April 2014 Newsletter

Upcoming Events:

General Conference April 5 and 6

 

 

History Fair

Tuesday, April 8th

1:30-3:00 PM at the Boise Veteran's Home: 320 N Collins Rd, Boise, ID 83702

The Veterans Home loved having us last year and I am looking forward to another amazing History Fair this year!

 

 

Mothers’ Meeting: Homeschool Q&A!

Thursday, April 17, 7 PM

(Please see our FB page/newsletter e-mail for location!)

New to homeschooling? Thinking about homeschooling? Been homeschooling awhile, but need some inspiration? If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Come for a fun, casual night of “talking shop” with veteran and newbie homeschool parents!

 

Field Trip: World Center for Birds of Prey

5668 W Flying Hawk Ln, Boise, ID 83709

April 29

The World Center for Birds of Prey is offering two “homeschoolers only” tour and presentation days this year. Please join us on either or both of these days! If you plan to attend, please call the Center at 362-8260 to sign up so they so they can plan for adequate staffing.  If you commit to attend, PLEASE follow through, or find someone to go in your place if you cannot make it.  Admission: $3.00 per person. Live bird presentations are listed in the attachment below!

Mothers’ Meeting: Join us for a fun and casual morning

 

Classes, Co-ops, Activities, and More:

Tickets for the Idaho Shakespeare Festival for educators and students:
Please email Jody Phillips at boisejlp@gmail.com before APRIL 15 (Shakespeare in the subject line) and reserve your tickets. The tickets are $15 (except for June 20th,--$18) The dates and plays are as follows:
FRIDAY June 6th As You Like It
FRIDAY June 20th As You Like It
Thurday July 10 Death Trap
Thurday Aug 7 Merry Wives of Windsor
Thurday Sept 11 Steel Magnolias
I can also get tickets to Les Miserables if I have enough who want to go. It runs in both July and Aug.

The 2nd Annual Idaho Leadership Education Mothers Retreat Thursday, May 15 - Saturday, May 17, 2014

All homeschooling moms are welcome! We will have a book discussion on Thursday evening and two presentations during the weekend to help you in your family and home. We will have plenty of time for relaxing and chatting as well. Moms only. New this year: A demonstration of sourdough baking!

Where: A cabin in McCall, Idaho  Cost: Early Registration is $65.00 by April 1st. Late Registration is $80.00 after April 1st. The price includes meals and lodging.

Book Discussion: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

Please contact Melissa Wolfe at rdjazzer@yahoo.com to register. Spots are limited and we already have some filled! Register now to ensure your spot.

 

President’s Message:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

I recall hearing these very words as a young child. I did not question their validity; I don’t know that I even gave them much of a thought. It was just something we would call out if we needed a boost of courage during an ugly moment. It would often end the dispute and all was well. As an adult, I take issue with this statement.

Words have lasting effect for good or otherwise. And once spoken cannot be taken back.

Words contain power; they have a force that penetrates deep within. When used correctly, our words build, support and encourage. When used incorrectly, the damage is far greater than any stick or stone could inflict.

Words can help us to achieve our best and highest aspirations or leave us feeling distraught and defeated.

All too often, we don’t consider how meaningful and impactful the words we share with the world may be. Are we building or demolishing? Are we cheering and sustaining or discouraging and condemning? This world needs a little more tenderness, warmth and affection…and what better place to start than in our very homes?!

As we ponder the words that may come from our lips to the ones we most cherish in this world, we would do well to choose them wisely.

In our home, I have the words, “How you speak to your children will become their inner voice,” displayed where I see them many times each day. There is a purpose in this. I cannot say that I have always thought before speaking, or that I have always chosen the very best words to share with those I love. There are times of high frustration that I speak and wish I could take back the ugliness that flew from my mouth, but I cannot. Knowing all too well the lasting effect of harsh words, I strive to be better and to share words of kindness and encouragement with our kids.

The words spoken to us as well as the words we tell ourselves, have a lasting footprint on our hearts. And just as the quote above states, the words we hear directed to us become our inner voice. I wish for the inner voice of my children to be filled with all the positives this world has and be spared the negative, heartbreaking thoughts they would be better off without.

When I think of how my words impact others, I draw in a deep breath, and choose biting my tongue near in half, if necessary, just to spare the negative effects of a nasty word during moments of strife and contention.

As a mother, I would like the power of my words to be for good – to boost my children, to enlighten, to inspire, to motivate and invigorate, to embolden and fortify them against all that life may throw their way. The last thing they need is a mother to use words that might kill the beautiful spirit they possess, or to belittle and deprecate the amazing power they have within. So I will be shouting out all the beautiful words that come to mind as I think of how lucky I am to be the mother of this amazing family!

What words would you choose to share with your kids if you had but just a few words to leave them with???

Wishing you a month filled with powerful words that will create lasting bonds between you and your sweet families!

Hugs!

Stacey