wooden baby bed to give away. It is very sturdy but had some signs of use. All four of my babies slept in it. If you could use it, could you pick it up this week? I also have a GE gas range/oven for sale for $125. It is four years old. It has a black ceramic top and a stainless steel front door. If you are interested, I can email you pictures. Lynn Thompson 256.476.4177 [email protected]
MUSICAL INSTRUCTION:- Piano and saxophone lessons, all ages and abilities. My studio is located in Decatur at Emiron Music. I have lessons available for late morning/early afternoon. I am currently teaching several MHCS students and their parents if references are needed. Candi Long 256.303.5014
- I have recently relocated here. My husband is the associate pastor at Central Baptist Church. I am going to be teaching piano and would like to teach home schooled children during the day if possible. You can contact me through my cell 256.312.3003 or home phone 256.301.4517 Jean Blass
- I am a local piano instructor specializing in children’s lessons and I am now making my services available to all of the homeschoolers in this area. I give private one on one piano lessons to children ages 4 and up. My fee is twenty dollars per lesson and is to be paid one month in advance. Each lesson lasts for 30 exciting minutes! The first lesson is FREE! To get started, contact: Bettina Jones 256.410.0527 [email protected]
TUTORING:- Long Learning Center, located in Hartselle, offers educational tutoring in all subjects at very reasonable, hourly rates.
Currently tutoring several MHCS students. Carrie Long 256.318.0637 or 256.773.2775- I offer private dyslexia tutoring and screening services in the Athens/Madison area at special rates for homeschoolers. Visit www.oakdyslexiatutoring.com or call Stacey Doughty at 256-565-9156 for more info.
SERVICES:- Need gift ideas? Looking for a new tote or purse? Contact Thirty-One Gifts Independent Consultant Cindy Holladay for all your gift and personal needs. 256.773.6539 or www.mythirtyone.com/cindyholladay
- Need mechanic work from someone you can actually trust? Jessie Dodgen is the man for you! He has a degree in Auto Diesel Technology and works on most cars, trucks, tractors, etc. Jessie has a full time job so he will work on your vehicle in the afternoons and Saturdays. Call 256.303.6397
- Need your old VHS home movies transferred to a DVD? Teresa Lappert will gladly do this for you! She charges $12.50 to put 2 VHS movies on one DVD (this is 1/2 the price that Walgreens charges). Teresa can also can put pictures in a slide show with music. These make great Christmas or birthday presents. You can call Teresa at 256.351.7061 or e-mail [email protected]
- If you are interested in purchasing any Mary Kay products at a discounted 25% off please contact Nicole Vaughn! I only place orders every few months at this discounted price, so think ahead. If you would like to get in on an order just email me. I will deliver the MK order to MHCS on a co-op day. [email protected]
One Last Thing...
Remember - it is nothing to do your duty - that is demanded of you and is no more meritorious than to wash your hands when they are dirty; the only thing that counts is the love of duty; when love and duty are one, then grace is in all you
do and you will enjoy a happiness which passes all understanding.
~ W. Somerset Maugham